Integrating science and design in the development of Detour: A mobile intervention for youth smoking cessation
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Digital smoking cessation interventions for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) often either lack a strong evidence base or fail to engage their intended users. Integrating psychological science with design-based methods offers a promising route to interventions, yet the processes behind such integration are rarely reported in detail. In this paper, we describe the development of Detour, a mobile smoking cessation intervention for AYAs, redesigned from an earlier app (HitnRun) using the Bloombox Toolkit to integrate science and design throughout. We describe how six psychological mechanisms including smoking cue devaluation and delay discounting were translated into intervention components. We used an iterative, interdisciplinary process involving behavioural scientists, app designers, and an ongoing youth advisory board. Additionally, we included over 380 AYAs across focus groups, play tests, and qualitative questionnaires. We then reflect on our experience integrating design and science for intervention development and share practical challenges encountered, including budgeting for interdisciplinary teams, retaining youth participants, and regulatory delays. By reporting these processes and challenges transparently, we aim to support other researchers in designing digital health interventions that are both scientifically grounded and engaging for their target users.
Source: PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7213396832