Creating a Digital Tool for Research Teams to Enhance Dissemination and Sustainability
Author Information
Author(s): Kepper Maura M., L’Hotta Allison J., Shato Thembekile, Kwan Bethany M., Glasgow Russell E., Luke Douglas, Graham Andrea K., Baumann Ana A., Brownson Ross C., Morse Brad
Primary Institution: Washington University in St. Louis
Hypothesis
Can a digital platform help research teams effectively apply Designing for Dissemination and Sustainability (D4DS) principles?
Conclusion
The D4DS Planner is a user-friendly tool that supports research teams in applying D4DS principles, potentially increasing the impact and sustainability of their research products.
Supporting Evidence
- The D4DS Planner was developed through user-centered design, ensuring it meets the needs of researchers.
- Participants rated the usability of the tool as moderately usable, with improvements noted after refinements.
- The tool includes features that facilitate collaboration with community partners.
- Usability testing indicated that users found the tool visually appealing and professional.
- Feedback from users highlighted the need for clearer navigation and reduced complexity in content.
Takeaway
This study created a digital tool to help researchers plan how to share and keep their work useful over time, making it easier for them to work with others.
Methodology
A user-centered design approach was used, involving 14 users and an expert panel in iterative design sessions and usability testing.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of diverse representation in the design process.
Limitations
The tool was not tested with community partners or diverse demographics, and it is limited to English language users.
Participant Demographics
71% academics and 29% practitioners, with varying levels of dissemination and implementation knowledge.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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