Mobile App Design Research Articles

Human experts and Generative AI interaction: From real-world and real-life language learning diary-research app to a diary-learning app

Generative AI (GenAI) could be beneficial for instructional designers, expediting the design of educational mobile apps. One needed app, currently absent, is a digital diary for second and foreign-language learners to record their outside-classroom activities. Given the research and learning merits of keeping such diaries, a diary-research app (Langy) was previously developed to measure learners’ real-life (RL) and real-world (RW) language learning. This study aims to provide design guidelines to transform this app into a learning app based on the interaction with ChatGPT during this design process and examine the human-machine interaction. The prompt submitted to ChatGPT4 described the diary-research app and asked for suggestions on how to transform it into a diary-learning app. ChatGPT produced 14 suggestions, upon which the researchers deliberated. The mutually created design suggestions emerging from this reciprocal interaction provide a blueprint for the new diary-learning app, adding a new purpose of promoting RL and RW learning (in addition to measuring) and relevant features such as goal settings, gaming rewards, and reflective prompts. Three processes were revealed during the complementary human-machine interaction: 1. ChatGPT’s offered generic suggestions, which the researchers adapted to more specific app requirements. 2. The researchers linked between the ChatGPT’s suggestions and added theoretical grounds. 3. The researchers, in some cases, altered or completely negated the ChatGPT’s suggestions. This study contributes to the research field of language-learning diaries. Moreover, it contributes to our understanding of how GenAI can be used as an instructional designer to assist in the design of educational mobile apps.

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.

Expediting the design and development of secure cloud-based mobile apps

The adoption and popularity of mobile devices by end-users is partially driven by the increasing development and availability of mobile applications that can aid solving different problems and provide access to services in a wide range of domains or categories, namely healthcare, education, e-commerce or entertainment. While these applications use and benefit from the combination of a wide panoply of technologies from the Internet of Things, fog and cloud computing, data security and privacy are typically not fully taken into account before the creation of many mobile applications or during the software development phases. This paper presents an in-depth approach to modeling attacks on the specific cloud and mobile ecosystem, given its importance in the process of secure application development. Moreover, aiming at bridging the knowledge gap between developers and security experts, this paper presents an alpha version of the security by design for cloud and mobile ecosystem (secD4CloudMobile) framework. secD4CloudMobile is a set of tools that covers cloud and mobile security requirement elicitation (CMSRE), cloud and mobile security best practices guidelines (CMSBPG), cloud mobile attack modeling elicitation (CMAME), and cloud mobile security test specification and tools (CM2ST). The purpose of the framework is to provide cloud and mobile application developers useful readily applicable information and guidelines, striving to bring security engineering and software engineering closer, in a more accessible and automated manner, aiming at the incorporation of security by construction. Finally, the paper presents some preliminary results and discussion.

History and Current Trends in Mobile App Design

History and Current Trends in Mobile App Design

E-Commerce Mobile Applications for Visually Impaired Persons

A Mobile app design that allows visually impaired and blind users to access and shop without any assistance. The system gives voice instruction to users and an input is requested from the user. The Voice Command-Based Product Information System for Blind People is an innovative solution designed to empower visually impaired individuals with easy access to product information.

Insights into mobile learning continuance intention among school students and teachers via a hermeneutic phenomenological study during COVID-19

