Tools Used

Timelines

Figma

NVIVO

Zoom

Adobe Acrobat

Google Docs

12 months total

Months 1–3: Discovery & research

Months 4–6: Framework analysis & content development

Months 7–9: Workbook prototyping & co-design

Months 10–12: Usability testing, iteration, and publication prep

Name: Shovesh

Gender: Male

Age:30+

Bio

Shovesh has been working as a Software designer in an IT Infrastructure company located in Bangalore. Just like every other employee initially he was excited to start working from the comfort of his home but as it was not long when started to realise the pressure he was under due to increase in work load and decrease in his producity. Due to lack of physical activites, his lethargic behaviour was effecting his ability to focus and be productive. He is planning to start building healthier habits like doing medidation & exercise to improve his well-being.

Pain Points

I often find it difficult to manage and track the progress of daily habit forming tasks

Managing time between my office, personal life & family is tricky

Do not have a clue on how to set realistic goals

Needs a guided path for building healthier habits

Goals

Wants to enjoy a healthier work life balance

Wants to improve his physical & mental health

Allocate time and resources to manage multiple activities and build a healthy habit

Name: Gargi

Gender: Female

Age:20+

Bio

Gargi started her professional career during under the work from home regime, she was excited to be a part of a multinational company at an early age. Being a new joinee the work culture took a toll on her well being & lifestyle. She finds it difficult to manage time and has been procastinating to pick up healthier habits

Wireframes

Early Sketches & Ideations

Prototype

We developed a fillable workbook prototype using:


Guided templates for each of the five simplified KT steps

Built-in prompts, reminders, and strategy-matching tables

Visual scaffolding to reduce overwhelm and increase usability


Frameworks were embedded in a way that supported intuitive decision-making without requiring prior knowledge of theory.

Test

The workbook was tested with nine novice implementers using think-aloud usability testing. We captured qualitative feedback across clarity, structure, visual layout, and theoretical relevance. Findings were analysed and synthesised using qualitative content analysis to inform iterative design improvements.

Simplicity drives adoption. Reducing jargon and clearly structuring steps empowered users to take action.

Frameworks need translation. Theory became usable when connected to strategy selection tools like COM-B and SELECT.

Co-creation is essential. Working with users throughout the process made the tool far more usable and relevant.

Equity cannot be optional. Designing with intersectionality in mind helped ensure accessibility across diverse contexts.

What Went Well

Early versions of the workbook lacked visual guidance, which made navigation difficult for some users during testing.

Some theoretical sections were initially too word-heavy, leading to cognitive overload for novice users.

Development of a digital version was postponed due to time constraints and scope limitations.

What Didn’t Go Well

Key Learnings

Balancing academic accuracy with user-friendliness was a constant tension during content design.

Mapping multiple frameworks into one simplified flow required careful decision-making and consensus across disciplines.

Explaining KT terminology without diluting its meaning took multiple rounds of iteration and user testing.

Key Challenges

If I Had More Time...

Summary

Simplicity drives adoption: reducing jargon and breaking down processes step-by-step increases user confidence.

Frameworks need translation: theory is only usable when clearly connected to real decisions.

Co-creation is essential: working with users throughout ensured the workbook was relevant and usable.

Intersectionality is non-negotiable: designing with equity in mind improves accessibility for diverse users.

I would have developed and tested a digital, interactive version of the workbook with branching logic, auto-filled recommendations, and inline guidance.

I would conduct longitudinal testing to measure the workbook’s real-world impact over time.

I would expand the workbook's reach by creating role-specific versions for clinicians, policy makers, and researchers.

User Problems

Unsure which frameworks to use or how to combine them

Struggle with KT vocabulary and jargon and theoretical language

No step-by-step process for planning or evaluating implementation

Lack of confidence in selecting behavior change strategies

Possible Solutions

Based on the user problems identified, I explored several possible solutions to simplify the KT process and make implementation frameworks more accessible and actionable for non-experts.









Reduce the number of frameworks presented

Map steps to user goals instead of academic stages

Provide visual tools and fillable templates

Create a repeatable, scalable format

Understanding the Problem

To understand pain points, we leveraged:


Years of user feedback from KT courses

Input from KT consultation sessions (1,000+ projects)

Workshop discussions with novice implementers


These insights revealed a consistent challenge: while users recognised the value of applying evidence-based practices, they often felt uncertain about where to begin and how to move forward. The complexity of existing frameworks—particularly the widely used Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) Cycle—was a significant barrier. Although comprehensive, the KTA model was perceived as too abstract and overwhelming for those without formal KT training.


To make the implementation process more approachable, we analysed the KTA Cycle and mapped it into a simplified, step-by-step structure that could be embedded directly into a fillable workbook.

