Identifying Persuasive Design Principles and Behavior Change Techniques Supporting End User Values and Needs in...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Behavior change science
• Obesity management

Background:

• eHealth interventions for weight loss are increasing but lack evidence for effectiveness and maintenance.
• Understanding end-user needs is vital for creating effective eHealth tools for sustained weight loss.
• Limited focus exists on the long-term weight loss maintenance phase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore end-user values and needs for long-term weight maintenance support.
• To identify persuasive system design (PSD) principles and behavior change techniques (BCTs) for effective eHealth interventions.
• To inform the design of eHealth interventions for sustainable weight loss maintenance.

Main Methods:

• Individual interviews and focus groups with individuals with obesity (n=23) and stakeholders (n=27).
• Application of design thinking methods to identify design elements and eHealth support needs.
• Utilized the PSD model and Michie's behavior change taxonomy to identify principles and BCTs.

Main Results:

• Identified 8 key end-user values: self-management, personalized care, autonomy, feeling supported, positive self-image, motivation, happiness, and health.
• Identified BCT clusters including goal setting, feedback, social support, and self-belief.
• Identified PSD principles such as personalization, tailoring, self-monitoring, and praise.

Conclusions:

• Translating user values and needs into eHealth design is critical for successful interventions.
• This study is the first to explore integrating PSD principles and BCTs for long-term weight loss maintenance eHealth interventions.
• A combination of BCTs and PSD principles is likely necessary to enhance motivation and adherence for sustained weight loss.