PurposeThis study aims to describe the m-learning experience of school students and teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the factors influencing the continuance intention of m-learning.Design/methodology/approachSemistructured interviews of 24 students and 09 teachers of schools in national capital territory (NCT) Delhi, India were conducted over 03 months and transcribed verbatim. A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used to interpret the text and bring out the “lived experiences” of m-learning.FindingsThe following 15 themes or factors influencing continuance intention emerged through the hermeneutic circle: (1) actual usage, (2) attitude, (3) context, (4) extrinsic motivation, (5) facilitating conditions, (6) intrinsic motivation, (7) perceived compatibility, (8) perceived content quality, (9) perceived mobile app quality, (10) perceived teaching quality, (11) perceived usefulness, (12) satisfaction, (13) self-efficacy, (14) self-management of learning and (15) social influence.Research limitations/implicationsThe study offers insightful recommendations for school administrators, mobile device developers and app designers. In addition, suggestions for effectively using m-learning during disasters such as COVID-19 have been provided. Several future research directions, including a nuanced understanding of m-assessment and online discussions, are suggested to enhance the literature on m-learning continuance.Originality/valueThe study enriches the literature on m-learning continuance. A qualitative approach has been used to identify relevant factors influencing m-learning continuance intention among secondary and higher secondary level (Grades 9 to 12) school students and teachers in India. In addition, a conceptual framework of the relationships among the factors has been proposed. Further, an analysis of the lived experiences of m-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic indicated several issues and challenges in using m-learning during disasters.

Toward the Application of the Problem-Based Learning Paradigm into the Instruction of Business Technology and Innovation

At the University of Miami Herbert Business School, Fundamentals of Business Technology & Innovation is an introductory course designed for those seeking a tech career, primarily motivated by the current wave of digital transformation in nearly every business sector and industry. Instructing these topics is challenging due to the complexity of the computer science fundamentals students should be familiar with; therefore, we have recently introduced a much more practical approach that aligns well with Gen Z’s learning preferences. Problem-based learning is the primary instrument for engaging students and familiarizing them with daily situations at companies. These include but are not limited to structuring business problems that require a tech-based solution, the design of mobile apps and websites that satisfy the customer’s demands in a friendly and intuitive way, and the documentation and reporting of such solutions. The response to this approach has been highly positive, with a well-noticed increase in student satisfaction and knowledge retention.

Three cycles of mobile app design to improve HIV self-management: A development and evaluation study.

Employing three cycles of Design Science Research (DSR) to develop a mobile app 'ESSC (Excellent Self Supervised HIV Care)' to improve self-management among people living with HIV (PLWH). This study is based on the DSR framework comprising three iterative cycles. In the Relevance cycle, PLWH participated in a survey of mobile health (mHealth) experiences and needs. In the Rigor cycle, the information-motivation-behavioural skills (IMB) model was applied to foundations of the app, and HIV specialists verified the contents. Experts evaluated the heuristic system and the app quality with the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). In the Design cycle, ESSC was built on the findings of the other two cycles, and end-users tested the usability using uMARS. The contents of the app were developed based on user requirements. The IMB model led ESSC to supplement motivational components for self-management, which built five functions: information contents; health life records including mental and sexual health; interactive counselling with healthcare providers; setting health goals after watching videos; and my page for self-reflection. To reduce social stigma and promote acceptance of the information-driven app, we created animated characters with neutral and bright features. The HIV specialists evaluated content validity as highly appropriate. The MARS score by the overall raters was between 3-acceptable and 4-good: functionality, 4.38; information, 4.12; aesthetics, 3.96; engagement, 3.37; and subjective quality, 3.25. The DSR approach is effective for implementing usable and useful mHealth. The ESSC app would be feasible and contribute PLWH to retention in care.

The Influence of Mobile App Design on Emotions Leads to Purchase Intention for Risk Avoidance Cultures

The Influence of Mobile App Design on Emotions Leads to Purchase Intention for Risk Avoidance Cultures

Rapid Design of a Student-Centred App for Musculoskeletal Clinical Skills: An Example of a Theoretically Informed Approach to Developing Apps for Learning.

