Crafting a High-Fidelity Mobile Application to Mitigate Death Anxiety Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. One of the consequences of this crisis was an increase in death anxiety among both the general population and patients. Anxiety disorders, including death anxiety, can be effectively treated using exposure therapy, which is a well-established method. To further support medical practitioners, it would be beneficial to develop mobile-based applications and content that focus on this treatment approach. With this in mind, the objective of the present study was to develop a prototype for a proposed mobile application aimed at alleviating the burden of COVID-19 death anxiety. Methods: Our research adopts a structured approach grounded in the five essential phases of high-fidelity prototype design. These methodological steps are as follows: 1) Goal Definition, involving meticulous planning and explicit delineation of the primary purpose, alongside the identification of materials utilized in the prototype. 2) User Interface Design, entailing the creation of diverse interface designs to discern and select the optimal design. 3) Adding Interactions, encompassing the incorporation of interactive elements such as clicking, dragging, scrolling, and user input into the prototype. 4) Testing and Evaluation, comprising prototype evaluation and systematic feedback collection. 5) Iteration and Improvement, where the prototype undergoes refinement based on the conclusive feedback garnered during the evaluation phase, aiming to attain the desired prototype. This methodological framework ensures a comprehensive and systematic approach to the development and enhancement of our high-fidelity prototype. Result: After conducting interviews, it was found that certain subjects such as near-death experiences, habit control, death imagery, self-confidence, and anxiety management were identified as the most crucial criteria to be included in the mobile application. Furthermore, feedback from online workshops emphasized the importance of ensuring that the application is easy to use and provides useful features. Taking all these factors into consideration, a prototype was developed using the Figma software, employing a high-fidelity technique to create an initial version of the mobile application. Conclusions: In the current challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the identified criteria for content production and the proposed prototype serve as valuable resources for software designers aiming to design and develop suitable applications to alleviate anxiety related to COVID-19 death. By following these criteria and utilizing the prototype as a guide, software designers can create applications that effectively address the anxieties and concerns of individuals during this difficult period.