Seven lessons for interdisciplinary research on interactive digital health interventions

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Interdisciplinary Research

Background:

• Interactive digital health interventions demand expertise from both Health and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) fields.
• Despite shared methods, deep-seated differences in values and practices between Health and HCI can impede interdisciplinary collaboration.
• These differences impact project outcomes, extending beyond evaluation methods to evidence acceptance and reporting cultures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present seven lessons learned from contrasting Health and HCI research cultures, values, assumptions, and practices.
• To improve mutual understanding and collaboration between researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds.
• To identify ways to better support future interdisciplinary research in digital health.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of contrasting cultures, values, assumptions, and practices in Health and HCI research.
• Structuring lessons learned across a typical research lifecycle for digital interventions.
• Focus on practical insights for interdisciplinary teamwork.

Main Results:

• Identified seven key lessons highlighting differences between Health and HCI research cultures.
• Demonstrated how these differences manifest across the research lifecycle (state-of-the-art, development, evaluation, deployment, reporting).
• Provided actionable insights for fostering better interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Bridging the cultural and methodological gaps between Health and HCI is crucial for optimal digital health intervention development.
• Explicitly addressing disciplinary differences and fostering mutual understanding can enhance collaborative research outcomes.
• Future research should focus on strategies and support mechanisms to facilitate effective interdisciplinary work in digital health.