Early Usability Testing of Smartphone-based Intervention

The IDEAS framework recommends conducting early usability testing, where participants are observed while using the system and asked to “think aloud.” With this method, relevant (implicit and explicit) information on users' interest is gained, and specific aspects in the system that potentially foster or hinder its use are easily identified. In addition, early usability testing based on prototypes may provide new perspectives on the app that can lead to improvement or solutions not yet considered. Using the online prototyping software InVision by InVisionApp Inc. (2017), an interactive prototype of smartphone adapted SbS was created and presented to key informants recruited within Syrian refugee communities in each country. The prototype included the onboarding and introduction session of SbS in which users receive information on the intervention, answer screening questionnaires and create an account. As part of the introduction, users were also introduced to a slow-breathing exercise for relaxation. The prototype further included session 1 of SbS that focusses on behavioral activation through psychoeducation and introduces the planning of enjoyable activities (43 (link), 44 (link)). For the interview, mobile devices were handed to participants and they were asked to interact with the SbS app prototype specifically developed for this purpose. Figure 1 presents a selection of key screens included in this prototype.