The 6 steps of behavior change
The transtheoretical model from the 1970s is one of the best-known approaches to long-term behavior change. Created by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente as a model to encourage smoking cessation, it’s been shown effective in the general understanding of behavior change.[1] It explains that behavior change spans 6 stages:
- Precontemplation: At this stage, users might not realize they need a change. As a designer, your role here is to make them aware of the issue.
- Contemplation: Users begin thinking about making a change. At this stage, you can help users weigh the pros and cons to decide if it's worth it.
- Preparation: Users decide to change and start planning. Help them set clear goals and gather the resources needed.
- Action: Users take the first steps toward their goal and begin to implement the plan actively.
- Maintenance: Users keep up the new behavior and avoid falling back into old habits. At this stage, you motivate them to stay committed and consistent.
- Relapse: Sometimes, users might slip back into old habits. Good UX helps users identify what triggered it and get back on track.
