Mobile App Development Research Articles

Family-based mobile application needs in childhood obesity management in South Korea: a qualitative study

Purpose: It is essential to investigate the users’ needs in developing user-centered, family-based applications (apps) for managing childhood obesity.Methods: This study conducted focus group interviews with ten parents, ten children, and four app developers to investigate the need to develop a family-based mobile app for childhood obesity. The interview period was from July 17 to August 30, 2023. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: The results highlighted 31 key themes critical to family-based app development, including the need for comprehensive content promoting healthy lifestyle habits, tailored expert support, and motivational factors for app engagement, which were categorized as intrinsic, extrinsic, and social motivations and technological features. Participants also highlighted potential challenges, such as app usability issues and the need for a user-friendly interface. The pivotal role of parents in guiding and supporting their children’s health behaviors was emphasized, particularly in creating a supportive environment that encourages sustained engagement with the app.Conclusion: These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the needs and preferences of parents, children, and app developers in managing childhood obesity. Emphasis on integrating healthy lifestyle content, providing expert support, and incorporating motivational strategies is crucial for the app’s success. Additionally, addressing potential difficulties and recognizing the pivotal role of parents are essential considerations. These insights will inform the design and development of a user-centered mobile app that supports families in managing childhood obesity.

Right Information, Right Care, Right Patient, Right Time: Community Preferences to Inform a Self-Management Support Tool for Upper Respiratory Symptoms.

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, communities must cope with several conditions that cause similar upper-respiratory symptoms but are managed differently. We describe community reactions to a self-management toolkit for patients with upper respiratory symptoms to inform mobile e-health app development. The toolkit is based on the '4R' (Right Information, Right Care, Right Patient, Right Time) care planning and management model. The 4R Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Information Tool (4R-Toolkit) along with a brief evaluation survey were distributed in three ways: through a Bronx NY Allergy/Asthma clinic, through the Bronx Borough President's Office listserv, and through peer recruitment. The survey assessed respondents' perceptions of the 4R-Toolkit's accessibility, preferences for sharing symptoms with clinicians, social media use, and e-health literacy. We obtained a diverse sample of 106 Bronx residents, with 83% reporting personal or a social contact with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Respondents varied in the information sources they preferred: computer (39%); smart phone (28%); paper (11%) and no preference (22%). Most (67%) reported that social media had at least some impact on their healthcare decisions. Regardless of media preferences, respondents were positive about the 4R-Toolkit. Out of 106 respondents, 91% believed the 4R-Toolkit would help people self-manage upper respiratory symptoms and 85% found it easy to understand. Respondents strongly endorsed retention of all 4R-Toolkit content domains with 81% indicating that they would be willing to share symptoms with providers using a 4R-Toolkit smartphone app. The 4R-Toolkit can offer patients and community members accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19, the common cold, and the flu. The user-friendly tool is accessible to diverse individuals, including those with limited e-health literacy. It has potential to support self-management of upper respiratory symptoms and promote patient engagement with providers.

Native Enterprise Mobile App Development: Best Practices for Security, Performance, and Scalability

This article explores best practices for developing high-quality native enterprise mobile applications, addressing security, performance optimization, scalability, seamless enterprise integration, and automated testing and compliance. With the enterprise mobile app market projected to reach $430 billion by 2024, organizations must prioritize robust development strategies to enhance operational efficiency and data security. The article discusses key techniques such as implementing strong encryption, leveraging native SDKs, adopting modular architectures, utilizing well-designed APIs, and incorporating AI-driven testing tools. By adhering to these practices, enterprises can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, improve app performance, ensure scalability for future growth, streamline integration with existing systems, and maintain compliance with industry regulations, ultimately positioning themselves for long-term success in an increasingly mobile-first business landscape.

A Culturally Sensitive Mobile App (DiaFriend) to Improve Self-Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Development Study.

