Thought Spot: Embedding Usability Testing into the Development Cycle

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2019:257:375-381.

Abstract

Usability testing is a vital component in the development of any digital innovation. Thought Spot, a mental health and wellness mobile application designed for and by transition-aged youth, underwent three distinct phases of usability testing (lab testing, field testing and heuristic evaluations). Testing highlighted that participants generally had a positive experience with the platform. Although some app functions were initially difficult for users, positive trends in learnability were observed. The key lesson learned from this process is the need for iterative testing timelines, concurrent with app development.

Keywords: mHealth; student mental health; usability testing.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Humans
  • Mobile Applications*
  • User-Computer Interface*