Characterizing behavior change techniques used in the self-management of binge eating and weight: Applying a user-centered design approach.

User-centered design methods aim to increase intervention engagement by focusing on consumers' needs and preferences. We conducted a needs assessment (the first step in user-centered design) via a digital diary study to understand how individuals with recurrent binge eating (≥12 episodes in 3 months) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) manage these problems in their day-to-day lives and the approaches they use to change their behavior. Specifically, we applied the Behavior Change Technique (BCT)-Taxonomy to characterize which standardized BCTs individuals use to change binge eating and health-related behaviors and their motivations to use them, to inform the design of a mobile intervention. We analyzed qualitative data from 22 adults (64% female, 32% White) who submitted 176 diary entries. For each entry, we coded the BCTs used, motivation for use, and whether the BCT(s) were perceived as beneficial for behavior change. Across participants, investigators identified 50 of the 93 standardized BCTs (54%). Each participant used an average of 12 (SD = 4) BCTs, most commonly Behavior Substitution (72.3%), Distraction (68.2%), Goal Setting (Behavior) (63.6%), Action Planning (59.1%) and Adding Objects to the Environment (59.1%). More BCTs were coded as beneficial (49%) versus detrimental (24%) or neutral (27%). Techniques were most commonly motivated by preventing binge eating (95.5%), losing weight (95.5%), reducing unhealthy food choices (90.9%), or managing stress (59.1%). Results help inform how interventions could be designed to support consumers in changing binge eating and weight-related behaviors, although such designs would need to be tested for their impact on engagement and outcomes.

Applying User-Centered Design Methods to Understand Users' Day-to-Day Experiences Can Inform a Mobile Intervention for Binge Eating and Weight Management.

Introduction: Weight loss apps to date have not directly addressed binge eating. To inform the design of a new mobile behavioral intervention that addresses binge eating and weight management, we applied user-centered design methods to qualitatively assess how target intervention consumers experience these conditions in their day-to-day lives. Methods: The participants were 22 adults with self-reported obesity (body mass index ≥30) and recurrent binge eating (≥12 episodes in 3 months) who were interested in losing weight and reducing binge eating. The participants completed a digital diary study, which is a user-centered design technique for capturing individuals' day-to-day experiences in relevant contexts. Qualitative data describing the participants' experiences with binge eating and obesity were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results were then used to create personas (i.e., character archetypes of different intervention consumers). Results: The participants described triggers for binge eating and indicated that binge eating and excess weight negatively impact their mental health, physical health, and quality of life. The resulting personas reflected five different struggles individuals with these health problems experience in managing their binge eating and weight. Conclusions: Individuals with binge eating and obesity have varying precipitants of problematic eating as well as varying motivations for and challenges to behavior change. To meet the needs of all who seek intervention, an ideal intervention design will account for variations in these factors and be relevant to diverse experiences. Insights from the diary study and resulting personas will inform the next phases of the user-centered design process of iteratively designing prototypes and testing the intervention in practice.

Integrating User-Centered Design and Behavioral Science to Design a Mobile Intervention for Obesity and Binge Eating: Mixed Methods Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Accounting for how end users engage with technologies is imperative for designing an efficacious mobile behavioral intervention. OBJECTIVE: This mixed methods analysis examined the translational potential of user-centered design and basic behavioral science to inform the design of a new mobile intervention for obesity and binge eating. METHODS: A total of 22 adults (7/22, 32% non-Hispanic White; 8/22, 36% male) with self-reported obesity and recurrent binge eating (≥12 episodes in 3 months) who were interested in losing weight and reducing binge eating completed a prototyping design activity over 1 week. Leveraging evidence from behavioral economics on choice architecture, participants chose treatment strategies from 20 options (aligned with treatment targets composing a theoretical model of the relation between binge eating and weight) to demonstrate which strategies and treatment targets are relevant to end users. The process by which participants selected and implemented strategies and their change in outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Although prompted to select one strategy, participants selected between 1 and 3 strategies, citing perceived achievability, helpfulness, or relevance as selection reasons. Over the week, all practiced a strategy at least once; 82% (18/22) struggled with implementation, and 23% (5/22) added a new strategy. Several themes emerged on successes and challenges with implementation, yielding design implications for supporting users in behavior change. In postexperiment reflections, 82% (18/22) indicated the strategy was helpful, and 86% (19/22) planned to continue use. One-week average within-subject changes in weight (-2.2 [SD -5.0] pounds) and binge eating (-1.6 [SD -1.8] episodes) indicated small clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Applying user-centered design and basic behavioral science yielded design insights to incorporate personalization through user choice with guidance, which may enhance engagement with and potential efficacy of digital health interventions.

Past, current, and future willingness to engage with treatment targets: Applying user-centered design to inform the design of a mobile behavioral intervention.

OBJECTIVE: User-centered design can improve engagement with and the potential efficacy of behavioral interventions, but is underutilized in health care. This work demonstrates how design methodologies can inform the design of a mobile behavioral intervention for binge eating and obesity. METHOD: A needs assessment was conducted with end-users (N = 22 adults with obesity and recurrent binge eating [≥12 episodes in 3 months] who were interested in losing weight and addressing binge eating), which included assessing participants' past/current and future willingness to engage with 20 treatment targets for managing binge eating and weight. Targets focused on improving dietary intake, increasing physical activity, and reducing overvaluation of weight and/or shape, unhealthy weight control practices, and negative affect. RESULTS: Participants' past and current use of targets varied. For all targets except those addressing unhealthy weight control practices, on average, participants had increasing levels of willingness to try targets. Among participants not currently using a target, at least some were willing to use every target again. DISCUSSION: Findings inform ways to personalize how users begin treatment. Furthermore, this study exemplifies how user-centered design can inform ways to ensure that digital interventions are designed to meet end-users' needs to improve engagement and clinical impact.