Research & Evaluation Shape the idea.
Formative Evaluations
Shape the idea.
Test the thinking.
Improve a new or evolving programme by testing its assumptions, listening to the people it serves and refining the design.
THE DESIGN TABLEQuestion assumptions. Refine the response.
WORKING QUESTIONDoes the response fit
Does the response fit
the people and the setting?
Evidence to seek
Hear from intended participants and compare the proposed response with their priorities and constraints.
Design response
Refine the activities, access arrangements or intended reach before committing to the next stage.
Illustrative framework · the approach is agreed for each project.
Learning while choices are open
A stronger design.
A clearer next step.
Useful when developing a programme, reviewing a pilot, adapting an approach to a new setting or planning its next phase.
- Make assumptions visible
- Explain how activities are expected to lead to change, and where the reasoning needs testing.
- Bring experience into the design
- Use feedback and suitable evidence to identify barriers, gaps and practical options.
- Record the changes
- Set out what should be refined, why it matters and how the next stage can test the revised approach.