The public has access to a range of mobile applications(apps)for disasters.However,there has been limited academic research conducted on disaster apps and how the public perceives their usability.This study explores e...The public has access to a range of mobile applications(apps)for disasters.However,there has been limited academic research conducted on disaster apps and how the public perceives their usability.This study explores end-users'perceptions of the usability of disaster apps.It proposes a conceptual framework based on insights gathered from thematically analyzing online reviews.The study identifies new usability concerns particular to disaster apps'use:(1)content relevance depends on the app's purpose and the proximate significance of the information to the hazard event's time and location;(2)app dependability affects users'perceptions of usability due to the lifesafety association of disaster apps;(3)users perceive advertisements to contribute to their cognitive load;(4)users expect apps to work efficiently without unnecessary consumption of critical phone resources;(5)appropriate audio interface can improve usability,as sounds can boost an app's alerting aspect;and,finally(6)in-app browsing may potentially enhance users'impression of the structure of a disaster app.As a result,this study argues for focussed research and development on public-facing disaster apps.Future research should consider the conceptual framework and concerns presented in this study when building design guidelines and theories for disaster apps.展开更多
文摘The public has access to a range of mobile applications(apps)for disasters.However,there has been limited academic research conducted on disaster apps and how the public perceives their usability.This study explores end-users'perceptions of the usability of disaster apps.It proposes a conceptual framework based on insights gathered from thematically analyzing online reviews.The study identifies new usability concerns particular to disaster apps'use:(1)content relevance depends on the app's purpose and the proximate significance of the information to the hazard event's time and location;(2)app dependability affects users'perceptions of usability due to the lifesafety association of disaster apps;(3)users perceive advertisements to contribute to their cognitive load;(4)users expect apps to work efficiently without unnecessary consumption of critical phone resources;(5)appropriate audio interface can improve usability,as sounds can boost an app's alerting aspect;and,finally(6)in-app browsing may potentially enhance users'impression of the structure of a disaster app.As a result,this study argues for focussed research and development on public-facing disaster apps.Future research should consider the conceptual framework and concerns presented in this study when building design guidelines and theories for disaster apps.
