Nov 12, 2024
User-Centered Development of the iPROLEPSIS Lifestyle Recommendation Engine
The iPROLEPSIS project recently hosted its first co-creation session focused on refining the Lifestyle Recommendation Engine for individuals with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).
This online session brought together a diverse, multidisciplinary group of 20 participants, including patient research partners from Portugal, The Netherlands, the UK, and Greece, along with clinicians, researchers, and developers from the iPROLEPSIS consortium.
During the session, participants explored mockups and initial prototypes for nutrition and physical activity recommendations, offering valuable insights that guide iterative development towards a more user-centred and impactful design for the iPROLEPSIS Lifestyle Recommendation Engine.
Purpose and Approach
This collaborative effort aimed to improve the iPROLEPSIS Lifestyle Recommendation Engine, ensuring that it is user-centred and impactful. The session included detailed presentations of mockups and prototypes, followed by discussions where participants shared their perspectives and feedback on the nutrition and physical activity guidelines.
Key Findings
Strengths
Clear Presentation: Participants appreciated the clarity of the nutrition and exercise recommendations, especially the structured breakdown of weekly meal plans and exercise intensity levels, which allowed for easy tailoring to user capabilities.
User-Friendly Exercise Recommendations: Including exercise intensity was highly valued, helping users to select routines suitable to their abilities.
Areas for Improvement
Portion Sizes and Meal Timings: Participants recommended clearer definitions for portion sizes and specific guidance on meal timings to better support daily routines.
Household Measurements: To improve accessibility, participants suggested including household measurements for ingredients, making recipes easier to follow.
Cultural and Dietary Preferences: The inclusion of various cuisines, dietary options (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free), and meal preparation cost considerations were recommended.
Suggestions for Future Development
Customizable Meal Plans: Participants supported options for users to create or choose from curated meal plans, along with suggested recipes for variety and personalisation.
Enhanced Accessibility in Physical Activity: The need for exercise recommendations catering to different mobility levels was emphasised, with suggestions for low-intensity options for users with limited physical capacity.
Safety Information and Usability: Feedback supported the inclusion of safety information for users with joint conditions and clarity enhancements in the app's design, particularly in colour-coding for specific goals.
Interactive Goal Setting: Participants supported the inclusion of features for progress tracking and personalised goal setting to motivate users and enhance engagement.
Participant Feedback and Satisfaction
Participants expressed high satisfaction, particularly with the session’s structure and the collaborative nature of the discussion. Many appreciated the online format, which improved interaction.
Looking Ahead
The valuable feedback gathered will guide further development, ensuring the Lifestyle Recommendation Engine meets diverse user needs. Future iterations will aim to incorporate additional user-friendly features, making it easier for individuals with PsA to access personalised nutrition and physical activity recommendations tailored to their unique health goals and lifestyle preferences.
