Improving the user experience when taking photographs in mobile eHealth applications

My name is Abraham Nataniel and I graduated from the Master’s programme in Applied IT at Fontys University of Applied Sciences. I am a junior software developer specialising in front-end development and I am passionate about building user-centred applications.

For this project, I worked on improving the user-friendliness of the Voetencheck application, which supports people with diabetes in checking their own feet. As part of this, I investigated how accessible interaction design can help older users to use eHealth technology with greater confidence and independence.

This study focused on improving the process of taking foot photographs within the Voetencheck mobile application. Previous studies showed that patients, particularly older users, often have difficulty with exposure, focus and positioning. They are also frequently unsure whether a photograph is suitable for clinical assessment.

The aim of the project was to investigate whether feedback via various channels, such as visuals and sound, could support users whilst taking photographs and improve their user experience. To this end, a usability study was carried out, utilising both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Participants compared the existing Voetencheck application with a prototype that included visual guidance, on-screen instructions, error indicators and audio signals.

The results showed that most participants rated the various forms of feedback positively. Participants indicated that the additional guidance gave them greater confidence that they were taking a good photograph of their foot.

Visual feedback was consistently preferred over audio feedback. The audio signals elicited mixed reactions: some users found them helpful, whilst others found them unnecessary or difficult to access.

The study also highlighted several areas for improvement in terms of user-friendliness. For example, there was a need for clearer instructions, larger text, simpler screen layouts and more intuitive error messages. These findings provide practical design insights for making mobile eHealth applications more accessible to older people.

The results could help Rondom and other healthcare organisations to improve the user-friendliness of the Voetencheck app for people with diabetes who need to check their feet at home. Adding immediate visual guidance and clearer feedback whilst taking photographs could reduce uncertainty. It could also help users to submit photographs that are more suitable for remote assessment by podiatrists.

Accessibility recommendations, such as larger fonts, high-contrast screen displays and simplified instructions, can support older users who may have difficulty with their eyesight, fine motor skills or using digital technology.

In practice, these improvements could contribute to more effective self-monitoring, earlier detection of potential foot problems and better support for hybrid care. Digital monitoring complements regular consultations with the podiatrist.

Student: Abraham Nataniel, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Master’s programme in Applied IT
Project coordinators from Rondom: Wouter Meeuwis, Miranda van Mol and Laura Zantboer