The Double Diamond framework isn’t just for designers. It’s an essential tool for evaluating complex programmes and projects, combining clear thinking, practical actions, and continuous improvement. If you’re looking for an evaluation method that cuts through complexity and delivers results, this guide is for you.
Why Use the Double Diamond for Evaluation?
Think of the Double Diamond as two cycles of zooming out and zooming in:
- Discovery: Explore the big picture. What’s working, what isn’t, and why.
- Definition: Focus on the specific. What exactly are you evaluating?
- Development: Dive into solutions. How can we test and improve?
- Delivery: Measure impact. What worked, and how do we move forward?
It’s structured, flexible, and adaptable: perfect for real-world challenges.
Step 1: Discovery—Understanding the Landscape
This stage is about asking the right questions and exploring the context.
- What are you evaluating? Define the scope. Are you looking at outcomes, processes, or stakeholder engagement? Don’t try to do it all: focus your efforts.
- Who are the key players? Stakeholders are your greatest resource. Engage them early and listen. Their insights can reveal gaps you hadn’t considered.
- What data do you have? Gather everything, reports, surveys, interviews, even anecdotal evidence. Then identify gaps. You can’t evaluate what you can’t see.
Step 2: Definition—Narrowing the Focus
Now it’s time to bring clarity. This step is about turning questions into actions.
- Set evaluation goals: Is it about improving service delivery? Measuring impact? Proving value? Pin it down.
- Identify success metrics: Numbers are great, but stories matter too. Think about both qualitative and quantitative indicators.
- Build a roadmap: Outline your timeline, tools, and methodologies. Co-create this with stakeholders to ensure buy-in.
Step 3: Development—Building and Testing
This is where the work gets practical. Create tools and processes that help you measure what matters.
- Design your evaluation tools: Surveys, focus groups, or observational checklists—choose what works for your goals.
- Test and iterate: Run pilots. Gather feedback. Refine your tools to ensure they’re effective and user-friendly.
- Baseline your data: Without a starting point, it’s impossible to measure progress. Collect your initial metrics here.
Step 4: Delivery—Learning and Improving
It’s time to implement, assess, and evolve. This stage is about turning insights into action.
- Collect and analyse data: Use dashboards or simple reporting formats to make insights accessible.
- Share findings: Reports should do more than sit on shelves. Present results in ways that inspire action—think workshops, summaries, or visual reports.
- Build for the future: Use insights to shape ongoing improvements. Good evaluation is a cycle, not a one-off exercise.
Five Quick Tips for Double Diamond Success
- Collaborate Constantly: Stakeholders aren’t just a tick-box exercise—they’re your co-creators.
- Balance Data with Stories: Numbers matter, but so do people. Combine stats with lived experiences.
- Be Open to Change: If something doesn’t work, adapt. The framework is a guide, not a rulebook.
- Celebrate Wins: Share successes, no matter how small. Momentum builds belief.
- Keep It Simple: If it feels too complicated, it probably is. Focus on clarity and practicality.
The Double Diamond in Action
With the Double Diamond, evaluation becomes more than just a task—it’s an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow. Whether you’re tackling small tweaks or big challenges, this framework keeps you grounded and focused. You’ll uncover what works, identify what doesn’t, and chart a course for better outcomes.
Evaluation doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming. It’s your chance to make things better—for your team, your stakeholders, and your future.