User-centered Design Research Articles

Digital Storytelling for People With Cognitive Impairment Using Available Mobile Apps: Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis.

Growing evidence suggests cognitive and social health benefits can be derived from digital storytelling for older adults with cognitive impairment. Digital storytelling apps offer the potential to serve as an on-demand, easy-to-access platform for enhancing cognitive abilities and promoting social well-being. Yet, despite the increasing quantity of such apps being available on the market, there is a gap in research investigating their quality. This app review aims to assess the digital storytelling apps available in the Chinese market and evaluate them in accordance with the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The goal was to identify key features and evaluate the overall quality in the context of cognitively impaired users. A systematic search was conducted in both the Google Play store (Google LLC) and iTunes store (Apple Inc), using English and Chinese keywords. Apps were chosen according to specific criteria that included features, including (but not limited to) memory capture, story saving, cue-based reminiscing, and the ability to share stories or memories with others. The MARS was used by 3 individual researchers to independently assess app quality across several domains, such as engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality, for both Android and iOS apps. From an initial screening of 297 apps, only 9 (3%) met the criteria for detailed evaluation using MARS. The reviewed apps featured capture memory, save, reminisce, and share functions, which are critical in supporting cognitive functions and enhancing user engagement. The analysis revealed patterns in platform diversity and geographical distribution of developers, with apps available on both iOS and Android. Memoirs of Life and Memorize: Diaries, Memories, Notes, Ideas, Timelines, Categories (Fair Apps Mobile) had the highest mean MARS scores of 3.35, indicating strong engagement, functionality, and information quality, while the lowest score was 2.33. The overall mean score across all apps was only 3.03 (SD 0.60), highlighting significant variation, particularly in information quality. User feedback also showed considerable variability, ranging from 0 comments for apps such as Grand Storyteller (VarIT Inc) and PWI Storyteller (Project World Impact, LLC) to as many as 5361 comments for FamilySearch, which received extensive positive reviews. This wide range of user feedback underscores the importance of continuous improvement and user-centered design, particularly in enhancing information quality and content accuracy. The systematic search and evaluation highlight the diverse capabilities yet variable quality of digital storytelling apps available within the Chinese market, reflecting user experiences, satisfaction levels, and efficacy in supporting cognitively impaired users. While some apps excel in engagement and functionality, others need significant improvements in information quality and user interface design to better serve those with cognitive impairments. Future research is recommended to investigate regional limitations and features that would result in more inclusive and effective digital storytelling apps.

Extubation Advisor: Implementation and Evaluation of A Novel Extubation Clinical Decision Support Tool.

Extubation Advisor (EA) is a novel software tool that generates a synoptic report for each Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT) conducted to inform extubation decision-making. To assess bedside EA implementation, perceptions of utility, and identify barriers and facilitators of use. We conducted a phase I mixed-methods interventional study in three mixed intensive care unit (ICUs) in two academic hospitals. We interviewed critical care physicians (MDs) and respiratory therapists (RTs) regarding user-centered design principles and usability. We evaluated our ability to consent participants (feasibility threshold 50%), capture complete data (threshold 90%), generate and review EA reports in real-time (thresholds 75% and 80%, respectively), and MD perception of tool usefulness (6-point Likert scale). We analyzed interview transcripts using inductive coding to identify facilitators and barriers to EA implementation and perceived benefit of tool use. We enrolled 31 patients who underwent 70 SBTs. Although consent rates [31/31 (100%], complete data capture [68/68 (100%)], and EA report generation [68/70 (97.1%)] exceeded feasibility thresholds, reports were reviewed by MDs for [55/70 (78.6%)] SBTs. Mean MD usefulness score was 4.0/6. Based on feedback obtained from 36 interviews (15 MDs, 21 RTs), we revised the EA report twice and identified facilitators (ability to track patient progress, enhance extubation decision-making, and provide support in resource-limited settings) and barriers (resource constraints, need for education) to tool implementation. Half of respondents (9 MDs, 9 RTs; combined 50%) perceived definite or potential benefit to EA tool use. This is the first study of a waveform-based variability-derived, predictive clinical decision support tool evaluated in adult ICUs. Our findings support the feasibility of integrating the EA tool into bedside workflow. Clinical trials are needed to assess the utility of the EA tool in practice and its impact on extubation decision-making and outcomes. NCT04708509.

