Research on optimizing user experience evaluation indicators of smartphone medical apps—centered on Chinese medical apps (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Analysis of existing research on user experience evaluations of mobile medical applications (apps) reveals a lack of studies specifically addressing evaluation indicators for these apps. Additionally, the expanding scope of user experience research has resulted in fragmented and unsystematic research perspectives. OBJECTIVE From a user-centered optimization perspective, this study aims to develop a scientific, comprehensive, and efficient set of evaluation indicators for the user experience of medical apps, providing practical insights for the high-quality development of the mobile medical industry. METHODS Initially, a literature review was conducted to summarize existing research on the user experience evaluation of medical apps. Subsequently, the Delphi method was employed to establish evaluation indicators and levels, involving three rounds of surveys to achieve consensus among experts. Once consistent opinions were reached, the final evaluation indicators were determined. Finally, the analytic hierarchy process was used to assign weights to the evaluation indicators and rank them. RESULTS The study identified 28 evaluation indicators for the user experience of medical apps, comprising 7 primary indicators and 21 secondary indicators. The findings indicate that “product usefulness,” “emotional pleasure,” and “barrier-free use” are among the highest-ranked indicators. CONCLUSIONS The study identified 28 evaluation indicators for the user experience of medical apps, comprising 7 primary indicators and 21 secondary indicators. The findings indicate that “product usefulness,” “emotional pleasure,” and “barrier-free use” are among the highest-ranked indicators.