Home > Evidence & resources >A practical approach to developing A/B testing systems for digital-first organisations

Insight note

11 March 2026

A practical approach to developing A/B testing systems for digital-first organisations

Authors:

Andrés Parrado, Mariana Rodríguez and Eduardo Vargas

Suggested bibliographic citation: Parrado, A., Rodríguez, M. & Vargas, E. 2026. A practical approach to developing A/B testing systems for digital-first organisations. What Works Hub for Global Education. Insight note. RI_2026/004. https://doi.org/10.35489/BSG-WhatWorksHubforGlobalEducation-RI_2026/004

Abstract

Social impact organisations face growing pressure to learn and improve their programmes with limited resources. A/B testing offers a rigorous and practical tool to test programme adaptations aimed at improving cost-effectiveness. This brief provides a step-by-step guide for digital-first organisations seeking to embed A/B testing into their Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system. Drawing on Innovations for Poverty Action’s Right-Fit Evidence (RFE) Unit advisory experience and a growing body of evidence from the social sector, it introduces the Learning Roadmap for A/B Testing, a structured four-step process for developing the organisational capabilities, technological infrastructure, and learning culture needed to test, learn, and improve continuously.

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