3D Remote Monitoring and Diagnosis during a Pandemic: Holoportation and Digital Twin Requirements

COVID-19 regulations presented clinicians with a new set of challenges that affected their ability to efficiently provide patient care and, as a result, telemedicine was rapidly adopted to deliver care remotely. However, these telemedicine platforms undermine patient care due to clinicians' inability to acquire all the relevant patient information required to diagnose and treat the patient. To explore this gap, we conducted a requirements analysis for the development of a 3D remote patient monitoring and diagnosis platform, by using a user-centric design methodology. In this requirements analysis, we elicited information about the clinical domain, identified clinicians’ requirements, elicited clinicians’ insights, and documented the clinicians' requirements. The outcome was the emergence of refined clinicians' requirements to guide the implementation of the Digital Twin concept paired with holoportation for remote 3D monitoring and diagnosis of patients. We anticipate that the application of a 3D telemedicine platform with these requirements for patient care during a pandemic could potentially enhance clinicians' efficiency and the effectiveness of remote patient care.

Revitalizing Interest in Traditional Malaysian Games Among the Younger Generation Through Mobile Applications: An Interface Design Approach

The rich heritage of traditional Malaysian games is at risk of fading in the face of modern digital entertainment, particularly among younger generations. This study explores how mobile applications can serve as a platform to revitalize interest in these games by employing an innovative interface design approach. Focusing on user-centred design principles, this paper highlights the importance of visual appeal, ease of use, and engagement in encouraging younger users to interact with this cultural artefact. By combining tradition with technology, the research demonstrates how thoughtfully designed mobile applications can preserve cultural heritage while resonating with the digital-native generation. The findings present a framework for integrating cultural education into modern gaming experiences, contributing to preserving Malaysia's unique cultural identity.

Healthcare Internet of Things system implementations for COVID-19 prevention

BackgroundIn response to the widespread transmission of COVID-19 in Australia, healthcare facilities implemented stringent infection control measures, and mandatory and manual screening procedures were introduced to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare staff. However, these necessary measures resulted in imbalances within the healthcare system, a shortage of front-line workers and impacts on patient experience and wait times. The prioritization of infection control measures shifted resources away from routine care, causing delays in accessing necessary healthcare services.Methods and FindingsTo address these challenges, we developed and implemented an Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Screening eGate solution in partnership with a large metropolitan children’s hospital in Australia. This solution integrated a contactless health self-service web app, thermal camera, and physical barrier to automate the COVID-19 health screening and data recording process. During the 3-month pilot period, we deployed the eGate at multiple entrances to the hospital, and monitored the number of users of the system in different periods. We also used a framework of formative evaluation to classify user design challenges within limited resources and improved the design of the eGate to enhance its effectiveness. Our findings show that the IoT eGate solution improved the efficiency of the screening process and reduced the workload and exposure risks of front-line staff and anyone who required access to the hospital. By automating the screening process, we reduced the need for manual screening and minimized contact between individuals, thus reducing the risk of potentially infected.ConclusionIn conclusion, our pilot study demonstrated the potential of IoT technologies in improving the efficiency and safety of medical facilities during pandemics and provided a series of recommendations for the translation of IoT technologies for medical facilities, including the importance of co-design and collaboration with stakeholders, user-centered design, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Technology-Assisted Interventions for Promoting Independence in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review.

The aging global population presents significant challenges for healthcare systems. Technology-assisted interventions have emerged as promising tools to enhance independence and well-being among elderly individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-assisted interventions in promoting independence among elderly patients and identify key barriers and facilitators to their implementation. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Studies evaluating technology-assisted interventions for promoting independence in elderly patients were included. Data were synthesized through narrative and thematic analysis. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria. Technology-assisted interventions demonstrated positive impacts on physical and cognitive functioning, health management, quality of life, and technological engagement among elderly patients. Improvements were observed in areas such as mobility, chronic disease management, mental health, and daily living activities. High usability and adherence rates were reported for well-designed interventions. However, challenges in user-centered design, personalization, and integration with existing healthcare systems were identified. Technology-assisted interventions show promise in promoting independence among elderly patients. Future research should focus on addressing identified challenges and conducting larger, long-term studies to confirm effectiveness and sustainability.