The process to design mobile apps for learning are infrequently reported and focus more on evaluation than process. This lack of clear process for health professional education mobile apps may explain the lack of quality mobile apps to support medical student learning. The goal of this project was to develop a student informed ready for production wireframe model of a minimally viable mobile app to support learning of musculoskeletal (MSK) clinical skills. The Information Systems Research (ISR) framework and Design Thinking were combined for the mobile app design. The process followed the cycles and modes of the combined framework to; systematically review available apps, use a focus group to identify attributes of the app valued by students, define the initial plan for the mobile app, develop an app prototype, and test and refine it with students. The student focus group data had five themes: 1) interactive usability, 2) environment, 3) clear and concise layout, 4) anatomy and pathology, 5) cultural safety and 'red flags'. The prototyping of the app went through three cycles of student review and improvement to produce a final design ready for app development. We used a student-centred approach guided by design frameworks to design a minimally viable product mobile app to support learning of MSK clinical skills in ten weeks with a small team. The framework supported nonlinear, iterative, rapid prototyping. Student data converged and diverged with the MSK teaching methods literature. Of note our students requested cultural safety learning in the app design, suggesting mobile apps could support cultural safety learning.

Design of a mobile app for crisis guidance

This study examines the use of an Online Application Generator (OAG) for low code mobile app design and development, focusing on transforming crisis management guidance from PDF format to a published platform-independent mobile app. We compare the level of difficulty experienced by a citizen developer and a full-stack developer, considering ease of development, customization, security, and architecture. Despite OAGs’ effectiveness in managing vulnerabilities, they pose risks such as undisclosed tracking and compliance with privacy laws. The approach was found feasible for citizen developers in terms of rapid mobile app development although we observed limitations in localization and in preserving privacy.

The influence of mobile app design on emotions leads to purchase intention for risk avoidance cultures

The influence of mobile app design on emotions leads to purchase intention for risk avoidance cultures

Exploring in-service preschool teachers’ acceptance of mobile learning in science teaching practice

In the sphere of preschool and elementary education, new interactive technologies built on intelligent mobile devices and auxiliary applications have drawn increasing attention. Based on the UTAUT2 (The expanding of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology) theoretical model, the purpose of this study is to understand the situation of pre-school preschool teachers’ willingness to use mobile learning. This study conducted a survey on 329 in-service preschool teachers in 9 cities in Fujian Province, China, and conducted data analysis through statistical analysis software SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) 22.0 and AMOS (Analyze of Moment Structures) 22.0, verifying the UTAUT2 model in Effectiveness in understanding in-service early childhood teachers’ intention to move to learn. The results of structural equation modeling show that the proposed model has acceptable fitting data. The results of the study show that in-service preschool teachers have the willingness to actively accept mobile learning. Among many influencing factors, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, learning value, habit have significantly impact on behavioral intention to accept mobile learning. In addition, hedonic motivation did not support to affect behavioral intention and habit to affect use behavior. The study has important implications for researchers, educators, policy makers and mobile learning app designers.

Unveiling Consumer Preferences and Intentions for Cocreated Features of a Combined Diet and Physical Activity App: Cross-Sectional Study in 4 European Countries.

Numerous mobile health apps are marketed globally, and these have specific features including physical activity tracking, motivational feedback, and recipe provision. It is important to understand which features individuals prefer and whether these preferences differ between consumer groups. In this study, we aimed to identify consumers' most preferred features and rewards for a mobile app that targets healthy eating and physical activity and to reduce the number of individual mobile health app features to a smaller number of key categories as perceived by consumers. In addition, we investigated the impact of differences in consumers' BMI and self-efficacy on their intention to use and willingness to pay for such an app. Finally, we identified the characteristics of different target groups of consumers and their responses toward app features via cluster analysis. A total of 212 participants from France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany were recruited via the web to answer questions about app features, motivation, self-efficacy, demographics, and geographic factors. It is important to note that our study included an evenly distributed sample of people in the age range of 23 to 50 years (23-35 and 35-50 years). The app features in question were generated from a 14-day cocreation session by a group of consumers from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. "Home work out suggestions," "exercise tips," and "progress charts" were the most preferred app features, whereas "gift vouchers" and "shopping discounts" were the most preferred rewards. "Connections with other communication apps" was the least preferred feature, and "charitable giving" was the least preferred reward. Importantly, consumers' positive attitude toward the "social support and connectedness and mindfulness" app feature predicted willingness to pay for such an app (β=.229; P=.004). Differences in consumers' health status, motivational factors, and basic demographics moderated these results and consumers' intention to use and willingness to pay for such an app. Notably, younger and more motivated consumers with more experience and knowledge about health apps indicated more positive attitudes and intentions to use and willingness to pay for this type of app. This study indicated that consumers tend to prefer app features that are activity based and demonstrate progress. It also suggested a potential role for monetary rewards in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Moreover, the results highlighted the role of consumers' health status, motivational factors, and socioeconomic status in predicting their app use. These results provide up-to-date, practical, and pragmatic information for the future design and operation of mobile health apps.

