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Dementia

Human-Centered Design Framework Helps Develop Physical Activity Interventions for Minoritized Groups

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A human-centered design framework, known as the innovation biodesign framework, has been successfully applied to develop a physical activity intervention, called the Nurturing Aging Through Uplifting Activities in a Restorative Environment (NATURE) program, specifically designed for minoritized individuals, such as Hispanic or Latino people with memory challenges. This innovative approach was developed by researchers at Princeton University, who conducted a three-step process to create the NATURE program. In step one, they identified the problem of physical inactivity among minoritized groups and its relation to dementia. In step two, they designed the intervention, taking into account the preferences and needs of Hispanic or Latino people with memory challenges. In step three, they mapped the plan to pilot the NATURE program using activity tracker technology to measure sleep, heart rate, and activity.

Key Takeaways:

  • A human-centered design framework, called the innovation biodesign framework, was successfully applied to develop a physical activity intervention, NATURE, for minoritized groups.
  • The NATURE program was specifically designed for Hispanic or Latino people with memory challenges, who are often overlooked in physical activity interventions.
  • The program was developed through a three-step process, identifying the problem, designing the intervention, and mapping the plan to pilot the program.
  • The innovation biodesign framework provided a systematic approach to map the development of NATURE, addressing the needs of minoritized populations.
  • The NATURE program includes 4-6 sessions with 2 phone check-ins, promoting an active lifestyle and well-being, and accounting for a person's preferences, needs, and daily situation.
  • The framework can be a helpful tool to map the development of other interventions for minoritized populations.

Statistics:

  • 50 referrals were received for focus group participants, but only 21 (n=6 Hispanic or Latino people with memory challenges and care partners, n=8 outdoor professionals, and n=7 health care providers) participants completed the focus groups.
  • 12 weeks was the duration of the NATURE program.
  • 4-6 sessions were included in the NATURE program.
  • 2 phone check-ins were included in the NATURE program.
  • Activity tracker technology was used to measure sleep, heart rate, and activity.
  • Questionnaires were used to validate the NATURE program.
  • The research concluded that the innovation biodesign framework can be a helpful tool to map the development of other interventions for minoritized populations.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Princeton University Provides New Data on Dementia (Applying the Human-Centered Innovation Biodesign Framework to the Development and Piloting of a Program to Mitigate Risk for Cognitive Decline Among Historically Underrepresented ...). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 27, 2025; p 232.
  • Applying the Human-Centered Innovation Biodesign Framework to the Development and Piloting of a Program to Mitigate Risk for Cognitive Decline Among Historically Underrepresented Individuals: Case Study. JMIR Formative Research, 2025;9.

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