If you know me at all, you know as a designer I'm a bit unorthodox when it comes to frameworks and processes; I'm all about context over consistency.
When it comes to context one of the most effective frameworks for understanding and influencing user behavior is BJ Fogg’s Behavior Model (FBM). While there are many models and frameworks out there, what makes Fogg’s model stand out is its straightforwardness and the lack of rigid steps one should follow to get from point A to Z.
At its core, the FBM suggests that a person's behavior happens when three things come together at the same time: Motivation, Ability, and a Prompt. This means that for a user to take action—whether it's signing up for a service, clicking a button, or completing a task—they need to:
When it comes to context one of the most effective frameworks for understanding and influencing user behavior is BJ Fogg’s Behavior Model (FBM). While there are many models and frameworks out there, what makes Fogg’s model stand out is its straightforwardness and the lack of rigid steps one should follow to get from point A to Z.
At its core, the FBM suggests that a person's behavior happens when three things come together at the same time: Motivation, Ability, and a Prompt. This means that for a user to take action—whether it's signing up for a service, clicking a button, or completing a task—they need to:
- Have sufficient motivation
- Be able to easily perform the action
- Be prompted to do so
This simple, concise breakdown makes the model incredibly easy to understand and apply to any design challenge. By focusing on these three factors, designers can quickly diagnose where a user flow might be failing. Are users not motivated enough? Is the task too difficult? Is there no clear prompt or call to action?
The beauty of the FBM is that it strips away complexity and gives designers a clear lens to view behavior through. It's almost as if it was designed specifically for UX—allowing for practical, actionable insights without overcomplicating the design process. Plus, it encourages iterative design. By tweaking motivation, simplifying tasks, or refining prompts, designers can continuously improve the user experience.