Test, Learn and Grow Playbook

How to use test and learn methods to design or adapt interventions that meet user needs and deliver outcomes.

• Introduction

  An introduction to the Test, Learn and Grow programme, how it works in practice and who the playbook is for.

• Getting started

  Understand the test and learn approach, make the case to stakeholders and use iterative phases to improve a project.

• Ways of working

  Work flexibly, build a skilled team and collaborate across different organisations.

• Gathering and using evidence

  Gather different types of evidence, combine your findings and use a theory of change to guide decisions.

• Conducting research safely

  Plan research with people in vulnerable situations, manage distress and follow safeguarding procedures for disclosures of abuse, harm or neglect.

• Agreeing the challenge (phase 1)

  Work with partners to agree a challenge area, choose what to improve, write a problem statement and find opportunities for testing.

• Using evidence to scope test ideas (phase 2)

  Use research and data to understand local needs, scope ideas for testing and build a theory of change with stakeholders.

• Designing test ideas (phase 3)

  Prototype test ideas to gather user feedback, identify risks and update your theory of change.

• Testing, learning and iterating (phase 4)

  Create a test plan, choose testing methods, measure success and decide whether to continue, iterate, pause or stop.

• Creating the conditions for test and learn

  Establish a culture of test and learn and overcome barriers in your organisation.

• Help us improve this playbook

  Share your feedback on this guidance to help us improve future versions.