This guideline aims to aid this process of involving and empowering the intended users and provide a practical step-by-step guide to better understand and include them in a meaningful way. To do so, we will elaborate on the importance and concept of this participation.
Then, we will present Design Thinking as a process framework, referring to methods you can use for user participation throughout the process. To provide depth, the guidelines incorporate insights from transnational adaptations of two digital mental health solutions: the Stress Autism Mate (SAM) app and the SAFE app. These real-world examples highlight the challenges and successes encountered when scaling solutions across cultural contexts.
Finally, we summarise our recommendations in concrete topics you should be aware of when working with user participation for digital mental health innovation in an international context.
Cite as: Lange Nielsen, S., Korthé Carlsen, C., Roke, Y., Schaap, J., Van Daele, T., & Bernaerts, S. (2025). Guideline for user participation: adapting digital mental health across borders. Interreg North Sea SUPER. Retrieved from https://www.interregnorthsea.eu/super/guidelines