The knowledge to action cycle

Knowledge Creation Funnel

Knowledge Inquiry

Knowledge Synthesis

Knowledge Tools/Products (e.g., guidelines, decision aids)

Action Cycle (The part I focused on!)

Identifying the problem

Adapting knowledge to local context

Assessing barriers to knowledge use

Selecting, tailoring, implementing interventions

Monitoring use

Evaluating outcomes

Sustaining knowledge use

The Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) Cycle is a widely recognised framework developed by Graham et al. (2006) that outlines how evidence (knowledge) is created, adapted, and implemented in practice. It includes two major components:

What is the KTA Cycle?

Methods Used (Design Thinking Approach)

Co-design sessions with KT scientists and novice users

Input from 1,000+ KT consultations

Analysis of 10+ years of course feedback

Primary research: 1:1 think-aloud usability testing with nine novice users from healthcare, policy, and research settings

Empathise

Define

Synthesised usability and co-design insights to define pain points

Identified patterns around overwhelm, inaccessibility of theory, and lack of step-by-step support

Ideate

Brainstormed solutions to simplify and structure KT planning

Mapped user needs to practical steps using visual and behavioural cues


Secondary Research:
We conducted an in-depth review of existing literature and frameworks to inform our design decisions:


Reviewed a scoping study of 159 KT frameworks

(Esmail et al., 2020)

Analysed commonly used models: TDF, COM-B, CFIR, RE-AIM

Evaluated successful real-world KT applications to identify best practices

Studied the structure of existing implementation tools and databases (e.g., SELECT tool)

This research helped us prioritise the most transferable, intuitive components and inspired key workbook features like prompts, strategy mapping, and evaluation planning.

01 Empathise

02 Define

03 Ideate

04 Prototype

05 Test

Project Goals

Make KT tools accessible and practical

Structure a clear, fillable workbook rooted in validated frameworks

Design for clarity and usability, not academic jargon

Project Overview

The KT Workbook was designed to help novice implementers use knowledge translation (KT) methods to apply evidence-based practices. We simplified complex KT frameworks into five guided steps, turning theory into a user-friendly, fillable workbook.


This project also formed the basis of a peer-reviewed publication in Implementation Science Communications (Fahim et al., 2023).

The Problem Statement

Non-expert users want to apply KT frameworks but feel overwhelmed, confused, or unsure where to start. Existing resources are too academic or fragmented.


How might we help implementers feel confident using KT without needing to be KT experts?

Co-authored a publication in Implementation Science Communications

Structure Design

UX Research

Framework Simplification

Data Analysis & Reflection

Usability Testing

My Role

Knowledge Translation Scientists

UX Designer & Strategist (ME)

Researchers

Project Manager

Graphic Designers

Team

The project applied a Design Thinking approach—moving through the stages of Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—to ensure the workbook was grounded in both user needs and evidence-based frameworks.

🎓 Beyond the workbook itself, this work culminated in a peer-reviewed publication, helping advance the academic conversation around practical KT implementation tools.

Tools Used

Figma

NVIVO

Timelines

Zoom

Google Docs

12 months total

Months 1–3: Discovery & research

Months 4–6: Framework analysis & content development

Months 7–9: Workbook prototyping & co-design

Months 10–12: Usability testing, iteration, and publication prep

Adobe Acrobat

Name: Shovesh

Gender: Male

Age:30+

Bio

Shovesh has been working as a Software designer in an IT Infrastructure company located in Bangalore. Just like every other employee initially he was excited to start working from the comfort of his home but as it was not long when started to realise the pressure he was under due to increase in work load and decrease in his producity. Due to lack of physical activites, his lethargic behaviour was effecting his ability to focus and be productive. He is planning to start building healthier habits like doing medidation & exercise to improve his well-being.

Pain Points

I often find it difficult to manage and track the progress of daily habit forming tasks

Managing time between my office, personal life & family is tricky

Do not have a clue on how to set realistic goals

Needs a guided path for building healthier habits

Goals

Wants to enjoy a healthier work life balance

Wants to improve his physical & mental health

Allocate time and resources to manage multiple activities and build a healthy habit

Name: Gargi

Gender: Female

Age:20+

Bio

Gargi started her professional career during under the work from home regime, she was excited to be a part of a multinational company at an early age. Being a new joinee the work culture took a toll on her well being & lifestyle. She finds it difficult to manage time and has been procastinating to pick up healthier habits

Wireframes

Early Sketches & Ideations

Prototype

Prototype

Test

Test

What Didn’t Go Well

What Didn’t Go Well

What Went Well

What Went Well

I would have developed and tested a digital, interactive version of the workbook with branching logic, auto-filled recommendations, and inline guidance.