Transitioning Perspectives in Digital Health Through Phenomenology Integration.

The evolution of digital health, from its early days as eHealth to its current expansive scope, reflects a significant transformation in health care delivery and management. This transition underscores the integration of digital technologies across the health continuum from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. The emergence of digital health has introduced innovative solutions but also posed challenges, particularly in aligning technological advancements with health needs, human experiences, and ethical considerations. This position paper aims to explore the integration of phenomenology in digital health, advocating for a paradigm that emphasizes the centrality of human experience in the design and implementation of digital health solutions. It specifically seeks to address challenges related to relevance for individuals who "speak" different languages, ensuring long-term use, addressing digital and health literacy, coordinating various sources, and navigating ethical issues in the rapidly evolving digital health landscape. Drawing upon years of research and practical experience in communication technologies and health, this paper uses a reflective approach to examine the intersection of digital health and phenomenology. It reviews the historical development of digital health, identifies the challenges faced during its evolution, and discusses the potential of phenomenological methods to enhance user-centered design and ethical practices in digital health. The integration of phenomenology into digital health facilitates a deeper understanding of user experiences, enabling the development of more responsive and ethical digital health solutions. Participatory design models, informed by phenomenological perspectives, offer a pathway to bridge the gap between technological innovation and human-centric health care. The paper highlights successful practices in digital health development, including mobile apps for vaccination decision-making and platforms for managing chronic conditions, illustrating the benefits of a phenomenological approach. Transitioning perspectives in digital health through phenomenology integration represents a critical step toward realizing the full potential of digital technologies in health care.

Supporting emotion regulation in children on the autism spectrum: co-developing a digital mental health application for school-based settings with community partners.

KeepCalm is a digital mental health application, co-designed with community partners, that incorporates wearable biosensing with support for teams to address challenging behaviors and emotion dysregulation in children on the autism spectrum. We followed a user-centered design framework. Before app development, we conducted design workshops, needs assessment interviews, a systematic review, and created an Expert Advisory Board. Once we had a working prototype, we recruited 73 participants to test and help improve the app across five testing cycles. Participants rated the app across testing cycles as highly acceptable, appropriate, feasible, and with good usability. Qualitative data indicated that KeepCalm helped teachers (a) be aware of students' previously unrealized triggers, especially for nonspeaking students; (b) prevent behavioral episodes; (c) communicate with parents about behaviors/strategies; and (d) equipped parents with knowledge of strategies to use at home. We learned that in order to make the app acceptable and appropriate we needed to make the app enjoyable/easy to use and to focus development on novel features that augment teachers' skills (e.g., behavioral pattern and stress detection). We also learned about the importance of maximizing feasibility, through in-person app training/support especially regarding the wearable devices, and the importance of having aides involved. Our findings have informed plans for wider-scale feasibility testing so that we may examine the determinants of implementation to inform adaptations and refinement, and gather preliminary efficacy data on KeepCalm's impact on reducing challenging behaviors and supporting emotion regulation in students on the autism spectrum.

Speech recognition technology in prehospital documentation: A scoping review

ObjectivesThe nature of paramedic workflows, where paramedics are responsible to provide care and chart concurrently, can result in incomplete or non-existent patient care reports on patient handover to the emergency department (ED). Charting delays and retrospective recollection of care may lead to patient information gaps, which can increase ED workload, cause care delays, and increase the risk of adverse events. Speech recognition documentation technology has the potential to produce complete patient care reports quicker and improve paramedic-to-ED handover. We performed a scoping review to determine paramedic perceptions and user requirements for speech recognition documentation technology. MethodsMEDLINE, Google Scholar, IEEE Explore, ProQuest, and CINAHL were searched from 2014 to March 2024. Criteria included studies focused on paramedics’ use or perceptions of speech recognition documentation technology. This review included studies conducted in the prehospital environment and adjacent agencies (i.e., ED, fire, police, military). ResultsThe review identified eight articles that met inclusion criteria. All eight articles were small focus group-based studies in laboratory settings published on or after 2020. Five studies were conducted in the United States, two in Switzerland, and one in Japan. Of the eight studies, five recommended further live environment testing of the technology examined, and three underscored the importance of a user-centred design. The top user requirements for speech recognition adoption was hands-free use, noise reduction technology, battery life, and word accuracy. All eight studies recommended further research and development of speech recognition documentation technology in the prehospital workflow. ConclusionThis scoping review has highlighted that while there is a growing interest in speech recognition documentation technology in the paramedicine workflow, more research is needed, especially with larger samples in a live environment. The user requirements and perceptions of speech recognition documentation technology in paramedicine must be better understood to design systems with high adoption rates.

