Category | Design Recommendations |
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How can the reach of evidence-based apps be improved? | Develop smoking cessation and alcohol reduction apps that are on a par with other commercially available apps in terms of aesthetics and usability, perhaps through collaboration with interaction design experts. |
Researchers and practitioners may consider initiating collaborations with developers of popular apps and/or apps from well-known brands to leverage their existing ‘social proof’. | |
Use simple and straightforward titles that include key words (e.g. “quit smoking” or “reduce your drinking”). | |
How can engagement be improved? | Use persuasive design elements (e.g. guidance, tunnelling, normative influence) to modify users’ beliefs about how to quit smoking or reduce their drinking. |
Use machine-learning techniques to explore how to meaningfully tailor content according to individual differences (e.g. feedback, rewards). | |
Develop response-sensitive notifications that tail off or adjust timings if the user stops reacting in order to prevent habituation or annoyance. | |
Consider the online and offline social preferences of the target population. For example, it might be more fruitful to focus on action planning and/or behaviour substitution rather than in-the-moment support for smokers and drinkers. |