Inclusive Design Framework for Suicide Prevention Apps

Suicide remains a major global public health issue, and mobile health apps have emerged as a promising tool for suicide prevention. Evidence suggests that digital solutions can help reduce both suicide attempts and completed suicides. However, the adoption of suicide prevention apps is hindered by usability and accessibility challenges. At present, there is no comprehensive framework to guide the inclusive design of these apps. This study investigates which design elements can enhance the adoption of suicide prevention apps across diverse user groups. The resulting framework with recommended inclusive design elements was developed through a literature review, usability testing of the suicide prevention app SERO and expert evaluation of the initial framework. The resulting framework comprises eight groups of aspects: user interface and visual design, accessibility, educational content, interaction and feedback, customization and user preferences, inclusive language, data security and transparency, as well as emotional support and psychological safety. We conclude the inclusive design of suicide prevention apps goes beyond design elements, but requires a holistic view on the setting these apps are used in and the specific risks of the users .