Using Structured Frameworks to Solve Problems with Behavioral Science
We often quickly and instinctively recognize when a process or design is not working well, even if we cannot quite pinpoint what is not working or how to fix it. This is a challenge that often feels daunting and complex while leaving us asking ourselves “where do I begin?” Structured frameworks help organizations break the problem into more manageable pieces, set goals, and identify where to start, where to go next, and how to get there. When designed well, these frameworks turn into a playbook which helps organizations maximize resources, improve quality, and allow for repeatability to address challenges with strong solutions.
A playbook is more than a structured framework. It is a tool that walks the user through unexpected challenges, directs them to resources, and provides concrete case studies and examples, to benefit individuals or organizations facing a process challenge or inefficiency. Playbooks are an innovative way to share expertise, develop successful and personalized problem-solving methods, and introduce users to new agile concepts such as incorporating behavioral science into solutions.
Insights from behavioral science help us understand human behavior and how to influence it. Often, successful solutions are dependent on individual implementation, but understanding why and how people make decisions is no easy task. However, behavioral science-based playbooks intrinsically addresses this challenge. Behavioral science playbooks provide frameworks and guide organizations towards understanding behaviors, identifying opportunities for change, and successfully changing a pattern that is not working.
Several frameworks and playbooks for applying behavioral science exist, including Arc Aspicio’s Behavioral Science Framework and Behavioral Science Playbook, which recently supported the Government through every stage of a behavioral science intervention implementation. From these behavioral science frameworks and playbooks, there are several key takeaways for success:
Iteration is a key component of a successful framework. Recognizing that no two problems are identical, and require tailored behavioral science strategies
Ethics are a major pillar of behavioral science frameworks. Ethically designing and implementing a solution that both influences behavior at scale and is beneficial to all stakeholders is essential
Incorporating best practices from behavioral science studies by accredited scientists to harness the best techniques and practices and to effectively use and implement at scale
Tangible goals encourage people to support and contribute to a shared vision
Behavioral science frameworks and playbooks are proven tools for applying behavioral science at little to no cost and allows organizations to pinpoint what is and is not working. These frameworks outline steps for setting tangible goals, conducting high-quality experiments that work, and maximizing outcomes to overcome challenges and be successful.
