Creating an engaging, age-appropriate digital health experience for teens

The need

In line with secondary research [2], all teens we engaged with during hospital visits, online feedback sessions, and within the Youth Committee, had their own phone. While caregivers often approve app downloads for younger users, teens expect to be able to access healthcare information privately.

Many used TikTok, the NHS website, and Reddit for health information.   

Our response

We enabled teenagers to download a teen version of their Little Journey app while maintaining caregiver access to a corresponding caregiver version

Beyond these technical changes, the teenagers' appetite for information from trustworthy and relatable sources shaped our approach to developing teen-focused content. We provided access to answers to questions frequently asked by teens undergoing the same procedures.  

The need

Bright colours, cartoon-style illustrations, and simplified language which appeal to younger children were seen as patronising by some teenage users. These elements acted as barriers to engaging with content rather than enablers.

"Be supportive, but don’t sugar coat it.”

Our response

Through multiple co-design sessions and hospital visits, teens helped us shape a completely new look and feel. Together we explored what language and level of detail felt appropriate for their age.

The result is a new visual identity and tone that retains Little Journey’s accessible and supportive feel, while being age-appropriate for teens.

The need

Teens wanted clear and factual information about procedures: why they were having the procedure, and what to expect before, during, and after.

For some, that was enough. Others wanted to go deeper, exploring how procedures work, reading tips from peers, or accessing reassurance from healthcare professionals. 

"Sometimes you don't know what you need to learn until you hear other people's questions."

Our response

To give everyone the foundational information and support independent learning for teens who wanted to dive into more details, we simplified the navigation so priority information is available within a few clicks of the home screen.

Procedure pages were also restructured to reflect teen priorities, presenting: 

• One sentence summary of the procedure
• Quick 'essentials' sections addressing key questions
• Common questions from other users
• Visuals of the equipment they will encounter 

This layered approach supports both quick learning and deeper exploration. 

The need

Many teens described feeling nervous, forgetful or overwhelmed during appointments. They valued tools that could make clinical interactions more predictable and collaborative.

They were particularly interested in features that allowed them to prepare questions in advance and privately explore topics that felt personal or embarrassing.

Our response

We ensured the app includes access to frequently asked questions and a notes feature that helps teens plan what they want to discuss with their healthcare team.

This supports more confident and direct communication with healthcare professionals. It also takes the pressure off preparing for each appointment, as teenagers can note anything important i.e. symptoms as they happen between visits.

The need

While not raised as a specific need, the desire to plan and prepare emerged repeatedly in teens’ proposed solutions, such as calendars, notes and checklists.

This aligns with our wider research [3] and preparatory interviews, which highlighted that while adolescents value independence and control, they may also need support with executive function.

Our response

Building on a feature we had already developed for caregivers, we introduced a teen-facing My Next Visit module that provides the information teenagers prioritise when preparing for appointments. The priority of the information shown differs for teen vs. caregiver users to better meet their differing needs.

This helps them take ownership of their healthcare experience without overwhelming them with content better suited to caregivers.