JOURNAL ARTICLE · EDITORIAL BRIEF
Design Guidelines for Online Health Forums: User-Centered Design Approach
Paul Marshall; Neil Caton; Anna Lindroos Cermakova; Bohdana Dock; Zoe Glossop; Steven Jones; Jade Haines; Christopher Lodge; Karen Machin; Jo Rycroft-Malone; Rachel Meacock; Dorian Peters; Paul Rayson; Heather Robinson; Louisa Salhi; Jay Staff; Fiona Lobban
Journal of Medical Internet Research · 14 September 2026 · Background reading
The finding or development
The authors translate lived experience and theory into forum guidance addressing autonomy, competence, belonging and safety. Recommendations connect broad principles with practical implementation choices.
What supports it
Peer-reviewed qualitative study: 54 interviews with 36 forum users and 18 staff, plus four staff design workshops; self-determination theory informs analysis.
Reviewed: Publisher abstract, methods, design framework and strengths/limitations sections; appendices not reviewed.
Why it matters for design
A source for evaluating community onboarding, moderation and user control. Treat the guidance as hypotheses to test in the community you serve.
Read with this in mind
The sample may favour engaged users and staff and underrepresent negative experiences. UK and mental-health emphasis limit transferability; the proposed guidelines were not directly tested for improved wellbeing or safety.
Original source
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DOI: 10.2196/85411
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