Mobile apps designed with cultural sensitivity have demonstrated higher user acceptability and greater effectiveness in enhancing self-care skills. However, a significant gap exists in developing such apps for specific populations, such as Portuguese Americans living in southern Massachusetts, home to the second-largest Portuguese community in the United States. This group possesses unique cultural traditions, particularly in dietary practices, including a tendency toward high carbohydrate intake. Tailoring diabetes self-care apps to address these specific cultural requirements could substantially improve diabetes management within this population. The aim of this app development project was to develop a prototype diabetes management app for Portuguese Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus using the design thinking methodology, incorporating user-centered design principles and cultural sensitivity. This paper describes the phase-2 results, focusing on app design and development. Phase 2 of this app development project adhered to the design thinking methodology delineated by the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University, focusing on 2 critical steps: ideation and prototyping. This phase started in March 2022 and continued until April 2024. The project was driven by a multidisciplinary team consisting of 2 nurse educators; an app development specialist; and 2 graduate research assistants from the university's Computer and Information Sciences Department, both well-versed in mobile app development. Data collected during phase 1, which will be published separately, informed the app design and development process. The prototype of the DiaFriend app (version 1) was designed and developed. The app comprises five features: (1) blood glucose monitoring, (2) weight tracking, (3) carbohydrate tracking, (4) exercise log, and (5) medication reminder. The carbohydrate tracking feature was explicitly tailored to correspond to Portuguese food culture. This paper presents the front-end interface flowchart, demonstrating how the user navigates through each screen. It also discusses the challenges faced during the backend development, such as data not being able to be stored and retrieved. The DiaFriend app (version 1) distinguishes itself from conventional diabetes self-care apps through its emphasis on cultural sensitivity. The development of this app underscores the importance of cultural considerations in health informatics. It establishes a foundation for future research in developing and evaluating culturally sensitive mobile health apps. The adaptation of such technologies has the potential to enhance self-care practices among Portuguese Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with improved glycated hemoglobin levels as a potential outcome. The last step of the design thinking methodology, testing the app, will be conducted in phase 3 and the results will be published elsewhere.

Exploring essential features for developing a human resource management mobile application: Insights from the middle east

This study aims to investigate the key features necessary for the development of a mobile application for human resource management (HRM). It addresses the shortage of empirical studies on digital HRM in the Middle East and emphasizes the increasing importance of HRM mobile applications in the region. The research utilizes qualitative research methods, including the Delphi method, in-depth interviews, literature review, historical analysis, and critical discussion.A qualitative research strategy is employed, analyzing data from 43 HR experts and mobile app development team members from international and local businesses in the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain. NVivo software is used for data analysis, encompassing over 120 transcriptions, notes, and academic papers. The study identifies and explores the logical and practical features required for an HRM mobile app. It uncovers challenges related to the Delphi survey experiences, such as managing heterogeneous information and ensuring compatibility with iOS and Android platforms. This research fills a gap in the literature by investigating the digital HRM landscape and HRM mobile applications in the Middle East. It provides valuable insights from HR and technology experts, contributing to the advancement of digital HRM, mobile applications, and the application of the Delphi method methodology. The study highlights implications for industries to enhance HR operations and productivity through the adoption of mobile HR applications. Theoretical contributions include new insights into the digital HRM literature, specifically regarding the identification and discussion of essential features in HRM mobile applications. Practical implications involve the benefits of transitioning from traditional HRM to digitalized HRM in the professional era, as identified through the analyzed features of the HR app. The study offers practical insights for the development and implementation of mobile HR apps. Organizations can leverage these insights to create effective mobile HR apps that enhance HR operations and employee productivity.

