Table 1.

Initial proposed features of Epic Allies.

Planned feature	Planned function	Relationship to IMB model
Customizable avatars
	Visual representation of users within the app to facilitate development of an online identity while preserving anonymity to peers.	Ma: Increases app engagement and facilitates social support.
Dashboard
	Home screen where users enter daily adherence information. Provides a visualization of historical adherence patterns.	Ib: Tracking and historical visualization of data provides information on adherence behaviors.
		M: Data display visually reinforces positive behaviors and motivates users to change if adherence is suboptimal.
		Bc: Adherence achievements increase behavior change self-efficacy.
Reminders and tailored feedback messages
	Personalized medication reminders and feedback messages based on users’ successes, setbacks and progress toward their adherence goals.	I: Reminders specify appropriate times to take medications.
		M: Reminders provide a cue to action. Feedback messages affirm positive adherence behaviors and identify adherence challenges.
		B: Reminders help build skills for integrating medication routines in daily life. Feedback messages increase adherence self-efficacy.
Friends
	Users select virtual “friends” to interact with by sending preset messages to challenge, praise or encourage others.	M: Increases social motivation to adhere to medications.
		B: Ally interactions create opportunities for peer modeling and reinforcement of adherence.
Information modules
	Education modules on ART adherence and HIV.	I: Modules provide relevant ART adherence information.
Gamification
	Users earn points for completing selected tasks within the app.	M: Opportunities to earn points increases motivation for app engagement and ART adherence.
		B: Achieving milestones increase adherence self-efficacy.

^amotivation.

^binformation.

^cbehavioral skills/self-efficacy.