Seventeenth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society

Abstract

The use of mobile applications or “apps” is common among contemporary parents. However, parents find it difficult to locate quality apps that meet their expectations due to the proliferation of low-quality apps; therefore, there is a need to develop a directory of quality apps that supports parents’ search. The purpose of this study was to involve parents in co-developing a parenting app directory and to engage parents in co-designing a user interface for webpages that feature the directory. The parenting app directory was developed during focus group discussions with 18 Canadian parents (15 mothers and 3 fathers). Webpage prototypes (landing and the app description page) were created with 3 Canadian parents (2 fathers and 1 mother) using a participatory design approach. Out of 45 apps, 12 apps were included in the parenting app directory using eligibility criteria. Parents suggested the link to the directory should be shared in perinatal classes to support parents’ search for apps. When designing user interface for webpages, parents recommended less cluttered and organized user interface, fewer choices and fewer clicks to facilitate prompt app download decisions, synopsis of app features accompanied with ‘read more’ link for interested users and mobile optimization of the website. Considering the growing trends of app use among parents, clinicians should support parents in their search for quality apps. As users, parents can provide insights into creating appealing user interfaces and researchers should consider their perspectives in designing future parenting resources.