Client: Breakthrough ACTION | Year: 2019
Context
In the context of Botswana’s ongoing efforts to combat HIV, our team focused on a critical challenge: increasing the rate of immediate treatment initiation among men. Despite national progress in HIV prevention and care, a significant gap remained in how quickly men initiated treatment following diagnosis—requiring targeted insights and context-specific solutions to address this issue effectively.
In the context of Botswana’s ongoing efforts to combat HIV, our team focused on a critical challenge: increasing the rate of immediate treatment initiation among men. Despite national progress in HIV prevention and care, a significant gap remained in how quickly men initiated treatment following diagnosis—requiring targeted insights and context-specific solutions to address this issue effectively.
Goals
The objective was to identify the barriers preventing men from starting treatment immediately, develop user-centered prototypes that addressed these barriers, and strengthen collaboration across implementing partners to ensure future adoption and scalability. The project aimed to catalyze meaningful change by grounding strategies in lived experiences and co-developed interventions.
The objective was to identify the barriers preventing men from starting treatment immediately, develop user-centered prototypes that addressed these barriers, and strengthen collaboration across implementing partners to ensure future adoption and scalability. The project aimed to catalyze meaningful change by grounding strategies in lived experiences and co-developed interventions.
Methods
Building on prior user research and an initial co-design workshop, we developed a series of low-fidelity prototypes tailored to the social and cultural context of HIV care in Botswana. I played a key role in designing and facilitating immersive user testing sessions at the community level, capturing real-time reactions, emotional responses, and behavioral signals related to the proposed interventions.
Building on prior user research and an initial co-design workshop, we developed a series of low-fidelity prototypes tailored to the social and cultural context of HIV care in Botswana. I played a key role in designing and facilitating immersive user testing sessions at the community level, capturing real-time reactions, emotional responses, and behavioral signals related to the proposed interventions.
Following the sessions, we synthesized findings into a clear set of recommendations—identifying what resonated, what required refinement, and where communication gaps or unintended consequences emerged. These recommendations provided a roadmap for advancing to higher-fidelity prototyping and future validation phases.
Outcome
The research generated actionable insights and clear, strategic guidance for improving male engagement in immediate treatment initiation. The findings informed both the design of more refined prototypes and broader policy discussions with key partners, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and local implementing organizations.
The research generated actionable insights and clear, strategic guidance for improving male engagement in immediate treatment initiation. The findings informed both the design of more refined prototypes and broader policy discussions with key partners, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and local implementing organizations.
Beyond the direct impact of the prototypes, the project contributed to a stronger culture of cross-partner collaboration and knowledge sharing. Our insights helped shape ongoing conversations about how to adapt and scale HIV response strategies to better reach and support men—laying the foundation for more effective, equitable healthcare delivery across Botswana.
Testimonial
"Ben consistently demonstrated an impressive understanding of user-centric methodologies and behavioral design principles, which greatly contributed to the success of our projects. His ability to navigate the complexities of the Francophone African market with respect and acknowledgement of his role as a Designer was invaluable. This ensured that our solutions were not only innovative but also culturally relevant and impactful. He approached every task with enthusiasm, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail, producing high-quality work under tight deadlines. His collaborative nature and strong communication skills fostered a positive team dynamic, making them a pleasure to work with."
- Juanita Rodriguez, Senior Strategic Designer
"Ben consistently demonstrated an impressive understanding of user-centric methodologies and behavioral design principles, which greatly contributed to the success of our projects. His ability to navigate the complexities of the Francophone African market with respect and acknowledgement of his role as a Designer was invaluable. This ensured that our solutions were not only innovative but also culturally relevant and impactful. He approached every task with enthusiasm, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail, producing high-quality work under tight deadlines. His collaborative nature and strong communication skills fostered a positive team dynamic, making them a pleasure to work with."
- Juanita Rodriguez, Senior Strategic Designer