A Roadmap for the Design of a Public-participation Geographic-Information System to Support Urban Ageing

Geospatial technologies have the potential to transform the lives of older adults by providing them with necessary tools to navigate their local communities, access services, connect with others, and access valuable information. However, the usability and accessibility of such technologies often fall short of the needs of older adults. Many existing geospatial tools are not designed with the needs and preferences of older adults in mind; this can lead to usability challenges and limit their usage. This paper explores a participatory approach in developing an inclusive geodata-collection tool that is specifically tailored to older users’ needs. The paper also highlights the importance of incorporating user-centered design principles, participatory design methods, and accessibility guidelines throughout the entire geodata-tool-development process. It also emphasizes the need for ongoing user engagement and feedback in order to ensure that the tool remains relevant and usable in the evolving digital landscape. This participatory approach has resulted in a tool that is easy to use and accessible for older adults; it is available in various languages, thus ensuring that the elderly can actively participate in the prototype’s creation and contribute to the collection of the geospatial information that reflects their lived experiences and needs.

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.

Development and Testing of a Mobile App for Management of Gestational Diabetes in Nepal: Protocol for a User-Centered Design Study and Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial.

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nepal. GDM self-management, including intensive dietary and lifestyle modifications and blood glucose monitoring, is critical to maintain glycemic control and prevent adverse outcomes. However, in resource-limited settings, several barriers hinder optimal self-management. Mobile health (mHealth) technology holds promise as a strategy to augment GDM treatment by promoting healthy behaviors and supporting self-management, but this approach has not yet been tested in any LMIC. This report describes the protocol to develop a culturally tailored mHealth app that supports self-management and treatment of GDM (GDM-Dhulikhel Hospital [GDM-DH] app, phase 1) and test its usability and preliminary efficacy (phase 2) among patients with GDM in a periurban hospital setting in Nepal. The study will be conducted at Dhulikhel Hospital in Dhulikhel, Nepal. In the development phase (phase 1), a prototype of the GDM-DH app will be developed based on expert reviews and a user-centered design approach. To understand facilitators and barriers to GDM self-management and to gather feedback on the prototype, focus groups and in-depth interviews will be conducted with patients with GDM (n=12), health care providers (n=5), and family members (n=3), with plans to recruit further if saturation is not achieved. Feedback will be used to build a minimum viable product, which will undergo user testing with 18 patients with GDM using a think-aloud protocol. The final GDM-DH app will be developed based on user feedback and following an iterative product design and user testing process. In the randomized controlled trial phase (phase 2), newly diagnosed patients with GDM (n=120) will be recruited and randomized to either standard care alone or standard care plus the GDM-DH app from 24-30 weeks gestation until delivery. In this proof-of-concept trial, feasibility outcomes will be app usage, self-monitoring adherence, and app usability and acceptability. Exploratory treatment outcomes will be maternal glycemic control at 6 weeks post partum, birth weight, and rates of labor induction and cesarean delivery. Qualitative data obtained from phase 1 will be analyzed using thematic analysis. In phase 2, independent 2-tailed t tests or chi-square analyses will examine differences in outcomes between the 2 treatment conditions. As of July 2024, we have completed phase 1. Phase 2 is underway. The first participant was enrolled in October 2021, with 99 participants enrolled as of July 2024. We anticipate completing recruitment by December 2024 and disseminating findings by December 2025. App-based lifestyle interventions for GDM management are not common in LMICs, where GDM prevalence is rapidly increasing. This proof-of-concept trial will provide valuable insights into the potential of leveraging mHealth app-based platforms for GDM self-management in LMICs. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04198857; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04198857. DERR1-10.2196/59423.