Factors driving the acceptance of COVID-19 pandemic mobile contact tracing apps: The influence of security and privacy concerns

The acceptance of COVID-19 mobile contact tracing apps (MCTA) is crucial to curb the spread of the virus and decrease the number of infections. However, the security and privacy concerns (SPC) of COVID-19 MCTA have been called into question. Thus this paper examines the drivers of the acceptance of the COVID-19 pandemic MCTA under the auspices of the influence of SPC from the Chinese perspective based on the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT) model. The data generated through a questionnaire based on the convenient sampling technique was analyzed with SPSS by performing hierarchical regression analysis. The results show that the core constructs of UTAUT such as performance expectancy (PE), facilitating conditions (FC), effort expectancy (EE), and social influence (SI) along with mobile self-efficacy (MSE) were significant predictors of individual user acceptance of COVID-19 MCTA. Additionally, the study confirmed that security and privacy concerns were significant in moderating the impact of PE, FC, EE, SI, and MSE on the acceptance of COVID-19 MCTA. The managerial and theoretical implications of these findings for policy-makers, governments, mobile app developers, and researchers are interrogated.

The impact of a continuous care model utilizing a smartphone application on quality of life and anxiety levels among gynecologic cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients diagnosed with gynecological cancers often face a range of complications that can impact their quality of life and increase their anxiety. Nursing models combined with mobile phone applications have the potential to improve outcomes for these patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of a continuous care model utilizing a smartphone application on quality of life and anxiety levels among gynecologic cancer patients.MethodsThis study involved two phases: (1) mobile App development and (2) implementation of the intervention. The two-group randomized controlled trial included 70 participants with gynecological cancers referred to medical centers affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2023. The participants were randomized into control or intervention groups (n = 35 per group). Finally, 68 patients completed the trial. The intervention group received an 8-week intervention incorporating the continuous care model, whereas the control group received routine care (the standard support provided by nurses both during and after hospitalization). The participants completed the Spielberger state-trait anxiety and quality of life (QLQ-C30) questionnaires before, immediately after, and two months after the intervention. The data were analyzed via the chi-square test, independent samples t test, analysis of covariance, and repeated-measures ANOVA.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the baseline data between the two groups. However, after the intervention, the intervention group reported a significant increase in quality of life, with mean scores rising from 68.90 ± 17.50 to 73.78 ± 16.79 immediately after the intervention and to 80.61 ± 9.90 at the two-month follow-up. In contrast, the control group showed no significant improvement. Additionally, state anxiety significantly decreased in the intervention group from 51.64 ± 14.97 to 40.20 ± 11.70 at the follow-up, and trait anxiety scores in the intervention group decreased significantly from 49.91 ± 14.96 to 39.82 ± 10.28 at the follow-up, whereas the scores of the control group worsened.ConclusionThe intervention improved quality of life and reduced anxiety in patients with gynecological cancers. Given the scant attention given to mobile application-based follow-up in gynecologic cancer patients in previous studies, this approach can be incorporated into routine care to support patients, and it is recommended for nurses, health care providers, and physicians.Trial registrationThe study was registered as a randomized controlled trial in the Clinical Trial Registration Center of Iran. Registration Date: 2024-02-14, Registration Number: IRCT20231107059977N1.

Development of MyREADY Transition BBD Mobile App, a Health Intervention Technology Platform, to Improve Care Transition for Youth With Brain-Based Disabilities: User-Centered Design Approach.

Transition from pediatric to adult health care varies and is resource intensive. Patient-centered health information technology (HIT) interventions are increasingly being developed in partnership with patients. This study aims to develop an internet-based mobile app intervention for patients with brain-based disabilities to improve transition in care readiness. The app was designed for patients aged 15 to 17 years with brain-based disabilities having the ability to use a mobile app. A multidisciplinary team, an industry partner, and a patient and family advisory council was assembled. We hypothesized that existing tools could be migrated into the app to address education, empowerment, and navigation. We used cognitive learning theory to support chapters targeting transition in care skill sets. We used the agile iterative methodology to engage stakeholders. We developed a novel MyREADY Transition HIT platform. An electronic mentor supported cognitive learning with messaging, quizzes, rewards, and videos. We used gaming to guide navigation through a fictitious health care city. Adapting existing tools was achieved by the patient and family advisory council requesting personalization. Our iterative design required time-consuming back-end technology management. Developing the platform took 24 months instead of our grant-approved 12 months, impacting the onset of the planned trial within the allotted budget. A novel patient-centered HIT platform to improve health care transition was successfully developed in partnership with patients and industry. Careful resource management was needed to achieve timely delivery of the end product, flagging the cautious planning required to deliver HIT tools in time for the much-needed trials informing their clinical application. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03852550; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03852550.

