App for a precision nutrition tool integrating behavior change methodologies and expert-based recommendations

Eurecat has developed an innovative tool for personalized nutrition and wellbeing. The tool comprises a personalized nutrition recommender system based on an integrative algorithm of specific biomarkers (under patent protection) and uses BECOME, a recommendation system designed to facilitate behavior change, currently optimized by integrating behavior design methodologies and personalizing dietary recommendations according to the users’ profile. The recommender system is accessible through an app that uses missions, scoring systems, and questionnaires and personalized recommendations to promote behaviour changes in nutrition and wellbeing. In collaboration with our multidisciplinary team, researchers from the Behavior Design Lab by the Open University of Catalonia designed a behavior survey based on the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behavior). This survey includes a short 6-question self-report addressing different behaviour aspects to identify behavioral barriers preventing users from adhering to recommendations and improving their lifestyles. Based on the results, recommendations are tailored by metabolic group and COM-B component (already tagged by the experts), focusing on the behavior element with a lower score. For example, a user with high motivation and ability but low opportunity will receive recommendations that help create a more enabling environment for behavior change. In addition to integrating the COM-B model into the app, desk research on similar behavior-change tools was conducted to identify potential enhancements and commonly used interventions. Additionally, a "behavioral audit" will be carried out by UOC’s behavior design lab experts at the end of 2024 to identify friction points and obstacles in the product interface. Improvements from these findings will be implemented, followed by a final validation with a sample of users.