On 31 August 2026, Lola Jo Ackermann presented our latest work at Mensch und Computer 2026 in Duisburg: helping digital health apps offer timely support when participants are at risk of missing their next scheduled check-in.

The prototype, ADHERE-MCP, is a reusable software service built using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It reconstructs a participant’s recent interaction history, uses explicit rules to estimate the risk of missing the next session, and explains the factors behind that estimate. When risk is elevated, it can select a preventive strategy, such as goal setting or feedback on progress. The service is designed for use across mobile data-collection studies and digital health interventions.

The demo session opened with a fast-paced pitching format: 83 projects in just 90 minutes. Lola had one minute to introduce the central idea before sharing the project in more detail at the demo booth.

At the booth, visitors explored the poster and watched simulated participant interactions. Using ScrollWise, a chatbot intervention addressing doomscrolling, the demonstration illustrated how missed sessions can change a participant’s risk estimate and prompt additional support before the next scheduled interaction.

Discussions with researchers from different fields sparked particular interest in the MCP architecture and its potential reuse across studies and interventions. MuC 2026 offered a valuable opportunity to share the team’s practical experience and exchange ideas for further development. A key next step is to evaluate the approach with participants, including whether timely support can help without adding unnecessary burden.

We thank University Medicine Zurich (UMZH) for supporting this work through the PRECIOUS project, and Gianluca Piol, Marcia Nißen, and Tobias Kowatsch for their contributions.

Piol, G., Ackermann, L. J., Nißen, M., & Kowatsch, T. (2026). Designing for non-use: Demonstrating prediction and prevention of non-adherence in mobile data collection and intervention studies. In Mensch und Computer 2026 – Tagungsband. Gesellschaft für Informatik. Read the paper.