Design, development and evaluation of a mobile-based self-care application for patients with COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization; a study of Northwest of Iran

BackgroundGiven the effective role of a mobile applications in disease management, disease monitoring, and self-care in patients with COVID-19 disease, we aimed to design, development and evaluation of a self-care Mobile app for COVID-19 patients not requiring hospitalization.MethodsThe design, development and evaluation the usability of the self-care and education mobile app for patients with COVID-19 disease were conducted in two main phases at 2021 in Northwest of IRAN; (1) Determine the features and capabilities and (2) Design, development and evaluation of self-care mobile App. JAVA programming languages and Android Operating System were used and selected to design and development of a mobile app. There were 25 participants who conducted evaluations of the mobile app’s usability and impact using the mobile health app usability a Questionnaire of User Interface Satisfaction was administered to assess the usability of the developed application. The results were analyzed via Excel 2013.ResultsThe model of developing a mobile app as an Information System was the Waterfall model. The smartphone application based on a set of capabilities and features was designed and consists of two main parts: the login screen for user registration, and the main home menu. The user interface includes three main pages or activities; (a) Main Menu for quick access to all of the pages, (b) Symptom management and monitoring to monitor the signs and symptoms during the illness, and (c) Set Reminders and Alarms to notify patients. The users’ mean score of the application usability was calculated as 7.91 out of 9 indicating a good level of satisfaction.ConclusionThis app can be a guideline and a useful tools for managing and monitoring symptoms, reminding medications, and implementing self-care instructions in outpatients. The authors suggest evaluating the efficacy and functionality test of mobile-based applications for COVID-19 in clinical trial studies.

Digital Code as an Object Graphic Design for Dissemination and Promotion of Brand

Summary The article reveals the features of the graphic language of coded information by identifying, systematizing, and combining QR-codes and AR-codes at the present stage of graphic design development. The analysis of coded information in different types of graphic design is presented: advertising, environmental, motion, print, packaging, set prop, web, mobile app, art, and illustration graphic design. The role of a graphic designer in the development of digital codes of various types for various fields of application is described. It is proved that the coded information is a trigger between the online and offline worlds. The article also reveals the importance of using coded information for the formation, development, and improvement of the brand.

Self-Care Application for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Identifying Key Data Elements

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, and limited mobility. The disease is progressive and can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Today, mobile applications have the potential to address specific health needs and provide therapeutic interventions. The initial stage of constructing and advancing a healthcare information system involves the utilization of a minimum data set, which comprises essential and standardized data components aimed at capturing and overseeing patient care. This study aims to identify key components for a mobile-based self-care application for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Material and Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, two steps were undertaken. Firstly, a review of related articles and existing apps was conducted. Secondly, a researcher-developed questionnaire with a high reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha=0.97) was used to validate the identified information elements. Elements that scored at least an average of 3.2 (60%) on a 5 point Likert scale were deemed necessary data components for the design of an android-based mobile app catering to the self-care needs of rheumatoid arthritis patients.Results: Based on the analysis findings, experts identified crucial technical requirements for a mobile-based self-management system. The system should include features for documenting drug side effects and providing educational content and physical exercise videos. Additionally, these requirements encompass reminders for medication, doctor appointments, and physical activities. Priorities also include clinical information, lifestyle management, and patient demographics.Conclusion: Overall, the implementation of such a system has the potential to enhance patients' self-management skills, promote active involvement in self-care, and facilitate communication with healthcare providers.