A Comparative Analysis of Native vs React Native Mobile App Development

A Comparative Analysis of Native vs React Native Mobile App Development

IHEART2U: Empowerment based Design of Social Support Mobile App Development for Autistic Children Caregivers

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neural developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, communication difficulties, and restricted behaviours. Understanding the disorder and providing necessary social support for guidance and assistance is vital for caregivers, including educators, parents, and the public. The aim of this research is to design and develop a social support mobile app for autistic children’s caregivers named IHEART2U. We design the app by incorporating the empowerment-based design elements to ensure it provides practical assistance but also foster a sense of empowerment and control over their child's development and well-being. Caregivers can feel more confident, informed, and supported in their role. For the design and development, we used the Mobile Development Life Cycle (MADLC) as the methodological approach. During the requirements gathering, we conducted interviews in collaboration with the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), a private school for children with autism and caretakers. Through thematic analysis, we incorporate four empowerment-based design elements: information support, emotional support, companion, customization, and personalization in the user interface (UI) design of the mobile app. Upon completion of the high-fidelity prototype, we conducted usability testing using the System Usability Scale (SUS) to obtain feedback from the stakeholders. The score was 90.83 above average. The respondents provide constructive feedback on how to improve the app. In conclusion, we believe that by integrating these empowerment design elements, the IHEART2U social support mobile app becomes a source of empowerment, support, and guidance tool for caregivers, helping them navigate the challenges of raising and caring for children with autism. Future work will involve iterative user testing and feedback to further refine and enhance the app's effectiveness.

The Influence of Mobile App Store Ratings and Reviews on Download Intentions: A Study of Sri Lankan Consumers

Purpose: This study aims to understand the impact of user reviews and ratings on mobile app download intention and the moderating impact of perceived usefulness on the strength of this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: A scenario-based survey method was selected following the positivism research paradigm. For this purpose, 304 responses were collected using different versions of the same scenario. Findings: The statistical results show that 37.5% of Sri Lankan consumers' mobile app download intention is explained by mobile app ratings and reviews, which have been found to be a significant influencing factor in potential users' intentions to download the app. However, perceived usefulness does not significantly moderate this relationship. Originality: This study is the first attempt to understand the impact of user reviews and ratings on mobile app download intention in the Sri Lankan context. Implications: The findings encourage Sri Lankan mobile app developers and owners to closely monitor and respond to user reviews and ratings to better meet user expectations and improve app ratings.

Exploring Data Persistence in Android using Room Database

This research paper explore the concept of data persistence in Android applications using Room database. In the dynamic landscape of mobile app development, ensuring efficient storage and retrieval of data is crucial for providing a seamless user experience. Room database, a powerful library provided by Android Jetpack, offers a robust solution for managing app's local database. The study delves into the key features and benefits of Room database, including its support for object-relational mapping (ORM) and simplified SQLite database interactions. By analyzing the working principles and implementation strategies of Room, this research aims to provide developers with insights into optimizing data persistence in Android applications. Additionally, the paper discusses practical examples and best practices for integrating Room database into Android projects, highlighting its role in enhancing data management capabilities and improving overall app performance. By examining the impact of Room database on data persistence in Android apps, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on efficient storage solutions for mobile applications Keywords: Room, Android, Dao, Entity, SQLite, Recycler View, ViewHolder, Dependency, Adapter, Gradle

Agile Methodologies in Mobile App Development for Real-Time Data Processing

In the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile app development, the need for real-time data processing has become increasingly critical. Traditional software development methodologies often struggle to keep pace with the dynamic requirements and quick turnarounds demanded by modern mobile applications. Agile methodologies, with their emphasis on iterative development, flexibility, and close collaboration, offer a promising solution for meeting these demands. This paper explores the integration of Agile methodologies in the development of mobile applications specifically designed for real-time data processing. Agile approaches, including Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP), are evaluated for their effectiveness in addressing the challenges of real-time data processing in mobile apps. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous feedback, rapid prototyping, and adaptive planning in ensuring that mobile applications can efficiently process and deliver data in real time. Furthermore, the paper discusses how Agile's incremental delivery model allows development teams to respond swiftly to changing user needs and technological advancements, thereby enhancing the overall performance and user experience of mobile apps.

