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Performance Support & Systems Design

These tools are designed to support behavior change beyond instruction by making progress visible, structured, and meaningful.

Building a Scalable Progress Framework for Behavioral Change

The Emerald House Program at King’s Daughters Ministry needed a clear, motivating way to track participant progress through key milestones. I designed a visual achievement system that translates program requirements into a structured, easy-to-understand progression.

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As the system was being implemented, leadership requested that it also support a second program (GEM) without creating a separate tool. I adapted the original design to accommodate both programs while maintaining clarity and usability.

In addition to the visual system, I helped establish a physical reward component, where participants earn symbolic charms representing each milestone.

The Challenge

  • Communicate multi-stage progress clearly

  • Align milestones with both program requirements and personal growth

  • Integrate a second program (GEM) into an existing design

  • Avoid visual clutter or confusion

  • Reinforce motivation for participants in both the residential and non-residential programs

My Approach

1. Designed a Milestone-Based Visual System

Each achievement represents both:

  • A measurable requirement (time and credits)

  • A stage of personal growth and identity development

To support this, I created:

  • Color-coded stages for quick recognition

  • Consistent iconography tied to meaning (compass, heart, weights, butterfly, crown)

  • A structured layout that supports quick scanning

2. Built for Clarity and Comparison

When GEM requirements were introduced, I extended the system rather than redesigning it.

  • Added parallel requirement lines (EH vs GEM) within each stage

  • Used bolding, opacity, and italics to distinguish programs and maintain readability

  • Preserved the original structure to avoid retraining staff

This allowed two programs to coexist within one system without confusion.

3. Reinforced Progress Through Tangible Rewards

To strengthen motivation and create a sense of ownership:

  • Participants receive a personalized keychain when they reach the first milestone

  • Each achievement unlocks a charm matching the symbol on the chart

  • Charms are added over time, creating a visible record of progress

4. Reinforced Learning Through Reflection

To deepen the impact of each milestone, I integrated a reflective essay component aligned with each achievement level. Each essay is based on:

  • The achievement title (identity focus)

  • The milestone description (growth indicators)

  • The scripture reference (biblical foundation)

Participants complete a written reflection when they reach each stage, prompting them to:

  • Process their personal growth

  • Connect actions to meaning

  • Articulate changes in thinking, behavior, and identity

This ensures that progress is not only completed, but understood and internalized.

The Impact

  • Simplified progress tracking for both staff and participants

  • Increased clarity across programs without duplicating materials

  • Provided participants with a tangible sense of accomplishment

  • Created a system that supports both accountability and encouragement

KDM Emerald House Program Achievements.png

Original Design: Emerald House Achievement System

GEM & EH Program Achievements.png

Adapted Design: Multi-Program Integration

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