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. 2015 Jul 10;17(7):e172.
doi: 10.2196/jmir.4201.

How to Increase Reach and Adherence of Web-Based Interventions: A Design Research Viewpoint

Geke D S Ludden  1 , Thomas J L van Rompay, Saskia M Kelders, Julia E W C van Gemert-Pijnen
Affiliations

How to Increase Reach and Adherence of Web-Based Interventions: A Design Research Viewpoint

Geke D S Ludden et al. J Med Internet Res. .

Abstract

Nowadays, technology is increasingly used to increase people's well-being. For example, many mobile and Web-based apps have been developed that can support people to become mentally fit or to manage their daily diet. However, analyses of current Web-based interventions show that many systems are only used by a specific group of users (eg, women, highly educated), and that even they often do not persist and drop out as the intervention unfolds. In this paper, we assess the impact of design features of Web-based interventions on reach and adherence and conclude that the power that design can have has not been used to its full potential. We propose looking at design research as a source of inspiration for new (to the field) design approaches. The paper goes on to specify and discuss three of these approaches: personalization, ambient information, and use of metaphors. Central to our viewpoint is the role of positive affect triggered by well-designed persuasive features to boost adherence and well-being. Finally, we discuss the future of persuasive eHealth interventions and suggest avenues for follow-up research.

Keywords: Web-based interventions; adherence; ambient information; design for well-being; metaphors; personalization.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of how the design of a Web-based intervention can influence general subjective well-being following two different routes. Route 1 indicates the impact of design on adherence and thus on the focal health problem. Route 2 indicates how overall well-being is stimulated by elements of PERMA.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The Web-based intervention, Down Your Drink.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The Web-based intervention, Healthy Weight Assistant.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The Web-based intervention, Na-Aapje (The Netherlands Nutrition Centre).
Figure 5
Figure 5
The mobile phone wallpaper, Bouncers, by Terence Nelson.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Three concept designs from the Web-based intervention, This Is Your Life! Concepts: library, tree of happiness, and journey on a map.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Final prototype of the Web-based intervention, This Is Your Life!
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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