Web-based, mobile-device friendly, self-report survey system incorporating avatars and gaming console techniques

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Public Health Research
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Traditional self-report data collection methods can face challenges with engagement, particularly among youth.
• The integration of technology in health research offers potential for innovative data gathering strategies.
• Avatar-based systems have shown promise in engaging users in digital environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of an avatar-based self-report data collection tool.
• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this novel approach for collecting data among youth.
• To share lessons learned and technical insights from the software development process.

Main Methods:

• Requirements gathering for an avatar-based data collection system.
• Prototyping and iterative development of the envisioned software solution.
• Incorporation of user feedback and technical considerations for future iterations.

Main Results:

• Successful development of a functional avatar-based prototype for self-report data collection.
• Insights into the technical challenges and solutions encountered during software development.
• Identification of key factors influencing the feasibility and acceptability of the system.

Conclusions:

• Avatar-based tools represent a feasible and potentially acceptable method for collecting self-reported data from youth in HIV prevention research.
• The development process yielded valuable technical knowledge applicable to future digital health interventions.
• Further research is warranted to optimize and validate avatar-based systems for diverse research populations.