How do you test innovations that change behavior and attitude?

1 Experiment with prototypes

One of the most common ways to test innovations that change behavior and attitude is to experiment with prototypes. Prototypes are simplified versions of your solution that allow you to test your assumptions, gather feedback, and learn from your users. Prototypes can be physical, digital, or even paper-based, depending on the nature of your innovation. The key is to make them realistic enough to elicit genuine reactions from your users, but not so refined that you invest too much time and resources in them. Experimenting with prototypes can help you validate your value proposition, identify potential risks and barriers, and refine your design.

2 Observe user behavior

Another way to test innovations that change behavior and attitude is to observe user behavior. Observation is a powerful technique that can reveal insights that are not easily captured by surveys or interviews. Observation can help you understand how users interact with your solution, what motivates them, what frustrates them, and what triggers their behavior change. Observation can be done in natural or controlled settings, depending on your research goals and ethical considerations. You can use various methods to observe user behavior, such as shadowing, video recording, eye tracking, or biometric sensors.

3 Measure outcomes and impacts

A third way to test innovations that change behavior and attitude is to measure outcomes and impacts. Outcomes and impacts are the results and effects of your solution on your users and the wider system. Measuring outcomes and impacts can help you evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of your solution, as well as its social and environmental implications. Measuring outcomes and impacts can be done using quantitative or qualitative methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies, or indicators. You can use various frameworks and tools to measure outcomes and impacts, such as logic models, theory of change, impact maps, or balanced scorecards.

4 Co-create with users

A fourth way to test innovations that change behavior and attitude is to co-create with users. Co-creation is a collaborative process that involves users as active participants in the design and development of your solution. Co-creation can help you gain a deeper understanding of your users' needs, preferences, and expectations, as well as their feedback and suggestions. Co-creation can also increase the acceptance, adoption, and loyalty of your users, as they feel more engaged, empowered, and valued. Co-creation can be done using various techniques, such as workshops, brainstorming sessions, prototyping sessions, or hackathons.

5 Learn and iterate

A fifth way to test innovations that change behavior and attitude is to learn and iterate. Learning and iterating are essential steps that enable you to improve your solution based on the data and insights you collect from your tests. Learning and iterating can help you avoid wasting time and money on solutions that do not work, as well as discover new opportunities and possibilities. Learning and iterating can be done using various approaches, such as agile, lean, or design thinking, that emphasize experimentation, feedback, and adaptation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?