Remote Passive Sensing of Older Adults' Activities and Function: User-Centered Design Considerations for Behavioral Interventions Conducted in the Home Setting.

Behavioral intervention studies often lack sufficiently sensitive and frequent measurements to observe an effect. Remote passive sensing offers a highly sensitive, continuous, and ecologically valid method of assessment that increases the ability to detect changes in the daily activities and function of those being monitored. To be most effectively deployed in research studies, applications of remote assessment technology must be designed with the end user in mind. User-centered design (UCD) is especially important in clinical trials where the needs and characteristics of participants and research staff need to be uniquely considered to ensure the feasibility and acceptability of the study. This paper describes UCD issues in remote passive sensing that commonly arise among older adult participants-including those living with dementia-as well as any strategies that were taken to overcome them. Using exemplars from the National Institute on Aging-funded Roybal Center ORCASTRAIT (Oregon Roybal Center for Care Support Translational Research Advantaged by Integrating Technology), as well as other experimental and observational research studies conducted in community settings, this paper brings together our collective experiences with studies using remote passive sensing technology that incorporate a UCD design approach. Although passive sensing eliminates some common UCD issues that arise with higher-touch technology, issues, such as usability, trust, and aesthetic acceptability, still need to be addressed for behavioral interventions using passive sensing technology to be potent and implementable.

Acceptability and Usability of Mobile Health Application for Enhancing Treatment Adherence in Latent TB Patients

Background: Mobile health interventions showcase effectiveness for improving treatment adherence among Latent TB Infection (LTBI) patients. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding their acceptability and usability. This study aimed to assess the initial acceptability and usability of a mobile health application that has been designed to ensure treatment adherence in LTBI patients. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted to assess the acceptability and usability of a mobile health application, “My Treatment Friend”. A total of 82 LTBI patients were selected, and access to the application was given to them. This application provides support to LTBI patients in reporting daily medication and side effects. The basic demographic characteristics of the participants were collected through a Google form-based questionnaire. The acceptability and usability of the application were assessed using the Likert scale questionnaire and SUS tool, with samples of n=44 and n=20 participants, respectively. Results: LTBI patients found the mobile application acceptable and feasible, with an SUS score of 73, which comes under Grade B as per the SUS score sheet. The majority believed that the app was very simple to use and easy to understand. However, there is a requirement to add more features that can enhance the acceptability and usability of the application. Conclusion: The study showed the importance and usefulness of mobile applications to assist LTBI patients in finishing their prescribed treatment courses of action. Additionally, it highlights how crucial it is to build future applications using user-centered design. User-centered design may play an important role in designing mobile applications and ensuring effective engagement and satisfaction among users.

Design and development of a machine-learning-driven opioid overdose risk prediction tool integrated in electronic health records in primary care settings

BackgroundIntegrating advanced machine-learning (ML) algorithms into clinical practice is challenging and requires interdisciplinary collaboration to develop transparent, interpretable, and ethically sound clinical decision support (CDS) tools. We aimed to design a ML-driven CDS tool to predict opioid overdose risk and gather feedback for its integration into the University of Florida Health (UFHealth) electronic health record (EHR) system.MethodsWe used user-centered design methods to integrate the ML algorithm into the EHR system. The backend and UI design sub-teams collaborated closely, both informed by user feedback sessions. We conducted seven user feedback sessions with five UF Health primary care physicians (PCPs) to explore aspects of CDS tools, including workflow, risk display, and risk mitigation strategies. After customizing the tool based on PCPs’ feedback, we held two rounds of one-on-one usability testing sessions with 8 additional PCPs to gather feedback on prototype alerts. These sessions informed iterative UI design and backend processes, including alert frequency and reappearance circumstances.ResultsThe backend process development identified needs and requirements from our team, information technology, UFHealth, and PCPs. Thirteen PCPs (male = 62%, White = 85%) participated across 7 user feedback sessions and 8 usability testing sessions. During the user feedback sessions, PCPs (n = 5) identified flaws such as the term “high risk” of overdose potentially leading to unintended consequences (e.g., immediate addiction services referrals), offered suggestions, and expressed trust in the tool. In the first usability testing session, PCPs (n = 4) emphasized the need for natural risk presentation (e.g., 1 in 200) and suggested displaying the alert multiple times yearly for at-risk patients. Another 4 PCPs in the second usability testing session valued the UFHealth-specific alert for managing new or unfamiliar patients, expressed concerns about PCPs’ workload when prescribing to high-risk patients, and recommended incorporating the details page into training sessions to enhance usability.ConclusionsThe final backend process for our CDS alert aligns with PCP needs and UFHealth standards. Integrating feedback from PCPs in the early development phase of our ML-driven CDS tool helped identify barriers and facilitators in the CDS integration process. This collaborative approach yielded a refined prototype aimed at minimizing unintended consequences and enhancing usability.

