Iterative development and evaluation methods of mHealth behavior change interventions

• We detail iterative three mHealth development methodologies.
• Iterative development may be used to develop or improve existing interventions.
• Iterative intervention development maximizes comparative effectiveness trial value.

Social media and mobile devices are rapidly evolving environments for health interventions. There is growing recognition that traditional research processes cannot keep pace with this constantly shifting landscape. The changing technology landscape demands mHealth researchers use appropriate methods throughout the development cycle. Novel research methods allow researchers to capitalize on technological advances and more rapidly disseminate research findings. This manuscript reviews three iterative health behavior intervention development and research methodologies: Agile, Multiphase Optimization Strategy, and the mHealth Development and Evaluation Framework. This manuscript presents benefits and challenges of using such methodologies for mHealth interventions through selected case examples of these methods in practice.