engleski

Emotional design in mobile fitness applications

In recent years, healthy and active lifestyle has become very popular among individuals of dif- ferent demographics around the globe (Vaquero & Morales Lopez, 2016). Consequently, peo- ple use various information sources and tools that help them reach and maintain their health goals, with mobile fitness apps being one of them. Today, mobile apps are deeply embedded in various daily activities, from finding accommodation to losing weight (Yoganathan & Sanga- ralingam, 2015). Between 2008 and 2017, over 180 billion mobile appss have been download- ed from various Apps stores and, looking at the trend, this number is expected to continue to rise (Statista. Retrieved from: http://www.statista.com). In order for mobile apps to attract and retain users, it is essential that they meet a certain user need, are easy to use and build a connection with the user through emotions (Van Gorp & Adams, 2012). Emotional design is a design approach that results with products that elicit emotions in order to create a positive user experience (Van Gorp & Adams, 2012). This paper presents the elements of emotional de- sign available in four popular mobile apps for fitness, including Nike Training Club- Workouts & Fitness Plans, Gym Workout, Fitness & Bodybuilding, and JEFIT. The analysis of mobile apps was conducted using an instrument developed based on the Norman’s conceptual model of emotional design, which includes three levels visceral, behavioral and reflective (Norman, 2013). In addition to the most common elements of emotional design in mobile fitness apps, the paper describes the problems identified within each element and provides improvement recommendations based on the literature on emotional design, usability and human-computer interaction models and theories. The paper also provides direction on how to design mobile apps for fitness that attract and engage users, are easy to use and support users in achieving their fitness goals through emotional appeal.

Emotional design, mobile applications, fitness

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