Expert-Informed Design of an AI-Augmented Preventive Health App for Young Adults

Preventive digital health solutions (DHSs) are critical for addressing chronic conditions such as prediabetes, which is a growing concern, particularly among young adults (aged 18–34). Existing wellness apps suffer high dropout rates due to poor usability and inclusivity. MiCARE, an expert-informed, AI-augmented progressive web app (PWA), addresses these gaps through a novel multi-theoretical framework integrating Self-Determination Theory (SDT), CARE (“Compassion”, “Assistance”, “Respect”, “Empathy”), User-Centered Design (UCD) and Inclusive Design. For instance, its empathetic chatbot, using closed-domain natural language processing (NLP) with clinically verified and multilingual responses, promotes culturally adaptive engagement. MiCARE was developed using the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) and a WCAG 2.1-compliant prototype was refined through multidisciplinary expert feedback, adhering to La Trobe University ethics approval. A pilot study is planned to evaluate usability, usefulness, and satisfaction using an integrated Task-Technology Fit (TTF)- Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. MiCARE offers a replicable, theory-driven blueprint for designing and evaluating inclusive DHSs, validated through expert review.