Impact of Menu Sequencing on Internet-Based Educational Module Selection

摘要

Patterns of Internet-based menu item selection can occur for a number of reasons, many of which may not be based on interest in topic. It then becomes important to ensure menu order is devised in a way that ensures the greatest accuracy in matching user need with selection. This study examined the impact of menu rotation on the selection of Internet-based parent-child feeding behavior education and behavior change modules by participants in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program across seven states. Five modules were rotated over a course of 4 weeks, each having the opportunity to be listed in all positions in the menu sequence, resulting in a significant (p.01) difference in module access. Modules listed in first and second position observed greater access than the other modules, with the exception of the module a€?make meals and snacks simple,a€? which retained consistent access trends regardless of position. Overall, modules in the first two positions observed the greatest access, regardless of module title. This study provides evidence of the importance for website developers to consider menu design when developing Internet-based health promotion programming.