Mobile Solutions, From Start to Finish

Nielsen research shows that as of August 2012, mobile consumers spent 4.6 times more minutes per month using mobile apps versus the mobile web. Between the period of March 2011 and August 2012, time spent on these apps grew 200 percent in comparison to 75 percent for mobile web.

There are many reasons cited for this overall growth but what is certain is that mobile apps have become an integral part of our modern daily lives, edging out what Business Insider’s Alex Cocotas calls the “less optimized for casual surfing and serendipity” mobile web.

Business Insider Intelligence developed a chart showcasing these findings. The visual effect is more astonishing than the numbers. Are you a mobile app or mobile web user? Which do you prefer?

As the FDA is developing regulations for the mHealth realm, a new study shows that doctors are beginning to embrace the use of this technology.

A recent survey of 2,291 healthcare respondents from eClinical Works evaluated healthcare providers’ interest in mHealth apps tied to EHRs. The survey’s results show that providers are looking to engage their patients and have seen clear benefits in overall health outcomes because of this connection. 

The specific results of this study are shown below in this infographic published on StartUp Health.  

In a world driven by smartphones and tablets, companies are adapting by launching apps across the Andriod and iOS platforms to establish a solid connection between brand and customer.  However, throwing an app out there without doing your research can backfire.

With the goal of finding out exactly what consumers are looking for out of a mobile app, Compuware Corporation conducted a global study comprised of 3,500 respondents.  The technology performance company found that 85 percent of consumers prefer mobile apps over mobile web because of convenience, speed and ease of navigation. 

In a recent article in Dynamic Business, Stephen Pierzchala, Technology Strategist for Compuware APM Center of Excellence said “With consumers expecting greater experiences with mobile apps now more than ever, fulfilling those expectations doesn’t just happen – it takes a conscious effort throughout every stage of the design and development process to get it right.” 

As a result of their study, Compuware outlined their key findings in a new report entitled Mobile Apps: What Consumers Really Need and Want.  These seven common results serve as a food for thought for any business looking to develop an app for their brand:

1. Consumers want their apps to take full advantage of the specific capabilities of their particular mobile device: Think about why your target consumer is buying their device, as it is helpful in the design process of your app. 

2. Consumers want proactive and relevant information and services: Consumers are interested in easy access to product and store information, trip planning and navigation and communicating in real time.  Whether you are a small business or association, it is important to have that connection to a person in real time.

3. 4 out of 5 users expect an app to launch in 3 seconds or less: The fast-loading aspect of an app is one of the reasons users prefer that to the mobile web.  If you have both options for your consumer, speed is everything.

4. 79 percent of consumers will retry a mobile app only once or twice if it fails: With poor apps discouraging users, it’s best to spend time ensuring an optimized design, good functionality and ease of use.

5. 64 percent of mobile phone time is spent using apps: Did you know the Apple App Store has reached 25 billion downloads and Android has reached 15 billion?  The consumer you are trying to reach spends more than half their mobile phone time using apps. Develop a strong app to gain your share of that mobile phone time.

6. Optimize your app for the device your consumers use most: Businesses need to gather and analyze data to determine which device their customers use most.  The mobile app should be tailored based on these findings.

7. Apps that look great but perform poorly can damage your brand: If your app is not working as planned, your user will tell you about its shortcomings.  You want to avoid those poor reviews, low ratings and low adoption rates. 

Which of these findings aligns with your experience in the mobile app world? Does anything surprise you? 

The FDA has announced that the organization will issue final guidance regarding the regulation of mobile health applications by the beginning of October.  This announcement comes after three days of meetings organized by the House Energy and Commerce Committee to examine the FDA’s role in regulating mobile medical apps. 

iHealthBeat has reported that the finalization of mobile health app guidance will come by the end of the federal government’s fiscal year.  The Director of the Office of Device Evaluation at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Christy Foreman, believes in the importance of the adoption of a balanced approach that will continue innovation and will ensure patient protection. 

These regulations will not apply to health-related lifestyle apps, such as pedometers or prescription refill reminder services, or apps that serve as an electronic health record system or a personal record health system. 

Additionally, the FDA will not require developers to see re-evaluation if minor product changes are necessary for compliance with.  Nor will the governing agency subject mobile devices to the Affordable Care Act’s 2.3% excise tax on medical devices.