Send in the Squad-Podsquad! Using Design Thinking as a Framework to Develop a Public Health Promotion Programme

Innovative public health approaches are needed to support children and their families to adopt and maintain healthy behaviours. This study aimed to use design thinking as a framework to develop an interactive online public health promotion programme for children (5-12 years) and their families, enabling sustainable health-promoting behaviour change.

An iterative design thinking approach, underpinned by behaviour change theory was applied. Workshops and focus groups with project team members and key stakeholders fostered collaboration, identified family needs and generated solutions. Children and families were actively engaged in the co-design production phase through surveys, interviews and prototype testing. External stakeholders were consulted through advisory groups, expert panels and interviews.

Key programme elements, including mode of delivery, features and content, were identified through these forums. Additionally, programme enablers and challenges were identified and discussed. More than 300 children and families participated in co-design activities shaping the visual identity, narrative, game play and messaging of the programme, which was delivered as a purpose-built App entitled Podsquad.

The iterative approach to programme development enabled the seamless integration of consumer and expert input, creating an App that meets users' needs and expectations for improving healthy eating, physical activity and sleep habits. Further feasibility testing, outcome measurement and systems integration are recommended. SO WHAT?: A comprehensive understanding of the co-design process behind the development of the Podsquad App enables public health practitioners and researchers to appreciate and contextualise the challenges, enablers and key success factors when co-designing a health promotion programme for children and families.