Considering human factors in the evaluation and redesign of an application for harm reduction to drug users

• Mateus P. G. Carneiro UFC https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5614-3658
• Carmen Li Juy UFC https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1507-5369
• Windson C. Viana UFC https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8627-0823
• Ticianne G. R. Darin UFC

Abstract

The development of mobile applications focused on well-being has increased in recent years. This type of application requires, at least, good accessibility and usability to achieve efficacy and effectiveness in results related to users’ physical or psychological health. In addition, the motivation to engage with the proposed technologies is related to the constructs of the user experience. However, multidisciplinary teams that develop this type of application usually involve specialists in software, hardware, and professionals in medicine and psychology, but not always HCI specialists. In this article, we discuss practical and methodological challenges related to the performance of IHC professionals in this type of project, reporting the experience of evaluating and redesigning BIA - an application to guide and assist users in more conscious and less harmful drug use, from harm reduction practices and an analytical-behavioral perspective. Finally, we present the strategies, limitations, and lessons learned considering the specificities and contexts of the project.

Keywords: Multidisciplinarity, Usability assessment, Mobile devices, Health technologies