I would have developed and tested a digital, interactive version of the workbook with branching logic, auto-filled recommendations, and inline guidance.

I would conduct longitudinal testing to measure the workbook’s real-world impact over time.

I would conduct longitudinal testing to measure the workbook’s real-world impact over time.

I would expand the workbook's reach by creating role-specific versions for clinicians, policy makers, and researchers.

I would expand the workbook's reach by creating role-specific versions for clinicians, policy makers, and researchers.

If I Had More Time...

If I Had More Time...

Balancing academic accuracy with user-friendliness was a constant tension during content design.

Mapping multiple frameworks into one simplified flow required careful decision-making and consensus across disciplines.

Explaining KT terminology without diluting its meaning took multiple rounds of iteration and user testing.

Balancing academic accuracy with user-friendliness was a constant tension during content design.

Mapping multiple frameworks into one simplified flow required careful decision-making and consensus across disciplines.

Explaining KT terminology without diluting its meaning took multiple rounds of iteration and user testing.

Key Challenges

Key Challenges

Key Learnings

Key Learnings

Simplicity drives adoption: reducing jargon and breaking down processes step-by-step increases user confidence.

Simplicity drives adoption: reducing jargon and breaking down processes step-by-step increases user confidence.

Co-creation is essential: working with users throughout ensured the workbook was relevant and usable.

If I Had More Time...

Balancing academic accuracy with user-friendliness was a constant tension during content design.

Mapping multiple frameworks into one simplified flow required careful decision-making and consensus across disciplines.

Explaining KT terminology without diluting its meaning took multiple rounds of iteration and user testing.

Key Challenges

I would have developed and tested a digital, interactive version of the workbook with branching logic, auto-filled recommendations, and inline guidance.

I would conduct longitudinal testing to measure the workbook’s real-world impact over time.

I would expand the workbook's reach by creating role-specific versions for clinicians, policy makers, and researchers.

We developed a fillable workbook prototype using:


Guided templates for each of the five simplified KT steps

Built-in prompts, reminders, and strategy-matching tables

Visual scaffolding to reduce overwhelm and increase usability


Frameworks were embedded in a way that supported intuitive decision-making without requiring prior knowledge of theory.

We developed a fillable workbook prototype using:


Guided templates for each of the five simplified KT steps

Built-in prompts, reminders, and strategy-matching tables

Visual scaffolding to reduce overwhelm and increase usability


Frameworks were embedded in a way that supported intuitive decision-making without requiring prior knowledge of theory.

The workbook was tested with nine novice implementers using think-aloud usability testing. We captured qualitative feedback across clarity, structure, visual layout, and theoretical relevance. Findings were analysed and synthesised using qualitative content analysis to inform iterative design improvements.

The workbook was tested with nine novice implementers using think-aloud usability testing. We captured qualitative feedback across clarity, structure, visual layout, and theoretical relevance. Findings were analysed and synthesised using qualitative content analysis to inform iterative design improvements.

Simplicity drives adoption. Reducing jargon and clearly structuring steps empowered users to take action.

Frameworks need translation. Theory became usable when connected to strategy selection tools like COM-B and SELECT.

Co-creation is essential. Working with users throughout the process made the tool far more usable and relevant.

Equity cannot be optional. Designing with intersectionality in mind helped ensure accessibility across diverse contexts.

Early versions of the workbook lacked visual guidance, which made navigation difficult for some users during testing.

Some theoretical sections were initially too word-heavy, leading to cognitive overload for novice users.

Development of a digital version was postponed due to time constraints and scope limitations.

Summary

Frameworks need translation: theory is only usable when clearly connected to real decisions.

Frameworks need translation: theory is only usable when clearly connected to real decisions.

Intersectionality is non-negotiable: designing with equity in mind improves accessibility for diverse users.

Intersectionality is non-negotiable: designing with equity in mind improves accessibility for diverse users.

Synthesised usability and co-design insights to define pain points

Identified patterns around overwhelm, inaccessibility of theory, and lack of step-by-step support

Synthesised usability and co-design insights to define pain points

Identified patterns around overwhelm, inaccessibility of theory, and lack of step-by-step support

Synthesised usability and co-design insights to define pain points

Identified patterns around overwhelm, inaccessibility of theory, and lack of step-by-step support

Reviewed a scoping study of 159 KT frameworks

(Esmail et al., 2020)

Analysed commonly used models: TDF, COM-B, CFIR, RE-AIM

Evaluated successful real-world KT applications to identify best practices

Studied the structure of existing implementation tools and databases (e.g., SELECT tool)

Reviewed a scoping study of 159 KT frameworks

(Esmail et al., 2020)

Analysed commonly used models: TDF, COM-B, CFIR, RE-AIM

Evaluated successful real-world KT applications to identify best practices

Studied the structure of existing implementation tools and databases (e.g., SELECT tool)

This research helped us prioritise the most transferable, intuitive components and inspired key workbook features like prompts, strategy mapping, and evaluation planning.

