User-centered Prototype Development of Android Application for Binge Eating Disorder

master's thesis

• Author: Andrea Baran
• Mentor: Tibor Skala (mentor)
• Committee member: Maja Rudolf (predsjednik povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Tibor Skala (član povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Nikolina Stanić Loknar (član povjerenstva)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Graphic Arts; Zagreb
• Defense date and country: 2023-09-27, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: TECHNICAL SCIENCES; Graphic Technology

Abstract

Traditional psychosocial and health behavior treatments and methods for individuals suffering
from binge eating disorder could be improved by daily life assistance with mobile technology.
Synthesizing learning and extending standard psychological research methods can provide users
with improved interventions and tailored solutions to improve maladaptive behaviors and
support coping mechanisms.
The research techniques combined the user-centered design process and cognitive behavioral
therapy methods. The iterative process focused on an extensive understanding of the user
background along with the existing literature used for recommendations and considerations for
research design, statistic data, and clinical implementation. After creating and testing the first
prototype, the gathered learnings were accordingly applied to the second prototype including the
design system.
Results proved that delivering suitable solutions can be accepted by users and potentially
efficacious motivation and support for changing maladaptive behaviors. Applying a suitable
visual identity and flow simplicity can reduce bias towards the use of technology as a therapy
assistant and coincide with continuous application usage. However, defining the border between
unobtrusiveness and indifference within product features should be tested further and taken with
caution.
The solution offered in this thesis delivered an experience for the user and motivation to engage
in recovery and forming habits. The user derives comfort from relating to the application’s
features and accepting support comes from the affection towards visual design. Future research
should focus on the assessment using AI and ML, as well as individual intervention capabilities
of mobile technology for people suffering from eating disorders.

Abstract (croatian)

Tradicionalne psihosocijalne i bihevioralne metode liječenja za pojedince koji pate od
poremećaja prejedanja mogle bi se poboljšati uključivanjem mobilne tehnologije u svakodnevni
život. Sintezom i upotpunjavanjem standardnih metoda psihološkog istraživanja korisnicima se
mogu pružiti poboljšane intervencije i pogodna rješenja za regulaciju nestabilnih ponašanja i
podršku uz pomoć različitih strategija u suočavanju s poremećajem.
Metode istraživanja čini primjena elemenata kognitivno bihevioralne terapije u kreiranju aplikacije
usmjerenog na korisnika. Iterativni proces metode usmjeren je na detaljno razumijevanje korisnika
koje se zajedno sdosadašnjim znanstvenim saznanjima iz područja psihologije,, statističkim
podacima i kliničkim procedurama, integrira u značajke aplikacije. Nakon izrade i testiranja prvog
prototipa, evaluacije korisnika implementirane su u drugi prototip zajedno sa sustavom dizajna.
Rezultati su dokazali da su ponuđena rješenja odgovarajuća, te da mogu poslužiti kao potencijalno
učinkovita motivacija i podrška korisnicima u promjeni disfunkcionalnih ponašanja. Odgovarajući
vizualni identitet i jednostavnost korištenja koncipiranih značajki, uz kontinuiranu upotrebu
aplikacije, mogu razbiti predrasude prema korištenju tehnologije kao pomoć terapiji. Međutim,
definiranje granice između nenametljivosti i ravnodušnosti unutar značajki aplikacije treba
dodatno ispitati i uzeti s oprezom.
Rješenje ponuđeno u ovom diplomskom radu korisniku pruža motivaciju za oporavak i stvaranje
zdravih navika. Korisnik se poistovjećuje s avatarom, a prihvaćanje podrške proizlazi iz naklonosti
prema vizualnom dizajnu. Buduća istraživanja trebala bi se usredotočiti na implementaciju AI i
ML za prikupljanje podataka i personalizaciju mobilne tehnologije za osobe koje pate od
poremećaja u prehrani.

• Keywords: eating disorder; mobile application; user-centered research; Figma; design system
• Keywords (croatian): poremećaj hranjenja; mobilna aplikacija; istraživanje usmjereno na korisnika; Figma; dizajn sustav
• Language: english
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:216:177147
• Study programme: Title: Graphic technology; specializations in: Graphic technology, Design of graphic products; Course: Design of graphic products; Study programme type: university; Study level: graduate; Academic / professional title: sveučilišni/a magistar/magistra inženjer/inženjerka grafičke tehnologije (sveučilišni/a magistar/magistra inženjer/inženjerka grafičke tehnologije)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Closed access
• Created on: 2024-10-08 09:17:11