Information Design for Diagnostics: Ensuring Confidence and Accuracy for Home Testing

About the project

This research has investigated the design and ease of use of instructions for carrying out COVID-19 lateral flow tests at the point of use. Prototype sets of instructions were designed, working with users and test manufacturers and feedback has been incorporated into a set of guidance and recommendations. Although focused on current lateral flow rapid tests, the findings are widely applicable to any community-based testing technology.

Key policy recommendations include:

• Promote the practice of preparing clear and easy-to-follow point of use instructions.
• Encourage test manufacturers and suppliers to consider point-of-use instructions when creating documentation for their tests and support manufacturers and distributors in preparation of these to suit specific audiences and circumstances.
• Implement user-centred design research and practice in producing instructional documentation for users.