Investigating the Affordances of Wellness mHealth Apps

Abstract

Previous research on the effectiveness of wellness mHealth apps focused on the design and features of such apps and paid insufficient attention to how the whole relationship between the apps and users impact use. Using affordance theory, we investigated what wellness mHealth apps afford to users and why these affordances are not actualized by all users. We conducted a qualitative study, collecting data from apps' reviews and from fifteen participants who used multiple wellness mHealth apps. Our grounded theory analysis revealed four shared affordances (promoting goals, comparing oneself to others, coaching, and nurturing) related to the use of wellness mHealth apps and three immediate concrete outcomes (habit formation, self-awareness, and goal attainment) reached after the affordances were actualized. Nonetheless, factors such as information overload, aesthetic appreciation, and users' characteristics may impact users' actualizations of the shared affordances and prevent some users from reaching their immediate concrete outcomes.

Influence of Personality Traits on the Continued Use of Fitness Apps

“…Reports have shown that 58% of smartphone users have at least one health and fitness app on their devices [5], and the number of downloaded fitness apps increased by 330% from 2014 to 2017 [6]. Using fitness apps, people can actualize various affordances such as having their goals promoted (by being reminded), comparing themselves to others, and being coached [7]. When these affordances are actualized, people may develop healthy habits, become aware of their health status, and be able to reach their health goals [7].…”

“…Using fitness apps, people can actualize various affordances such as having their goals promoted (by being reminded), comparing themselves to others, and being coached [7]. When these affordances are actualized, people may develop healthy habits, become aware of their health status, and be able to reach their health goals [7].…”

mHealth and User Interaction Improvement by Personality Traits-Based Personalization

“…Although several studies have shown that mHealth applications can significantly improve user well-being, they may be ineffective for a large number of users [14]- [20]. This phenomenon can be explained by a few factors, including user motivation: due to some reasons users stop using the application, utilize it incorrectly or avoid using the application, skipping the proposed physical activities despite the initial interest in regular exercises [21], [22]. According to available data, a third part of users stop using physical activity tracking applications in the first six months [13].…”