A Human‐Centred Co‐Design Framework for Developing a Web‐Based Platform to Engage With Rural Australian Communities: Addressing the Complex Issue of Healthy Food Access

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis report presents the co‐design framework for developing, prototyping, testing and implementing a Web‐based Platform (WBP) that will use participatory approaches to engage rural communities.The WBP will be used to understand the unique factors influencing access to healthy and unhealthy foods and to generate potential solutions for promoting healthier diets.MethodsA human‐centred design (HSD) approach will be used to ideate, prototype, test and implement the WBP.DesignParticipatory Action Research.SettingTwo rural local government areas in Australia.ParticipantsParticipants will include key stakeholders from each local government's relevant public health organisations, in addition to community members.Main Outcome MeasuresReach (number, cohort representation and geographic spread) of active participants in the co‐design process, community members that used the WBP tool and adoption (completion of WBP activities).ResultsA usable platform for communities to generate local solutions to drive change for diverse populations within rural communities in Australia.DiscussionSignificant advances and innovative approaches are needed to address the challenges of accessing healthy food in rural areas.ConclusionsThe resulting WBP has the potential to work at scale for communities in Australia and internationally in designing effective place‐based solutions.