Methodology
On this page
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 ProcessThe Behavioral Strategy workflow phase by phase: how the Four-Fit Hierarchy and DRIVE Framework combine into one process.
- DRIVE FrameworkDRIVE is the execution process for Behavioral Strategy. Four-Fit defines what must be validated. DRIVE defines how the work is done.
- The Behavioral State ModelBSM v1.1: a practitioner diagnostic model with six Personal Components and two Context Components.
- Target User DefinitionHow to define target-user segments with observed behavior and use the Behavioral State Model to organize diagnostic hypotheses.
- Behavioral ResearchHow to run behavioral research that observes real behavior in real contexts instead of relying on self-report surveys and interviews.
- How to Choose a Target BehaviorChoose a target behavior by comparing actions, evidence, user effort, service support, and useful outcomes before committing to a realistic test.
- How to Validate Behavior Market FitTest Behavior Market Fit with realistic support, complete behavior chains, clear denominators, uncertainty rules, and five practical next decisions.
- Behavior Ranking & SelectionSystematic methods for evaluating and selecting target behaviors based on impact, feasibility, and strategic alignment
- Designing Products Around BehaviorsBuild products and services that enable validated target behaviors; iterate toward Solution and Product Market Fit
- Validation SprintsValidation sprints: a 10-day, time-boxed process to de-risk one behavior bet by testing problem, behavior feasibility, and minimal solution.
- Behavior Engineering Model (Fogg Model)Behavior Engineering Model (BEM) / Fogg Behavior Model (B=MAP): definition, when to use it, and how it relates to Behavioral Strategy.
- Behavioral Strategy OntologyMachine-readable ontology of Behavioral Strategy concepts and relationships.
- Behavioral Failure ModesBehavioral failure modes: common ways interventions fail, from wrong target behavior to context misfit, each with a specific remedy.
- Adoption Chain MappingAdoption chain mapping for B2B: map buyer, champion, and end user behaviors, then calculate the Chain Risk Score that gates rollout.