This research helped us prioritise the most transferable, intuitive components and inspired key workbook features like prompts, strategy mapping, and evaluation planning.

User Problems

Unsure which frameworks to use or how to combine them

Struggle with KT vocabulary and jargon and theoretical language

No step-by-step process for planning or evaluating implementation

Lack of confidence in selecting behavior change strategies

Possible Solutions

Based on the user problems identified, I explored several possible solutions to simplify the KT process and make implementation frameworks more accessible and actionable for non-experts.









Reduce the number of frameworks presented

Map steps to user goals instead of academic stages

Provide visual tools and fillable templates

Create a repeatable, scalable format

Understanding the Problem

To understand pain points, we leveraged:


Years of user feedback from KT courses

Input from KT consultation sessions (1,000+ projects)

Workshop discussions with novice implementers


These insights revealed a consistent challenge: while users recognised the value of applying evidence-based practices, they often felt uncertain about where to begin and how to move forward. The complexity of existing frameworks—particularly the widely used Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) Cycle—was a significant barrier. Although comprehensive, the KTA model was perceived as too abstract and overwhelming for those without formal KT training.


To make the implementation process more approachable, we analysed the KTA Cycle and mapped it into a simplified, step-by-step structure that could be embedded directly into a fillable workbook.

The knowledge to action cycle

Knowledge Creation Funnel

Knowledge Inquiry

Knowledge Synthesis

Knowledge Tools/Products (e.g., guidelines, decision aids)

Action Cycle (The part I focused on!)

Identifying the problem

Adapting knowledge to local context

Assessing barriers to knowledge use

Selecting, tailoring, implementing interventions

Monitoring use

Evaluating outcomes

Sustaining knowledge use

The Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) Cycle is a widely recognised framework developed by Graham et al. (2006) that outlines how evidence (knowledge) is created, adapted, and implemented in practice. It includes two major components:

What is the KTA Cycle?

Methods Used (Design Thinking Approach)

Co-design sessions with KT scientists and novice users

Input from 1,000+ KT consultations

Analysis of 10+ years of course feedback

Primary research: 1:1 think-aloud usability testing with nine novice users from healthcare, policy, and research settings

Co-design sessions with KT scientists and novice users

Input from 1,000+ KT consultations

Analysis of 10+ years of course feedback

Primary research: 1:1 think-aloud usability testing with nine novice users from healthcare, policy, and research settings

Empathise

Define

Ideate

Brainstormed solutions to simplify and structure KT planning

Mapped user needs to practical steps using visual and behavioural cues


Secondary Research:
We conducted an in-depth review of existing literature and frameworks to inform our design decisions:


Brainstormed solutions to simplify and structure KT planning

Mapped user needs to practical steps using visual and behavioural cues


Secondary Research:
We conducted an in-depth review of existing literature and frameworks to inform our design decisions:


Project Overview

The KT Workbook was designed to help novice implementers use knowledge translation (KT) methods to apply evidence-based practices. We simplified complex KT frameworks into five guided steps, turning theory into a user-friendly, fillable workbook.


This project also formed the basis of a peer-reviewed publication in Implementation Science Communications (Fahim et al., 2023).

The Problem Statement

Non-expert users want to apply KT frameworks but feel overwhelmed, confused, or unsure where to start. Existing resources are too academic or fragmented.


How might we help implementers feel confident using KT without needing to be KT experts?

Co-authored a publication in Implementation Science Communications

Structure Design

UX Research

Framework Simplification

Data Analysis & Reflection

Usability Testing

My Role

Knowledge Translation Scientists

UX Designer & Strategist (ME)

Researchers

Project Manager

Graphic Designers

Team

Project Goals

Make KT tools accessible and practical

Structure a clear, fillable workbook rooted in validated frameworks

Design for clarity and usability, not academic jargon

The project applied a Design Thinking approach—moving through the stages of Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—to ensure the workbook was grounded in both user needs and evidence-based frameworks.

01 Empathise

02 Define

03 Ideate

04 Prototype

05 Test

🎓 Beyond the workbook itself, this work culminated in a peer-reviewed publication, helping advance the academic conversation around practical KT implementation tools.

🎓 Beyond the workbook itself, this work culminated in a peer-reviewed publication, helping advance the academic conversation around practical KT implementation tools.

Copyrights © 2025  Nadia Somani

Copyrights © 2025  Nadia Somani