Agile Methodologies in Mobile App Development for Real-Time Data Processing

In the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile app development, the need for real-time data processing has become increasingly critical. Traditional software development methodologies often struggle to keep pace with the dynamic requirements and quick turnarounds demanded by modern mobile applications. Agile methodologies, with their emphasis on iterative development, flexibility, and close collaboration, offer a promising solution for meeting these demands. This paper explores the integration of Agile methodologies in the development of mobile applications specifically designed for real-time data processing. Agile approaches, including Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP), are evaluated for their effectiveness in addressing the challenges of real-time data processing in mobile apps. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous feedback, rapid prototyping, and adaptive planning in ensuring that mobile applications can efficiently process and deliver data in real time. Furthermore, the paper discusses how Agile's incremental delivery model allows development teams to respond swiftly to changing user needs and technological advancements, thereby enhancing the overall performance and user experience of mobile apps.

A Comprehensive Review of Agile Methodologies in Mobile App Development

A Comprehensive Review of Agile Methodologies in Mobile App Development

Deciphering the needs of patients with hereditary breast and ovarian Cancer in the Process of Genetic Counseling to Inform the Development of a Mobile Support App: a qualitative study in Germany.

Patients with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) are not only concerned about their own health but also about that of their children, grandchildren, and other relatives. Therefore, they have specific needs for information and support. During genetic counseling guidance is provided to HBOC patients and other individuals who may be at risk for familial cancer. The purpose of the study was to identify the needs of HBOC patients during the genetic counseling process that could be addressed by digital solutions. Nine semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Overall, the patients appreciated the personal contact with human geneticists as an especially positive factor in the genetic counseling process. However, patients noted the following needs (1) support in the time following genetic counseling, (2) support before genetic counseling by collecting own and familial medical information, (3) Need for contact options to support services, (4) Need for patient-friendly medical information, (5) Wish for administration-related components in a support app. The results will inform the development of a patient-centered mobile support app.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A WEB-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR UNIVERSITY STAFF UNION

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigerian public universities has long championed the welfare and interests of academic staff. However, operational inefficiencies stemming from manual processes hinder its effectiveness in addressing contemporary challenges. This inefficiency hampers ASUU’s effectiveness and limits its ability to interact efficiently with its members and stakeholders. Therefore, this study proposes that the ASUU Web-Based Information System (AWBIS) should modernize data management, communication, and decision-making within the union. Drawing on related work in online information systems across various sectors, the methodology involves requirements gathering, leading to the development and implementation of AWBIS. Leveraging development technologies, AWBIS offers modules for member management, communication, event organization, and biometric attendance. This project uses the waterfall model approach to developing software as the research methodology. The data collection techniques include interviews and questionnaires. The AWBIS enables various operations to be performed online, consisting of registering members by the admin, logging members, and allowing members to manage their profiles. The system also provides a login page for both members and admins, each with their own username and password. A secure and accessible database for storing memberprofiles, academic information, and other relevant data was created. The successful implementation of AWBIS will significantly streamline ASUU’s operations, resulting in improved communication, reduced administrative burden, and enhanced transparency. Members will have access to up-to-date information, and the system will facilitate better coordination of ASUU’s activities. Future enhancements, including financial management, election processes, loan applications, and mobile app development, are suggested to further optimize AWBIS’s functionality and accessibility. AWBIS is a model for leveraging technology to advance organizational efficiency and effectiveness within the education sector.

