Designing health websites based on users' web-based information-seeking behaviors: A mixed-method observational study

BACKGROUND: Laypeople increasingly use the Internet as a source of health information, but finding and discovering the right information remains problematic. These issues are partially due to the mismatch between the design of consumer health websites and the needs of health information seekers, particularly the lack of support for “exploring” health information. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to create a design for consumer health websites by supporting different health information–seeking behaviors. We created a website called Better Health Explorer with the new design. Through the evaluation of this new design, we derive design implications for future implementations. METHODS: Better Health Explorer was designed using a user-centered approach. The design was implemented and assessed through a laboratory-based observational study. Participants tried to use Better Health Explorer and another live health website. Both websites contained the same content. A mixed-method approach was adopted to analyze multiple types of data collected in the experiment, including screen recordings, activity logs, Web browsing histories, and audiotaped interviews. RESULTS: Overall, 31 participants took part in the observational study. Our new design showed a positive result for improving the experience of health information seeking, by providing a wide range of information and an engaging environment. The results showed better knowledge acquisition, a higher number of page reads, and more query reformulations in both focused and exploratory search tasks. In addition, participants spent more time to discover health information with our design in exploratory search tasks, indicating higher engagement with the website. Finally, we identify 4 design considerations for designing consumer health websites and health information–seeking apps: (1) providing a dynamic information scope; (2) supporting serendipity; (3) considering trust implications; and (4) enhancing interactivity. CONCLUSIONS: Better Health Explorer provides strong support for the heterogeneous and shifting behaviors of health information seekers and eases the health information–seeking process. Our findings show the importance of understanding different health information–seeking behaviors and highlight the implications for designers of consumer health websites and health information–seeking apps

Nature, Community & The Farm Home: Open Resilient Lifestyle of a Hawai'I High Ground Neighborhood

D.Arch. University of Hawaii at Manoa 2015.Includes bibliographical references.This D.Arch Project proposes a resilient Hawai‘i community to withstand a natural disaster and to provide for self-sufficiency. The natural disasters that are being address are high winds and hurricane conditions. In most situations when constructing to be resilient, the words, strong, resistant, and invincible come to mind. The investigation begins by identifying natural disasters that are relatable to Hawai‘i’s geography then focuses on hurricane conditions and how we prepare ourselves for this weather condition; building codes, safe rooms, and causes of roof uplift. This leads to the perception of why should we resist the storm by using excessive amount of building material to be resilient and why not allow the storm to enter by using minimal amount of building material to be resilient. The occupant’s safety and personal well-being are the most important factors in this situation. A brief building material analysis is conducted to determine which would be best used for construction against the weather and time. Living in Hawai‘i, the natural environment can improve the occupant’s personal well-being, so why are they living behind enclosed walls to experience this. The bare necessities were explored and implemented, by examining nature, studying Le Corbusier, and critiquing case studies. However, five controversial issues that have risen from living in an open air structure home. Designing resiliency goes beyond the storm and the home. It also involves the physical, sociological, and mental aspects to be prepared for when situations go wrong. Community engagement can supplement the occupant’s personal well-being. In order for the occupant to be comfortable living in the open air structured home, community core values are needed to be established to create a prestigious resilient community lifestyle. Common areas, community activities, and marketing strategies were analyzed to demonstrate how people would be convinced that this lifestyle is applicable. Ancient Hawaiians practiced and shared the same core values when providing for self-sustainment. At the end of this D.Arch Project, a comprehensive concept design was made for this resilient lifestyle, community, and farm home for a new neighborhood near Wahiawa

The use of web-based technologies in health research participation: Qualitative study of consumer and researcher experiences

Background: Health consumers are often targeted for their involvement in health research including randomized controlled trials, focus groups, interviews, and surveys. However, as reported by many studies, recruitment and engagement of consumers in academic research remains challenging. In addition, there is scarce literature describing what consumers look for and want to achieve by participating in research. Objective: Understanding and responding to the needs of consumers is crucial to the success of health research projects. In this study, we aim to understand consumers’ needs and investigate the opportunities for addressing these needs with Web-based technologies, particularly in the use of Web-based research registers and social networking sites (SNSs). Methods: We undertook a qualitative approach, interviewing both consumer and medical researchers in this study. With the help from an Australian-based organization supporting people with musculoskeletal conditions, we successfully interviewed 23 consumers and 10 researchers. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed with thematic analysis methodology. Data collection was stopped after the data themes reached saturation. Results: We found that consumers perceive research as a learning opportunity and, therefore, expect high research transparency and regular updates. They also consider the sources of the information about research projects, the trust between consumers and researchers, and the mobility of consumers before participating in any research. Researchers need to be aware of such needs when designing a campaign for recruitment for their studies. On the other hand, researchers have attempted to establish a rapport with consumer participants, design research for consumers’ needs, and use technologies to reach out to consumers. A systematic approach to integrating a variety of technologies is needed. Conclusions: On the basis of the feedback from both consumers and researchers, we propose 3 future directions to use Web-based technologies for addressing consumers’ needs and engaging with consumers in health research: (1) researchers can make use of consumer registers and Web-based research portals, (2) SNSs and new media should be frequently used as an aid, and (3) new technologies should be adopted to remotely collect data and reduce administrative work for obtaining consumers’ consent

The Episodicity of Memory. Current Trends and Issues in Philosophy and Psychology

International audienc

Situating Emotions: From Embodied Cognition to Mindreading

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