An Online Application to Explain Community Immunity with Personalized Avatars: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate the effects of a web-based, personalized avatar intervention conveying the concept of community immunity (herd immunity) on risk perception (perceptions of the risk of infection spreading (to self, family, community, and vulnerable individuals)) and other cognitive and emotional responses across 4 vaccine-preventable disease contexts: measles, pertussis, influenza, and an unnamed "vaccine-preventable disease." Through a robust user-centered design process, we developed a web application, " herdimm ," showing how community immunity works. In our application, people personalize a virtual community by creating avatars (themselves, 2 vulnerable people in their community, and 6 other people around them; e.g., family members or co-workers.) Herdimm integrates these avatars in a 2-minute narrated animation showing visually how infections spread with and without the protection of community immunity. The present study was a 2×4 factorial randomized controlled trial to assess herdimm 's effects. We recruited 3883 adults via Qualtrics living in Canada who could complete an online study in English or French. We pre-registered our study, including depositing our questionnaire and pre-scripted statistical code on Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/hkysb/ ). The trial ran from March 1 to July 1, 2021. We compared the web application to no intervention (i.e. control) on primary outcome risk perception, divided into objective risk perception (accuracy of risk perception) and subjective risk perception (subjective sense of risk), and on secondary outcomes-emotions (worry, anticipated guilt), knowledge, and vaccination intentions-using analysis of variance for continuous outcomes and logistic regression for dichotomous outcomes. We conducted planned moderation analyses using participants' scores on a validated scale of individualism and collectivism as moderators. Overall, herdimm had desirable effects on all outcomes. People randomized to herdimm were more likely to score high on objective risk perception (58.0%, 95% confidence interval 56.0%-59.9%) compared to those assigned to the control condition (38.2%, 95% confidence interval 35.5%-40.9%). Herdimm increased subjective risk perception from a mean of 5.30 on a scale from 1 to 7 among those assigned to the control to 5.54 among those assigned to herdimm . The application also increased emotions (worry, anticipated guilt) (F(1,3875)=13.13, p<0.001), knowledge (F(1,3875)=36.37, p<0.001) and vaccination intentions (Chi-squared(1)=9.4136, p=0.002). While objective risk perception did not differ by disease (Chi-squared(3)=6.94, p=0.074), other outcomes did (subjective risk perception F(3,3875) = 5.6430, p<0.001; emotions F(3,3875)=78.54, p<0.001; knowledge (F(3,3875)=5.20, p=0.001); vaccination intentions Chi-squared (3)=15.02, p=0.002). Moderation models showed that many findings were moderated by participants' individualism and collectivism scores. Overall, whereas outcomes tended not to vary by individualism and collectivism among participants in the control condition, the positive effects of herdimm were larger among participants with more collectivist orientations and effects were sometimes negative among participants with more individualist orientations. Conveying the concept of community immunity through a web application using personalized avatars increases objective and subjective risk perception and positively influences intentions to receive vaccines, particularly among people who have more collectivist worldviews. Including prosocial messages about the collective benefits of vaccination in public health campaigns may increase positive effects among people who are more collectivist while possibly backfiring among those who are more individualistic.

