This research lies in the multi-disciplinary field of Information and Communication Technology and Development (ICTD). ICTD research considers the potential of existing and the creation of new technological solutions to achieve economic, social, and political development in low-resource or low-income markets.
Mobile phones are crucial communication and empowerment tools for users in developing countries with groundbreaking apps and services in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and finance. They may seem simple to use but they are often perceived as overwhelming, confusing and untrustworthy by users in developing markets. Mobile literacy is defined as the “ability to use mobile phones for purposes other than making and receiving voice calls” [Wyche et all, ICTD 2016]. Academic research has studied topics including obstacles to mobile device usage and literacy, the importance of training in mobile device literacy, the efficiency of videos for teaching mobile device literacy, and the use of intermediaries and virtual rewards to support and encourage users in their learning and app usage.
This research has several parts: 1) qualitative and quantitative study of mobile device usage patterns of users in Senegal; 2) collaborative design of a physical and mobile space for users and developers; 3) production of videos and development of an Android app to teach mobile device literacy; and 4) evaluation of the space, app and video components in the targeted country, Senegal.
We call this research project AppliCafé; this is also the name of the mobile space and application we designed and developed.
This work has been approved under Pace University’s IRB # 994145-1.
An AppliCafé is a space inspired by cybercafés. However, instead of focusing on fixed computers and software, it relies on a mobile structure, mobile devices, and mobile applications. People can interact with phones and tablets, and access the web by connecting to wifi provided at the structure. The main purpose of AppliCafé is to train users in mobile device literacy.
AppliCafé can also be used to carry out workshops on any tech subjects and to facilitate interaction between users and local developers. An AppliCafé is composed of a display, a Chromecast device, tablets, phones, wifi access points, and a portable battery. An AppliCafé volunteer acts as an intermediary who operates and maintains the structure, and also assists users in their learning.
The design of the first prototype of AppliCafé is informed by academic literature, the Senegalese context, and feedback of Senegalese users and developers. The design of the AppliCafé structure was co-created with a Senegalese metal worker and went through different prototyping phases.
Android tablets, available in the AppliCafé space, carry the Applicafé mobile app. The app is used as an accessible, educational tool. It features video tutorials, showcases curated local mobile apps that may interest users in Senegal, presents local developers, and provides engagement through Facebook. The app is written in French and will soon feature a voice component in the Wolof language.
Videos included in the app are: “What is Android?”, “What is an app?”, “How to install an app”, and “What is Google Play?”. More videos are in development (e.g., “What is the Internet?” “What is an email?”, “How to create an email?”). The videos are also accessible through our YouTube channel.
May 04, 2017
March 07, 2017
January 7-15, 2017
