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Optimizing Testimonials for Behavior Change in a Digital Intervention for Binge Eating: Human-Centered Design Study
Isabel R Rooper1,2, Adrian Ortega1,3, Thomas A Massion1,2
1Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N Lake Shore Dr, 10th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States, 1 3125035266.
JMIR Formative Research
|March 21, 2025
Summary
Testimonials can motivate behavior change in digital interventions for binge eating. Tailoring speaker demographics and message type, alongside using testimonials as nudges, can enhance effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Testimonials are evidence-based for behavior change in health interventions.
- Integrating testimonials into eating disorder (ED) interventions requires careful design to avoid promoting harmful behaviors.
- Optimal testimonial design elements are known, but speaker, messaging, and delivery aspects need further research for ED interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore user preferences for designing and delivering testimonials focused on positive behavior change strategies within a digital binge eating intervention.
Main Methods:
- Human-centered design methods were applied, including individual interviews with adults experiencing recurrent binge eating and obesity.
- Participants (N=22) provided input on preferences for testimonial speakers, messaging content, and delivery modalities.
- Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data from design sessions.
Main Results:
- Most participants favored testimonials for motivation and validation, though some expressed distrust.
- Preferences varied for speaker tailoring (sociodemographic alignment), messaging (how-to vs. success stories), and delivery (text, video, multimedia).
- Participants indicated testimonials could serve as 'nudges' to encourage selection of positive behavior change strategies.
Conclusions:
- Intervention users are receptive to testimonials, but personalization is key.
- Tailoring testimonials based on user-identified characteristics and preferences for messaging is recommended.
- Future research should validate testimonial design strategies, including their use as nudges, and assess impact on behavior change for eating disorders.
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