Faculty of Land and Food Systems | Food, Nutrition and Health
University of British Columbia
The PLAYTE app represents an example of how integrating co design and community based participatory research approaches from the earliest stages can strengthen the relevance, equity, and effectiveness of nutrition interventions for adolescents. Developed as a mobile first spin off of the iCANPlate tool—a plate based nutrition education resource aligned with guidance similar to Canada’s Food Guide—PLAYTE was conceptualized to move beyond static education toward supporting real world nutrition behaviours that influence performance, well being, and daily functioning. This presentation will outline how two advisory groups—a Youth Advisory Council and a Coach Advisory Group—were engaged throughout the conceptualization, design, and refinement phases. Youth provided insight into psychosocial factors, performance related goals, digital habits, and gender inclusive language, ensuring PLAYTE resonated with diverse identities and experiences. Coach and parent partners contributed expertise related to dietary guidance, implementation feasibility, and considerations for equitable access across community and school settings. Through iterative feedback cycles, interviews, and testing sessions, the app’s features, visuals, goal setting framework, and educational content were refined to ensure cultural relevance and practical impact. This talk will highlight how community-informed, adaptive design enhanced PLAYTE’s usability and inclusiveness and will discuss next steps in evaluating its role in supporting nutrition behaviours among adolescents.
Dr. Tamara Cohen is registered dietitian and an Associate Professor of Human Nutrition in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia, where she leads a research program focused on behavioural nutrition, co‑design, and the development of equitable, context‑specific interventions to support healthy eating across the lifespan. She is also an Investigator at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute (Healthy Starts). Her work integrates community‑based participatory research, user‑centred design, and implementation science to translate nutrition guidelines into practical tools that are accessible to diverse populations. Dr. Cohen also serves as Director of the UBC Dietetics Program and is deeply committed to training future leaders in evidence‑based, community‑engaged nutrition practice.