Real-world Applications of the BDI Methodology

The BDI Methodology is designed as a practical tool rooted in behavioural science. It has been licensed by a range of organisations for applied and training purposes. Among its uses, the Methodology is applied to solving problems in the following domains. 

Crisis-management

The Methodology can be applied to improve levels of emergency preparedness as well as real-time crisis management. In a crisis, reactions can compound a real or merely perceived danger. Responding effectively in such situations depends critically upon understanding the groups involved, anticipating their behaviour and influencing this behaviour to help resolve the situation safely and effectively.

Counter-terrorism / Counter-radicalisation

Transnational terrorism as well as the impact of local radical and insurgent groups has become increasingly problematic at the start of the 21st Century. Group dynamics, local incentives, specific cultural conditions and real or perceived grievances all contribute to the problem. Countering and overcoming this troubling and dangerous trend depends upon gaining deep and local insight into the groups involved. To be sustainable, any solutions offered must provide a means for substantive change in the behaviour of those groups actually involved in perpetrating violence.

Politics

The BDI Methodology can be applied to one of the oldest forums for communication — politics. Understanding what trends and issues define an electorate’s outlook at a given time and place is key to understanding and influencing electoral outcomes. As one of the most clearly measurable behavioural outcomes (i.e. winning an election), successful application in the arena of politics has provided some of the clearest demonstration of the efficacy of the Methodology in practice.

Marketing

Applying the BDI Methodology to help market commercial products can help achieve results beyond those offered by conventional approaches in the field. Most contemporary approaches to commercial marketing place the product at the centre of research and campaign design. Instead, the Methodology puts consideration of behaviour itself (i.e. purchasing) before that of the product, enabling a holistic approach that incorporates the group dynamics which drive buying patterns. Understanding how specific groups frame their buying decisions offers a new avenue for marketing strategy and can provide innovative solutions to a range of marketing challenges.

Epidemiology

Effectively countering the spread of disease often entails altering the behaviour of groups beyond merely blocking a specific pathogen or vector. From malaria, cholera and AIDS, to childhood obesity, the BDI Methodology provides a clear approach for understanding and resolving the factors which lead to the spread of disease. With its behavioural research and planning approach, the Methodology is well-suited for helping to alter existing patterns of behaviour or to help groups behave in counter-intuitive ways which are nonetheless in their own best interest.