SURRY HILLS, Australia - AussieJournal -- As the leaders in behavioural change, MPF ensured that Compass used proven techniques and scientifically validated data  to help users  increase their 'health literacy', and adopt healthier habits around physical activity and eating. Each day of each week, represented as a stepping stone on the journey, there are various 'missions/things to complete/aim for'.

The app was created through an extensive co-design process with a sample of target users. Their clear views were that they wanted this to be game-like, but not a game. To be engaging, accessible, trustworthy and aimed at increasing their knowledge as a foundation to changing their behaviour.

Dr Jillian Ryan, the postdoctoral lead on the project from CSIRO said "The incredibly professional and dedicated team at Miroma Project Factory showed genuine care for developing an effective product and deep understanding and appreciation for the scientific process including study design.They truly are many cuts above the others."

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The app is only available to the 300 users who have been selected to be part of the trial. Users enrolled in the Compass program are encouraged to log their mood each day and to undertake targeted improvements related to their levels of physical activity, nutrition and diet, as well as increase their health literacy and general health awareness.

Using this information, Compass gives them options to adjust these actions using cognitive behavioral change techniques. This helps the app to have a stronger effect on people and cause more long-lasting change.

Glen Wong, who oversaw production of the app commented "From the start, it was a real partnership with CSIRO to achieve a common goal. They were really receptive to our ideas, actively participated in the development of the app and gave us great feedback. We're thrilled with the results and can see how this can be repurposed in many different ways for various kinds of good."

The app uses the devices' inbuilt health tracker to record a user's step count in order to track their activity and display progress throughout the program.