A Design Thinking Approach to the Design of a Digital Tool to Support People on a Weight Management Journey

Abstract

The application of digital tools in support of people making a positive behaviour change is well established. However, it has been observed that the impact is not as significant as predicted. The aim of this project was to investigate whether a Design Thinking approach could generate new insights that could be used to drive the development of an innovative application to help people on their weight management journey. Findings show that although no radically new user needs were identified, careful planning emerged as the most significant challenge; which contrasts with the heavy focus of commercially available apps on calorie and activity tracking.