methodatlas
Systems Thinking

Intervention Mapping

Turns relationships, patterns, and leverage points into a tangible result by analyzing the problem and target group, defining change objectives, and planning implementation and evaluation.

Core question
Which intervention fits problem, target group, behavior, context, and evaluation?
HighWorkshop + async1-5 Tage
Open runsheetPlan adoptionStart comparison
Purpose

The method helps clarify relationships, patterns, and leverage points in a concrete way. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a logic model, change objectives, and intervention components.

How it works

The team follows the steps: analyze the problem and target group, define change objectives, choose determinants and methods, design intervention components, and plan implementation and evaluation. Each step is captured visibly. At the end, a logic model, change objectives, and intervention components are available so decisions, tests, or actions can follow directly.

Visual orientation

Method sketch for a quick mental model.

Intervention Mapping · BartholomewConnect problem, target group, determinants, change methods, program components, implementation, and evaluation traceably
Intervention MappingThe visual shows Intervention Mapping with problem and audience analysis, determinants, change matrix, program components, implementation, and evaluation.Derive interventions from change logic instead of gut feelingIntervention Mapping connects problem, audience, determinants, and suitable methods into a feasible and evaluable program.explicitly connect goals and determinantsdo not choose methods by gut feelingplan implementationand evaluationfrom the startProblem & Audienceunderstand behavior, context,and needsDeterminantsknowledge, ability, motivation,environmentChange MatrixGoalDeterminantMethodComponentGoal 1AbilityPracticeTrainingGoal 2MotivationFeedbackCoachGoal 3EnvironmentNudgingReminderProgramdesign components, sequence, andmaterialsImplementationplan rollout, owners, and channelsEvaluationmeasure impact and adapt program

Flow

  1. 1Analyze the problem and target group
  2. 2Define change objectives
  3. 3Choose determinants and methods
  4. 4Design intervention components
  5. 5Plan implementation and evaluation

The runsheet guides execution with 5 phases, timeboxes, 5 pitfalls, and clear stop criteria.

Open runsheet

Ideal for

  • Complex change programs
  • Behavior change
  • Intervention design

Not good for

  • Urgent troubleshooting cases
  • Small operational improvements
  • Pure prioritization

Deep dive

In detail

Intervention Mapping translates problem analysis into a designed change program. The method first clarifies which behavior or conditions should change and which determinants affect them. Then it plans suitable change methods, materials, implementation paths, and evaluation. That way, interventions are developed from a clear logic of impact instead of gut feeling.

Facilitation

Plan multiple sessions and work with stakeholders, data, and existing evidence. Keep the problem, target group, determinants, and intervention elements explicitly connected. Do not leave implementation until the end.

Output artifacts
Logic ModelChange ObjectivesIntervention ComponentsEvaluation Plan
Tags
changesystems-thinkingprogram-design

Sources

Intervention Mappinginterventionmapping.com
Artifact templates
Intervention Mapping Working TemplateCompact working template for Intervention Mapping with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
canvas

intervention-mapping-working-template.md

Compact working template for Intervention Mapping with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.

Intervention Mapping Canvas

Context

What is this method used for?

Core question

Which question should be answered at the end?

Input

Which data, observations, or materials are available?

Working area

  • Area 1:
  • Area 2:
  • Area 3:
  • Relationships / patterns:

Output artifacts

  • Logic Model:
  • Change Objectives:
  • Intervention Components:
  • Evaluation Plan:

Open questions

  • ...

Next step

Owner, date, and success signal.

When to choose differently

Short decision aid for existing alternatives.

Design Thinking

Statt Intervention Mapping, wenn ihr Problemraum und Lösungsraum früh gemeinsam öffnen wollt.

Impact Mapping

Statt Intervention Mapping, wenn ihr Produkthebel von Zielen über Akteure zu konkreten Lieferoptionen ableiten wollt.

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