아동중심디자인과 게이미피케이션 이론 기반 어린이 스마트 칫솔 디자인 평가

Background The method of using applications to educate children about oral health has recently attracted attention. This method is great for motivating children and improving their oral health. However, few studies have examined the theoretical and empirical bases for the designs of these applications. Therefore, analysis based on systematic theory is necessary. Methods This study focused on 6 mobile health applications. Theoretically, we relied on Zichermann's Gamification theory and Bruckman's Child-Centered Design. We created a comparative evaluation framework for children's applications and conducted in-depth interviews with children. After the user experience study, we identified design elements of oral health assistance application that have positive effects on children. Results 3 out of 6 applications were not interactive, and the information collected was limited. The gamification elements mainly related to collection and romance. The applications’ software operation methods generally followed child-centered design, but we identified some deficiencies when it came to user experience and health applications. Based on the results of subsequent in-depth user interviews, we highlighted factors that warrant consideration when designing smart toothbrushes for children. Conclusion In contrast to previous studies, we found that children are accustomed to using smart devices, and do not feel dramatically inconvenienced when faced with design complexity in applications. To create effective oral health applications, designers need to produce more interactive and educational content. Finally, this content should be produced based on in-depth consideration of the cognitive and physical age of users.