Chatbot: Music Recommendation System

This paper presents the development of a Chatbot Music Recommendation System that utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance user engagement through personalized music suggestions. The system operates on two primary mechanisms: passive recommendations based on contextual factors such as time of day and weather conditions, and interactive suggestions during user engagement. By integrating real-time data from external APIs, the chatbot can provide relevant song recommendations tailored to the user's environment, such as upbeat tracks for sunny days or calming melodies for rainy weather. Additionally, the system employs natural language processing techniques to understand user preferences and emotions, allowing it to refine its recommendations over time. A comprehensive evaluation of the system's performance is conducted through user feedback and interaction metrics, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving the music discovery experience. The findings indicate that the chatbot not only enhances user satisfaction but also fosters a deeper emotional connection with music. This research contributes to the field of music recommendation systems by merging technology with user-centric design, ultimately transforming how individuals interact with music in their daily lives

ARCHIVES COMMUNICATION: MUTATIONS OF A FUNCTION

Objective: The objective of this article is to examine the evolving communication function of archives in the context of new information and communication technologies. It aims to identify the impact of digitalization on archival practices, focusing on how these changes enhance the accessibility and usability of archival materials for the public and researchers. By exploring the emerging practices of archivists and their role in facilitating effective communication, this article seeks to highlight the significance of communication in the archival profession and to provide insights into the best practices for ensuring a positive user experience in the consultation of archival documents. Theoretical Framework: This article explores the communication of archives in the digital age, focusing on communication theory, digital archive science, user-centered design, social constructivism, and information behavior. It emphasizes the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts, user needs, and information behavior to design effective communication strategies. Method: This article uses a qualitative research approach to examine the evolving communication function of archives in the context of digital technologies. It uses literature review, case studies, interviews with archivists, user surveys, and content analysis to understand the impact of digitalization on archives and identify best practices for archivists. Results and Discussion: The literature review, case studies, interviews, user surveys, and content analysis reveal a significant shift in archival practices towards digital communication. Key themes include accessibility, user engagement, and the role of digital technologies in transforming traditional functions. Successful examples include digitization of collections, innovative outreach strategies, and collaborations between archivists and technology experts. Key themes include a user-centered approach, balancing digital and traditional practices, ongoing training, and collaboration between archivists, technology professionals, and user communities. Research Implications: This study highlights the need for further research in archival science and communication to explore digital practices, user experience, collaboration models, social media's impact, training for archivists, ethical considerations, and long-term impact on research outcomes. It emphasizes the need for in-depth studies on user experience, collaboration models, social media's role, and the impact of training on professional development and broader societal impact. Originality/Value: This article explores the evolving communication function of archives in response to digital advancements. It integrates theoretical frameworks with practical insights from case studies, interviews, and user surveys. The research emphasizes user-centered approaches, empirical evidence, and best practices for archivists. It contributes to ongoing discourse on the future of archives and raises ethical considerations, addressing challenges faced by archivists.

White Paper on User Centred Design to Address Challenges in the Design and Creation of Agricultural Data Visualisation Interfaces

The increase in agricultural data has created a need for developing tools that can manage, share, and visualise this information, while also being accessible to farmers. The use of different technical languages, varying needs, and differing objectives for the tools being developed and used creates a gap between technology developers and farmers, leading to inefficient information transfer. Consequently, interfaces are often poorly adapted to the real needs of end-users and lack essential functionality. This white paper aims to propose a User-Centred Design methodology in order to address the challenges encountered in creating interfaces for shared agricultural Data Space Ecosystems. The proposed methodology, an adaptation of ISO 9241:210-2019, highlights the importance of user participation at various stages of the interface design cycle for the creation of user-adaptive technologies.

Implementation and effectiveness of the cashless banking system

This thesis analyses the implementation and effectiveness of the cashless banking system at Ecobank, focusing on various dimensions such as usability, stakeholder satisfaction, and customer perspectives. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating quantitative and qualitative data from 25 participants to evaluate the system's performance. The analysis reveals that while the cashless banking system is generally well-received, particularly in ease of task completion and overall workflow improvements, there are notable challenges in usability, particularly with interface intuitiveness and performance during peak hours. Stakeholders and customers reported moderate satisfaction, with varying experiences regarding ease of use and reliability. The study concludes that although the cashless banking system has enhanced Ecobank’s service delivery and met broad expectations, further user experience, system performance, and continuous evaluation mechanisms are necessary to optimise its effectiveness and customer satisfaction. Recommendations include focusing on user-centred design, improving scalability for peak demand periods, and establishing robust feedback loops for ongoing system refinement.