Exploring Behaviour Change Situations for Pandemic Prevention and Control in Public Spaces in Hefei, China

Abstract

Protective behaviours – such as wearing face masks, ensuring good hygiene, maintaining social distancing, and limiting physical contact – have been acknowledged as effective non-pharmaceutical solutions for pandemic prevention. However, many people often fail to adhere to these behaviour modifications. To better understand the issue, this study explores individuals' behaviour change situations during the COVID-19 pandemic and proposes appropriate design strategies. To collect valuable data for analysis, the researcher utilized three qualitative methods including observation, nominal group technique (NGT), and a user interview. Five facets of the current behaviour change situation were examined in Hefei, China. These include surveillance, publicity and information dissemination, public facilities and auxiliary tools design, people's attitudes towards behaviour change, and their actual behaviour performance. Moreover, the researchers also examined key challenges and design limitations of behaviour change situations, which were ranked based on voting results from three NGT groups. These theoretical findings may provide valuable insights to guide practical designs and policymaking within the domain of pandemic prevention and control.