Development and Testing of Artificial Intelligence-Based Mobile Application to Achieve Cataract Backlog-Free Status in Uttar Pradesh, India

BackgroundUttar Pradesh (UP), the most populous state in India, has about 36 million people aged 50 years or older, spread across more than 100,000 villages. Among them, an estimated 3.5 million suffer from visual impairments, including blindness due to untreated cataracts. To achieve cataract backlog-free status, UP is required to screen this population at the community level and provide treatment to those suffering from cataracts. We envisioned an AI-powered primary screening app utilizing eye images, deployable to frontline health workers for community-level screening. This paper outlines insights gained from developing the AI mobile app “Roshni” for cataract screening. MethodThe AI-based cataract classification model was developed using 13,633 eye images and finalized after three stages of experiments, detecting cataracts in images focused on the eye, iris, and pupil. Overall, 155 experiments were conducted using multiple deep learning algorithms, including ResNet50, ResNet101, YOLOv5, EfficientNetV2, and InceptionV3. We established a minimum threshold of 90 % specificity and sensitivity to ensure the algorithm’s suitability for field use. ResultsThe cataract detection model for eye-focused images achieved 51.9 % sensitivity and 87.6 % specificity, while the model for iris-focused images, using a good/bad iris filter, achieved 52.4 % sensitivity and 93.3 % specificity. The classification model for segmented-pupil images, employing a good/bad pupil filter with UNet-based semantic segmentation model and EfficientNetV2, yielded 96 % sensitivity and 97 % specificity. Field testing with 302 beneficiaries (604 images) showed an overall sensitivity of 86.6 %, specificity of 93.3 %, positive predictive value of 58.4 %, and negative predictive value of 98.5 %. ConclusionThis paper details the development of an AI mobile app designed to facilitate community screening for cataracts by frontline health workers.

AR Dancee: An Augmented Reality-Based Mobile Persuasive Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity Through Dancing

The importance of physical activity (PA) for overall health and well-being cannot be overstated, especially in today’s fast-paced and sedentary society. Engaging in enjoyable activities like dancing can significantly enhance PA levels and positively affect one’s mood. Advances in technology have the potential to increase individuals’ engagement in more physical activities. This work explores the effectiveness of augmented reality-driven persuasive intervention in enhancing users’ physical activity and mood. To achieve our goal, we developed AR Dancee, a mobile-driven intervention combining Augmented Reality, Machine Learning, and persuasive technology to encourage adults to increase their PA through dancing, ultimately improving their mood. A 15-day user study with 104 participants showed that the intervention effectively increased PA levels, with equal effectiveness across genders and a stronger impact on younger adults. The results also show that the intervention improved participants’ mood while reducing anxiety levels, demonstrating its potential for stress management. Overall, the contribution of this work to the HCI fields is threefold: (1) the design and development of an AR-driven persuasive mobile app, (2) providing design recommendations, and (3) pinpointing limitations and providing suggestions for future work.

Persian Mobile Apps for Diabetic Patients: App Review and Evaluation Study

Background: The development of mobile apps in healthcare facilities helps users perform self-care effectively. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the quality, functionality, and features of Persian language diabetes mobile apps. Methods: Persian language diabetes self-management mobile apps were searched in the Android and iOS App Stores using relevant keywords such as "diabetes" and "blood sugar." Twelve apps met the inclusion criteria. Nine evaluators assessed the apps' quality based on the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), their functionality according to the IMS institute for healthcare informatics app functionality scoring system, and their features and content using a checklist. Results: The mean MARS score of the apps was 3.02 out of 5. Among the four dimensions of engagement, aesthetics, functionality, and information quality, functionality had the highest mean ± SD score (3.64 ± 1.13). Most of the apps used 5 - 7 out of the 11 defined functionalities. All self-management apps included the functionality of monitoring blood glucose levels, and the majority had health status monitoring features. Conclusions: The mobile apps had several drawbacks, including a lack of engagement strategies, insufficient evidence-based information for patients, limited guideline-based self-management functionalities, failure to evaluate clinical effectiveness in trials, and an absence of mutual communication with healthcare providers.