Lessons learned in development of a behavior modeling tool for health intervention design: BehaviorSim

Abstract

The BehaviorSim Modeling Tool, a behavioral-scientist-facing software for development of Computational Human Behavior Models (CHBMs), has been developed in an effort to close the gap between Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention researchers and dynamical systems modeling. We present a summary of our iterative methodology for creating the BehaviorSim Model Builder alongside insights and lessons learned at each stage of the process. Drawing from our lessons learned, we highlight and explain the following UI design guidelines as especially important in the development of future CHBM tools: (1) promote expertise development, (2) enable quick model iteration, (3) present high-level visualizations to de-internalize models, and (4) utilize adaptive interfaces. A focus on these design guidelines in the development of future CHBM tools, combined with the provided user persona, will allow developers to create systems that are more accessible and have more utility to JiTAI designers.