'Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)'
Doi
Abstract
Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates vary geographically reflecting factors including regional and cultural differences in diet and lifestyle. There are numerous successful commercial mobile apps to help people control their diet and manage weight. However, such products are not suitable for people with special medical conditions that may require targeted dietary as well as motivational support.
The paper presents a user centered approach of developing a Mobile Web App that focuses on breast cancer patients
looking at their specific dietary, physical and mental
requirements depending on the stage of their medical
treatment. The paper explores the effect of incorporating
gamification and social media as motivational drive to
engage and motivate people to achieve their goals of
adopting healthier eating habits while increasing physical activity in order ensure lasting lifestyle behavioural change.
The design of “PhytoCloud” is being described, a gamified
Mobile Web App that enables users to record their dietary
habits and physical activity and motivate their consumption of food with oestrogen-like properties (phytoestrogens) which are linked to the prevention of reappearance of breast cancer. The paper concludes with a discussion of future directions and adaptations to the current design to suite a Mobile Native Application design
