Health apps may have built-in biases affecting user experience
A report suggests many health apps are biased before development begins, potentially influencing user outcomes. The findings highlight concerns about digital health tools' reliability.
This affects users relying on health apps, based on a review of app design practices and user data.
Bias in early stages
The report indicates that biases are often embedded in the initial planning of health apps, which can affect the features and functions developed.
Impact on users
These biases may lead to unequal user experiences, particularly for underrepresented groups who may not see their needs reflected in app features.
Common questions
How do biases get into health apps before coding starts?
Biases can be introduced during the planning phase, such as through assumptions about user behavior or preferences that may not be inclusive.
What are the potential consequences of biased health apps?
Biased health apps may fail to meet the needs of certain populations, leading to less effective or less accessible health tools for those groups.
Sources
- Why most health apps are biased even before their first lines of code are written MedicalXpress · medicalxpress.com
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