Short answer

When designing health information tools for populations with limited health literacy, prioritize clear, interactive, and relatable content delivered through user-tested formats like tailored video modules.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: JMIR Formative Research (2026)
Method: Iterative User-Centered Design using the Intervention Mapping framework
Evidence: Strong effect

An interactive, video-based decision aid, developed through an iterative user-centered design process, significantly improves the ability of couples with limited health literacy to make informed choices about prenatal screening. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2026 study published in JMIR Formative Research. Using Iterative user-centered design using the intervention mapping framework, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing health information tools for populations with limited health literacy, prioritize clear, interactive, and relatable content delivered through user-tested formats like tailored video modules.

Study

User-Centred DesignNew This WeekStrong effect

Tailored Video Assistant Boosts Informed Prenatal Screening Decisions for Low Health Literacy Groups

JMIR Formative Research · 2026

Key Findings

01A needs assessment identified specific challenges faced by couples with limited health literacy in understanding prenatal screening information.
02An interactive, video-based decision aid with four modules (Other people’s experiences, Information about the tests, Help me decide, Further questions) was developed.
03Iterative prototyping and testing with target users and stakeholders ensured the decision aid was tailored to user needs and preferences.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When developing educational materials for health-related decisions, conduct thorough needs assessments with the target audience and use iterative prototyping with user feedback to ensure clarity and usability.

Project actions

01When designing a product, think about who will use it and if they will understand the information you provide.
02Use videos or interactive elements to explain complex ideas in a simple way.

Method & Evidence

AimTo systematically design and develop an online, interactive, and tailored video-based assistant to support pregnant couples with limited health literacy in making informed decisions about prenatal screening.

MethodIterative User-Centered Design using the Intervention Mapping framework

ProcedureThe development involved a needs assessment with pregnant couples and counselors, defining change objectives, selecting theoretical methods, and iteratively producing and testing three prototypes of the decision aid with target users and stakeholders.

ContextPrenatal screening decision-making for pregnant couples with limited health literacy.

Variables

IV["Interactive, tailored video-based assistant (vs. standard information)"]

DV["Informed decision-making about prenatal screening","Understanding of prenatal screening information","User satisfaction with the decision aid"]

CV["Health literacy level of participants","Demographic characteristics of participants","Content of the prenatal screening information"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Employs a systematic and iterative user-centered design methodology.
+Focuses on a vulnerable population with identified needs.
+Utilizes a multi-module, interactive approach to information delivery.

Limitations

The study focused on a specific health decision (prenatal screening) and a particular demographic (couples with limited health literacy in the Netherlands). Findings may not be directly transferable to other health contexts or populations without adaptation.

Reliability & validity

The iterative testing with multiple prototypes and user groups likely enhances the validity of the design by ensuring it meets user needs. Reliability would be assessed by the consistency of user feedback across testing phases and the consistency of the tool's performance.

Think critically

How might the principles of designing for limited health literacy be applied to other complex decision-making scenarios beyond healthcare, such as financial planning or legal matters?

Design Principles

"Design for comprehension and empowerment by tailoring information delivery to the specific needs and literacy levels of the target audience."

This research highlights the critical need for accessible and understandable health information, particularly for vulnerable populations. By employing a user-centered approach, designers can create effective tools that empower individuals to make critical health decisions aligned with their values and understanding.

What This Means for Your Design

This study shows that making health information easy to understand, especially for people who find health topics confusing, can be done by creating special video tools that users help design.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of user research and tailoring design solutions for specific user groups, particularly in health-related projects.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The development of a tailored, video-based decision aid, as demonstrated in the design of a prenatal screening support tool, underscores the critical role of user-centered design in enhancing health literacy and informed decision-making. By employing iterative prototyping and incorporating user feedback, designers can create accessible and effective resources that empower diverse user groups to navigate complex health choices.

Source

JMIR Formative Research

Development of a Tailored Online Video-Based Assistant to Support Prenatal Screening Decisions in Couples With Limited Health Literacy: User-Centered Design Approach

journal · 2026

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about tailored video assistant boosts informed prenatal screening decisions for low health literacy groups?: When designing health information tools for populations with limited health literacy, prioritize clear, interactive, and relatable content delivered through user-tested formats like tailored video modules. Evidence: JMIR Formative Research (2026).
Why does "Tailored Video Assistant Boosts Informed Prenatal Screening Decisions for Low Health Literacy Groups" matter for design?: This research highlights the critical need for accessible and understandable health information, particularly for vulnerable populations. By employing a user-centered approach, designers can create effective tools that empower individuals to make critical health decisions aligned with their values and understanding.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing health information tools for populations with limited health literacy, prioritize clear, interactive, and relatable content delivered through user-tested formats like tailored video modules.
What were the main findings?: A needs assessment identified specific challenges faced by couples with limited health literacy in understanding prenatal screening information.. An interactive, video-based decision aid with four modules (Other people’s experiences, Information about the tests, Help me decide, Further questions) was developed.. Iterative prototyping and testing with target users and stakeholders ensured the decision aid was tailored to user needs and preferences.
What research method was used?: Iterative User-Centered Design using the Intervention Mapping framework.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2026 journal from JMIR Formative Research.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When developing educational materials for health-related decisions, conduct thorough needs assessments with the target audience and use iterative prototyping with user feedback to ensure clarity and usability.
What are the limitations?: The paper describes steps 1-4 of the development process, with implementation planning and evaluation preparation yet to be detailed. The specific effectiveness of the final decision aid in improving informed decision-making requires further evaluation.