User Needs of Young Czech Adults with Multiple Sclerosis in a Lifestyle App Design

Abstract

This paper presents a study that examined desired functionality, content, and design of a mobile application for young Czech adults living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study was structured around a high-fidelity prototype developed for the corresponding user group in Norway. Both groups were active on social media and willing to contribute to designing an application promoting a healthy lifestyle and well-being. Adopting the content analysis, the study first compared the social content shared within the Facebook communities in the Norwegian and Czech user groups that were active. Regardless of the similarities, the Czech group expected that solutions regarding main functionalities and content should stand out from other competitive applications offered on the market. Most of all, they would like to see healthcare staff being engaged in content creation by providing credible information, especially regarding new treatments and clinical trials. Enhanced interaction between all the stakeholders (patients, and healthcare providers) would add value and relevance to the content already provided by social media.