An Iterative Mixed-Method Study to Assess the Usability and Feasibility Perception of CANVAS? As a Platform to Deliver Interventions for Children

Digital healthy eating interventions are an increasingly important tool; however, poor adherence and high dropout rates may compromise efficacy. It is crucial to develop usability and feasibility studies to identify barriers and facilitators of user engagement. A two-iteration mixed-method study was conducted to assess perceptions of the usability and feasibility of CANVAS (R) as a platform to deliver intervention for children. Both iterations included a guided exploration of the platform, questionnaires (i.e., System Usability Scale and Enjoyment subscale from the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory [IMI]), and semi-structured interviews. The sample comprised nine child-parent dyads (i.e., sixth-grade children and their mothers) from a school in which the study was publicized. Overall, participants perceived the platform positively. Facilitators (e.g., enjoyability) and barriers (e.g., lack of digital literacy) were identified. Lastly, participants enrolled in both iterations improved their performance. Data from this study will be critical for the implementation of the intervention.