| Appropriate functionality |
Has a comprehensive set of persuasive health features such as a toothbrush timer, goal tracking, and reminders that run smoothly Is intuitive and easy to use Free of errors and crashes
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Primary function is a toothbrush timer, which doesn’t work Lacks basic features such as reminders, sound controls, etc. Has frequent errors and crashes repeatedly
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| Not irritating or embarrassing |
Free of ads and other unnecessary interruptions Functions smoothly, navigation is intuitive, and screens and features load quickly Gives user the ability to customize settings and controls such as sound, timer length, and privacy
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Frequently interrupts user with full-screen ads, flashing banners, and solicitations Slow loading times; disorganized, inconsistent navigational controls No user guides, assistance, or help of any kind provided
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| Protects user’s privacy |
Log-in/password protected Informs/reassures user about privacy protections and rights Allows user to control their data permissions/usage
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No log-in/password option No mention of privacy policy or what happens to data Shares data publicly or with third parties such as advertisers
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| Use of positive motivation strategies |
Primarily uses gain-framed messaging and positive imagery throughout Positively reinforces achievement of target behavior: “Great job! Keep it up!” Rewards user with badges, points, or other incentives when achieving target behaviors/goals
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No positive motivation strategies are used at all; says nothing when you complete a tooth brushing session Primarily uses loss-framed messaging and negative imagery (eg, cartoon of person suffering from bad breath) Warns potential mates will run from you if you have bad breath
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| Usable and aesthetically appealing design |
Interface is well designed and professional looking High-quality, attractive images and graphics are used Navigational elements and controls are intuitive and easy to use, keep the user well oriented
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Unappealing color choices, such as a puke-green background Poor image quality; pixelated, unattractive imagery and graphics; reuses the same image for different sections Disorganized, disorienting, and inconsistent navigation controls
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| Accuracy of user information |
Option to track multiple aspects of user information and behavior Tracking features are accurate, editable, and function appropriately Allows user to manually input, edit, or delete their information
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Has no ability to track or store user information/behavior Tracking features do not function properly or are highly inaccurate Does not provide a way to input, edit, or delete existing user information
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| Appropriate time and place |
Information is coherent and well organized for consumption Provides user with mini-tutorials when accessing new features Simply shaking the device allows the user to easily report an issue
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Textual information is plagued by spelling, grammatical, or syntax errors; difficult to consume No guides, assistance, or help of any kind is provided for the user App randomly asks user to solve math problems
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| Visibility of user’s status |
Provides summary data of user’s stats on home screen Provides more in-depth explanation of user progression data with historical graphs/charts Shows progression bars as user works toward goals
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No user data is tracked, so there is no feedback on status or progress towards goals Does not let the user know which content they’ve reviewed; doesn’t provide option to do so Toothbrush timer is tiny; difficult to see progress
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| Customizability |
Provides ability to customize colors, sounds, and notifications Provides ability to choose from among several oral hygiene goals Provides ability to create multiple user profiles so a family can share the device, for instance
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No ability to customize colors, sounds, or notifications No ability to set personalized goals or tailor oral hygiene strategies, such as timer length No ability to customize privacy settings or control user data
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| Educates users |
Provides educational material on the benefits of oral hygiene practices Provides videos that explain how to properly brush, floss, and perform other types of oral care Positively reinforces target behaviors by reminding user of end-goal benefits
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No educational, instructional, or persuasive content whatsoever No clear goals for the user to achieve Does not attempt to engage the user in any process or explain why user should perform certain types of behaviors
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