DEVELOPMENT AND USABILITY TESTING OF MOBILE APPLICATION ON EARLY COGNITIVE, AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIRST 6 MONTHS OF LIFE

Abstract

Background: The first six months of life play a crucial role in shaping an infant’s cognitive and socio-emotional development, laying the foundation for future learning, behavior, and overall well-being. However, many caregivers, especially in low- and middle-income countries struggle to access reliable, research-based guidance on fostering early childhood development (ECD). Mobile health (mHealth) applications offer an innovative solution by providing accessible, evidence-based resources to support caregivers in nurturing their child's growth.

Objective: This study developed and evaluated the usability of Stimulus Apps, a mobile application designed to support early cognitive and socio-emotional development in infants aged 0–6 months. The app offers guidance on responsive caregiving, developmental milestones, and interactive activities.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, consisting of two key phases: (1) app development and (2) usability evaluation. The app was designed using established frameworks and expert consultations, integrating features such as educational content, milestone tracking, interactive activities, and caregiver forums. Usability testing involved 30 caregivers who participated in a cross-sectional study. The System Usability Scale (SUS) measured usability, while semi-structured interviews provided deeper insights into user experience and functionality. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative feedback was examined through thematic analysis.

Results: A total of 30 caregivers (73.3% mothers, 20% fathers, 6.7% guardians) participated, with an average age of 29.4 years (SD = 4.2). The Stimulus Apps received a mean SUS score of 78.6 (SD = 8.5), indicating a high level of usability. Qualitative findings highlighted three main themes: (1) ease of use and navigation, (2) perceived usefulness and engagement, and (3) areas for improvement. Caregivers appreciated the app’s intuitive design, milestone tracking, and video-based educational content. However, they suggested enhancing app performance, adding more interactive learning tools, and providing personalized activity recommendations.

Conclusion: The Stimulus Apps mobile application demonstrated strong usability and was well-received by caregivers, offering valuable support for early cognitive and socio-emotional development. Future improvements should focus on optimizing app performance, incorporating interactive features, and tailoring content to meet user needs. This study highlights the potential of mHealth interventions in promoting positive caregiving practices and improving early childhood development outcomes.