%0 Journal Article
%T App features that fulfill parentsĄ¯ needs in apps for children
%A Francette L. Broekman
%A Hans W. J. Beentjes
%A Jessica Taylor Piotrowski
%A Patti M. Valkenburg
%J Mobile Media & Communication
%@ 2050-1587
%D 2018
%R 10.1177/2050157918759571
%X When parents select apps for young children (3¨C7), they have particular needs. However, it is unclear how these needs might be fulfilled. Uses and gratifications theory predicts that specific features of apps can fulfill needs, but empirical evidence regarding the types of features that fulfill these needs is nonexistent. To address this gap, a multimethodological design was used. Qualitative interviews (n = 20) revealed 23 features in childrenĄ¯s apps that parents believe are important. A subsequent survey (n = 591) showed that parents want apps with (a) clear design; (b) tailorable, controllable, educational content; (c) challenges and rewards; and (d) technological innovation. Consistent with theory, analyses revealed that parentsĄ¯ needs relate to these app features, but childĄ¯s age and gender play a key role in this relationship
%K app design
%K children
%K content features
%K formal features
%K parents
%K uses and gratifications
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2050157918759571