Content analysis of qualitative interviews for user-centered design of a prototype mobile health app for direct support professionals' resilience

BackgroundDirect support professionals support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with essential health and community living needs. Despite an unrelenting workforce shortage crisis, limited evidence-based resources exist for their support. Resilience, or the ability to thrive in the face of challenges, is a target for health care professional wellbeing initiatives. As an “invisible” workforce interspersed throughout various community-based settings, direct support professionals may benefit from resources provided via mobile health apps. ObjectivesTo assess direct support professionals' acceptability of and preferences for the design of a mobile health app prototype to support their resilience, DSP Thrive. MethodThis concept generation and prototype design study employed a two-phase qualitative-descriptive design. Phase 1 assessed direct support professionals' acceptability of and preferences for a mobile health app for direct support professional resilience. Phase 2 elicited feedback on mock-up images of an initial prototype. Data were collected via qualitative interviews (n = 13), and transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. ResultsPhase 1: Direct support professionals identified three primary opportunities for an app to support their resilience: learning via educational resources, practicing resilience strategies, and cultivating a peer support network. Based on these findings, the DSP Thrive app prototype was designed with Learn, Practice, and Connect functions. Phase 2: User feedback on walk-throughs of mock-up images indicated initial acceptability of the prototype design with considerations for further development identified. ConclusionsEngaging direct support professionals in user-centered design of mobile health apps may help to bridge the gap to resilience resources for this essential workforce population.

Elevating M-Commerce: Exploring Trust and Purchase Intentions in Mobile App Shopping in Vietnam

Mobile shopping has emerged as a significant part of the global e-commerce landscape. Given the growing prominence of the mobile e-commerce sector in Vietnam, conducting research this market is both timely and pertinent. Hence, this study focuses on examining the factors that influence the trust in mobile shopping apps and their intent to make mobile shopping purchases. The results show that user experience, online customer review and mobile app design significantly effect on trust in mobile shopping apps, subsequently, influencing purchase intention. However, it's noteworthy that attitudes towards social networking site (SNS) advertising do not have a significant effect on trust in mobile shopping apps

App atmospherics, personality factors and technology acceptance behaviour towards the adoption of mobile banking apps – a systematic literature review

Mobile banking apps have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing customers with a convenient and secure way to manage their finances. These apps have transformed the way we conduct financial transactions and have revolutionized the banking industry. However, despite the widespread adoption of mobile banking apps, there is still a significant gap in our understanding of the factors that influence customers' acceptance of these apps. This systematic literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this area based on app atmospherics, personality factors, and technology acceptance behaviour. The review analysed 40 papers published between 2019 to 2023 to synthesize the evidence and identify key factors that influence the adoption and intention to use mobile banking apps. One of the key findings of the review is that app atmospherics, including the visual design, functionality, and interactivity of mobile banking apps, significantly influence customers' technology acceptance behaviour. Customers are more likely to adopt mobile banking apps that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and interactive. Additionally, technology acceptance behaviour, such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived trustworthiness, also plays a crucial role in shaping customers' attitudes towards mobile banking apps. The review also identified personality factors such as emotions and attitudes that significantly influence the adoption and intention to use mobile banking apps. Customers who are open to change, innovative, and willing to take risks are more likely to adopt mobile banking apps than those who are not. Additionally, customer demographics, cultural differences, and technological advancements were identified as key factors that affect the adoption of mobile banking apps. Banks and financial institutions must keep up with technological advancements to stay ahead of the competition and provide customers with the latest and most innovative technologies. This study has identified the key research gaps and suggest a theoretical framework for future research agenda.