Methodology
Use this directory to find the method for a decision you need to make. Each link leads to a workflow, comparison tool, or protocol; this page helps you choose among them. New to the discipline? Read the definition and Quick Start first. For reminders during an existing project, use the Quick Reference.
Choose the method for your task #
| Your task | Start here | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Understand the five execution phases | DRIVE Framework | A view of the current phase and its evidence question |
| Plan work and handoffs across phases | Behavioral Strategy Process | Phase inputs, activities, and expected outputs |
| Define whom the behavior must fit | Target User Definition | A population and context specification |
| Gather evidence about current behavior | Behavioral Research | Research questions, observations, and evidence gaps |
| Select a behavior to test | Choose a Target Behavior and Behavior Ranking | Candidate definitions, fit comparisons, and a test priority |
| Test whether people can and will perform it | Validate Behavior Market Fit | An observation protocol and a recorded decision rule |
| Organize an early test | Validation Sprints | A focused test plan suited to the domain |
| Design support for the selected behavior | Designing Products | Product and environment requirements tied to the behavior |
| Diagnose why a selected behavior is missing | Behavioral State Model | Component-level hypotheses to test against observed behavior |
Frequently asked questions #
Where should I start? #
Start with the Behavioral Strategy Process for the full workflow, then use DRIVE as the execution playbook. If you need to make a single high-leverage decision, start with choosing a target behavior and validating Behavior Market Fit.
What is the difference between the Process and DRIVE? #
The Process is the end-to-end workflow and stage gates. DRIVE is the execution method that maps directly onto the Four-Fit Hierarchy.
What should I check before scaling a solution? #
Check whether the target behavior is supported by observed attempts in the intended population and real context. Use behavior selection and Behavior Market Fit validation to examine that question.
Do I need to use every page here? #
No. Use what answers your current decision: selection (choose/rank behaviors), validation (BMF and sprints), design (enablement), or diagnosis (BSM). The sequence still matters: validate fit before scaling solutions.
Licensing #
Content © Jason Hreha. Text licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 unless a more specific asset notice applies. Framework names may be used accurately without implying endorsement.
In this section
- Behavioral Strategy Process - The Behavioral Strategy Process is a five-phase workflow: (1) Strategic Definition achieves Problem Market Fit, (2) Behavioral Research achieves Behavior Market Fit, (3) Solution Design achieves Solution Market Fit, (4) Implementation achieves Product Market Fit, and (5) Enhancement sustains PMF. Each phase maps to DRIVE framework stages.
- DRIVE Framework - DRIVE is the execution process for Behavioral Strategy. Define (→ Problem Market Fit), Research (→ Behavior Market Fit via Behavior Fit Assessment), Integrate (→ Solution Market Fit), Verify (→ Product Market Fit via behavioral KPIs), Enhance (→ sustain PMF). Four-Fit defines what to validate; DRIVE defines how.
- The Behavioral State Model - BSM v1.1 distinguishes six Personal Components from two Context Components. Identity is retained only as Jason Hreha's historical technical alias for the Personal Components.
- Target User Definition - Define target-user segments from observed behavior and context, then use the eight BSM components to organize evidence and identify constraints worth testing. BSM ratings are diagnostic hypotheses, not behavior probabilities.
- Behavioral Research - Behavioral research focuses on what people actually do, not what they say they'll do. Use the Say-Do Gap Diagnostic to choose methods. Key methods: behavioral event interviews, diary studies, shadowing, rapid prototyping, A/B testing, cohort analysis. Actions over intentions; context matters; barriers are key; past predicts future.
- How to Choose a Target Behavior
- How to Validate Behavior Market Fit
- Behavior Ranking & Selection - Behavior ranking compares expected impact, provisional fit, and strategic alignment. Use the three Behavior Fit Assessment dimensions to identify candidate bottlenecks, then examine evidence quality and real-context trials. Scores, weights, and composite formulas are practitioner heuristics, not validated predictions or automatic feasibility verdicts.
- Designing Products Around Behaviors - Design products to enable validated behaviors, not to ship features. Start with behavior-led scope, remove friction first (resolve limiting BSM components), deliver fast value loops. Map behavior to UX, pilot to achieve Solution Market Fit, then scale toward Product Market Fit with bPMF tracking.
- Validation Sprints - A 10-day sprint to de-risk one target behavior and its enabling solution. Days 1-2: Re-validate PMF and BMF. Days 3-5: Sketch behavior path and build prototype. Days 6-8: Field test with n≥30 users. Days 9-10: Define KPIs and produce decision memo. Go if SMF criteria met.
- Behavior Engineering Model (Fogg Model)
- Behavioral Strategy Ontology
- Behavioral Failure Modes
- Adoption Chain Mapping