Overview
This study examines the evolution and current status of health habits in Spain, focusing on recent decades. The aim is to identify demographic groups prone to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy habits, assess regional disparities, understand motivations for adopting healthy behaviors, and investigate preferred information sources and formats.
Furthermore, the study evaluates how a mobile application could effectively promote and sustain healthy habits, potentially reducing obesity in Spain. Through this investigation, we aim to provide insights into designing digital tools that encourage healthier lifestyles among different population segments.
My Role
UX Researcher
Methodology
Benchmarking
Desk research
Personas
Interviews
Affinity diagram
User journey map
Duration
Sept 2023 - Jan 2024
Process
The research process involved several key stages. Firstly, we conducted desk research and benchmarking to understand the market landscape and identify gaps and opportunities for our product.
Building on strong foundations
Based on this research, we defined our primary and secondary user groups using the Travis Matrix, prioritizing groups where obtaining substantial information was feasible and establishing contact was more accessible. We then created detailed user personas that accurately represent our primary user groups. These personas were meticulously crafted to reflect insights from our research, ensuring they closely align with the observed needs and behaviors within these user segments.
Gaining Insights
To understand the motivations and challenges behind healthy lifestyles, we conducted interviews with a representative sample of Barcelona residents. This included individuals with regular physical activity routines and others facing challenges in maintaining healthy habits. Participants were selected based on their demonstrated interest in health, particularly focusing on aspects like physical activity and nutrition. Subsequently, we organized and categorized interview data using an affinity diagramming process.
Outcome
Desk research revealed that Spain's national policies prioritize children, low socioeconomic groups, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. According to a 2018 WHO report, children and adolescents aged 11 to 18 have the lowest physical activity levels in Spain. Parental socioeconomic characteristics significantly impact children's obesity risk, while demographic profiles and education levels also shape health habits. Education can promote health equity by impacting health behaviors, regardless of occupational status.
Benchmarking revealed that the majority of market products currently target adults. One notable indirect competitor introduced child-friendly features only after establishing a strong adult user base, suggesting a phased approach is feasible. All competitors employed gamification using progress tracking, rewards, and community features, but only a few offered deep customization or robust personalization.
Insights from interviews indicate that interviewees are primarily motivated to maintain healthy habits for reasons such as experiencing well-being, enhancing physical appearance, increasing muscle strength, achieving weight goals, and preventing health issues. They also view exercise and healthy eating as ways to disconnect from work, reduce stress, and enhance mood. Challenges identified in adopting healthy habits include maintaining motivation, changing habits, lack of nutrition knowledge, work pressures, and scarcity of reliable information.
Based on research insights, the following features and principles are recommended for any future product aimed at reducing obesity in Spain:
Build an adult-focused product first, with later expansion to include child-oriented features.
Design an integrated planner that connects meal suggestions to exercise routines.
Use gamification (streaks, badges, team challenges) to encourage habit formation
Offer feedback with personalized recommendations based on monitored physical activity data.
Provide effective tools for progress monitoring and visualization.
Use infographics, animations, and iconography to convey health information.
Ensure content is evidence-based and sourced from trusted scientific authorities.