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Define Target Behaviors

Identify and define user behaviors for interventions to influence

Illustration of Define Target Behaviors
Run a Define Target Behaviors play

Prep time
-

Run time
30 minutes

Group size
1-4

Why: Align product design to intentionally nudge user behavior towards positive change and engagement

When: Run during the definition of product scope and objectives

This workshop exercise is part of the Workshop Patterns printed card deck.

A collection of workshop exercises that will help you ditch dull meetings and facilitate with confidence. It will help you master the design process and have more productive time with your team. The card deck will be ready for purchase in the end of 2025 and is now undergoing rigorous testing.

Reserve your deck!

The success of an intervention or digital product is often measured by its ability to change user behavior in a targeted and measurable way. Defining these target behaviors is critical because it informs the design process, feature set, and the mechanisms through which the product will engage users.

A clear understanding of the desired behavior change enables designers to create interventions that are not only user-friendly but also effective in achieving the intended outcomes. By grounding the intervention in behavioral science principles, designers can ensure that their products resonate with users and motivate the desired actions.

The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that every aspect of the product’s design is intentional in nudging user behavior in the desired direction. This alignment is crucial for the creation of products that are not only engaging but also contribute to positive behavior change.

Instructions for running this play

  1. Introduce the formula
    Start by explaining the following formula for writing target behavior statements:

    [One clear, specific behavior you want people to do] +
    [where and when they should do it].


    Examples:
    _[Complete a 30-minute workout session] + [using the fitness app each morning before 8 AM]
    [Share a recent purchase on social media] + [immediately after receiving the product]
    [Practice Spanish for 15 minutes] + [during the evening commute using the language app]
    _
  2. Connect to business goals
    Review the business objectives and discuss how specific user behaviors are essential to achieving these goals.
  3. Behavior brainstorming
    Using the formula, conduct a 5 minute Silent Brainstorm, letting participants list out behaviors they believe will lead to the business outcomes on separate sticky notes. Individually or in groups. Have each group share their statements and receive feedback from others to refine their behavior definitions. Consider whether you should re-iterate this step for better behaviors.
  4. Selection and documentation
    Select the most impactful behavior statements and document them for use in follow-up exercises.

This workshop exercise is part of the Workshop Patterns printed card deck.

A collection of workshop exercises that will help you ditch dull meetings and facilitate with confidence. It will help you master the design process and have more productive time with your team. The card deck will be ready for purchase in the end of 2025 and is now undergoing rigorous testing.

Reserve your deck!

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Ice Breakers

Relieve initial group awkwardness and establish a safe space

Educate

Broaden knowledge or insight regarding the behavior or situation to inform decisions.

Demonstrate

Show practical examples or models of the desired behavior for clear guidance.

Alert

Highlight current actions and their reasons, bringing unconscious habits to awareness.

Train

Develop necessary skills and competencies to enable effective action.

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