Thesis

The role of mobile technology in walking in adults

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2014
Thesis identifier
  • T13777
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Abstract
  • Physical inactivity is associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, obesity, and stroke (World Health Organization, 2004). Despite this increased risk of disease, less than 40% of adults in the UK (Health Survey for Scotland, 2009; Health Survey for England, 2009) are achieving the minimum global physical activity guidelines. Research by Ofcom (2012) found that two out of every five people in the UK own a smartphone, and for many, they are an integral part of their everyday lives. This creates a potential platform for smartphones to influence behaviour change. This dissertation explored the preferences adults have for a mobile app to encourage and monitor walking by taking a user-centred design approach. The first study consisted of an online questionnaire and individual interviews. The findings from this study were used to inform the design of a Q-methodological study which explored the preferences of sedentary and low active adults for a mobile walking app. Analysis identified three types of mobile app users: users who prioritised music as a main feature of the app; users who wanted a motivational walking app; and users who wanted an informational walking app. The findings from this dissertation will be used to inform the development of an existing prototype mobile walking app created by researchers at the University of Strathclyde. Physical activity app developers should consider these differences in preferences when designing apps in the future and other researchers and physical activity practitioners should take into account that different approaches may work for different people with regards to increasing physical activity levels. This dissertation has highlighted Q-methodology as a potential method of user-centred design to inform technology development.
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DOI
Date Created
  • 2014
Former identifier
  • 1033053

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