ABSTRACT
For most people who are just learning about computer-tailored print communication, the most unfamiliar aspects are those having to do with the computer itself. Creating a computer program that automates the production of tailored messages can indeed be a highly technical process. In many cases, health education and health communication professionals may not have all of the necessary skills to carry it out alone. However, even when another person or organization is given the task of creating the tailoring software, it is important that those involved in planning and developing the less-technical portions of a tailored health communication program (e.g., messages, algorithms, and design templates) also have a good understanding of the software development process. This ensures that the intervention plan, message concepts, design templates, algorithms, and other content contain the information programmers need to translate this work to an automated program. As one begins to understand more about the programming process, it is often discovered that, although the programming tools and skills can be complex, the overall process that guides their use is actually quite simple.
