Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Quality of Mobile Apps for Child Development Support: Search in App Stores and Content Analysis
Akeiylah DeWitt1, Julie Kientz1, Kendra Liljenquist2
1Department of Human-Centered Design and Engineering, Seattle, WA, United States.
Background:
Following increases in smartphone access, more parents seek parenting advice through internet sources, including blogs, web-based forums, or mobile apps. However, identifying quality apps (ones that respond to the diverse experiences of families) for guidance on child development can be challenging.
Objective:
This review of mobile health apps aimed to document the landscape, design, and content of apps in the United States available to parents as they promote their child's developmental health.
Methods:
To understand the availability and quality of apps for early childhood health promotion, we completed a content analysis of apps in 2 major app stores (Google Play and Apple App stores).
Results:
We found that most apps do not provide tailored experiences to parents, including cultural considerations, and instead promote generic guidance that may be useful to parents in some contexts. We discuss the need for an evaluative framework to assess apps aimed to support parents on child development topics.
Conclusions:
Future work is needed on how to support designers in this area, specifically related to avoiding potential burdens on users and providing culturally informed and equity-driven experiences.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Three Developmental Domains
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...

