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.

Principal Investigator

Professor Sue Walker
(University of Reading)

Project Website

Policy Brief

Guidance, Messaging and Behaviour Change

Healthcare

Keywords

testing user-centred design