SUSPECT Before You Download that Health or Wellness App

Posted by Bobbi Newman on July 9th, 2018 Posted in: From the GMR, General
Tags: app evaluation, health apps, wellness apps

While developing content for our public library course Stand Up for Health: Health and Wellness Services for Your Community on health and wellness related apps I decided we need a clever evaluation tool similar to CRAAP for websites.  Using the criteria I came up with SUSPECT. I hope you find it helpful for all app evaluations!

Seeking – Why are you searching for an app? Does this app do something you want or need?
Usability – How is the app designed? Is it easy to use? Do the menus or icons make sense?
Security – Do you need to make an account? Does the app share your data with friends? Does the developer share your data or sell it to other third-parties? What is the security policy? Is it easy to find? Is it written in plain language?
Price – What is the upfront cost of the app? Are there in-app purchases?
Evaluation – Read the reviews for the application, don’t just look at the stars, what are other people saying about the application in their reviews.
Creator – Who developed the application? Is the developer reputable? Do they have a website?
Timeliness – When was the application developed? When was it last updated?

PDF version Health App Graphic

ABOUT Bobbi Newman
Bobbi Newman (MLIS, MA) is the Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist for NNLM R6 at the University of Iowa. She is the author of Fostering Wellness in the Workplace: A Guide for Libraries. She developed the popular NNLM course “Wellness in the Library Workplace.” Bobbi is a mindfulness student and a member of Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). She currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Let’s Move in Libraries. She divides her time between her dog, reading fantasy and nonfiction, playing video games, crafting, kayaking, biking, and gardening.

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