Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40961492›Full record

ArticleJMIR aging2025

Design and Evaluation of a Mobile App for Intergenerational Communication: User-Centered Participatory Design and Experimental Mixed Methods Study.

Soondool Chung, Hannah Lee, Jeehye Jung

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in JMIR aging, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Soondool Chung *Department of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5099-1880
Hannah Lee *Ewha Institute of Intergeneration for Age Integration Research, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1667-0108
Jeehye JungDepartment of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8926-8836

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSocial isolation and weakened intergenerational ties pose significant threats to the emotional well-being and social support networks of older adults. Although structured intergenerational programs can reduce age-related stereotypes and promote connectedness, their accessibility is often hindered by physical and logistical constraints. The increasing digital literacy among older populations presents new opportunities for technology-based interventions to support meaningful cross-generational engagement.

objectiveThis study aimed to design and evaluate a mobile app that fosters intergenerational communication and enhances perceived social support in older adults using a user-centered design framework grounded in the double diamond model.

methodsThe development process followed the 4 phases of the double diamond model. In the discover phase, surveys with older and younger adults identified distinct usability preferences. The define phase synthesized these insights into key design principles. In the develop phase, a prototype was created and iteratively refined through usability testing. Finally, in the deliver phase, a 2-week experimental study involving 39 participants (20 older adults aged 68-82 years and 19 younger adults aged 22-39 years) assessed changes in intergenerational interaction, perceived social support, and user satisfaction.

resultsThe app appeared to enhance intergenerational communication and perceived social support, particularly among older participants. Users reported increased comfort and emotional connection in cross-generational conversations. Accessibility features and engaging content were noted as contributing to positive user experiences across age groups.

conclusionsThis study suggests the potential of user-centered digital platforms to promote social well-being among older adults. By addressing the unique needs of multiple generations, such interventions may help foster inclusive digital environments and contribute to age-friendly, connected societies. Despite limitations related to sample size, duration, and cultural context, the study provides preliminary evidence for the potential of co-designed digital tools in supporting intergenerational communication and aging-in-place.

Indexed as

CommunicationIntergenerational RelationsMobile ApplicationsUser-Centered DesignAdultAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansMaleSocial SupportYoung Adultdigital inclusionintergenerational communicationintergenerational programsmobile app developmentsocial connectednesstechnology acceptance modeluser-centered design

Identifiers

PMID40961492
PMCPMC12489411

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.