# A review on the mobile applications developed for COVID-19: An exploratory analysis

**Authors:** Muhammad Nazrul Islam, Iyolita Islam, Kazi MD. Munim, A. K. M. Najmul Islam  
**arXiv:** [2008.09063](https://arxiv.org/abs/2008.09063)  
**Date:** 2020-08-20  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2008.09063v1/

## Key points

- Objective: Explore mobile applications developed for the COVID-19 pandemic
- Data Collection: Systematic search in popular application stores, extraction of data on objectives, functionalities, user ratings, and reviews
- Analysis Techniques: Affinity diagram and noticing-collecting-thinking
- Nine key functionalities of the apps identified
- Ten factors related to information systems design characteristics for future app development
- Most applications served multiple purposes but none addressed all objectives
- Descriptive statistics on review scores, development platforms, languages used, and country-context were analyzed
- Reliability, performance, security, privacy, flexibility, ease of use, and cultural sensitivity highlighted as important design characteristics
- Conclusion: Need for new development and refinement of existing applications considering design characteristics for future development

## Summary

In this research, the objective was to explore mobile applications developed for the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved a systematic search in popular application stores to select relevant apps and extract data on their objectives, functionalities, user ratings, and reviews. The data was then analyzed using techniques such as affinity diagram and noticing-collecting-thinking. The review revealed nine key functionalities of the apps and identified ten factors related to information systems design characteristics that can guide future app development. The researchers categorized related codes under self-descriptive group names and examined relationships within and across collections. Review comments were coded as positive or negative based on their meaning, with disagreements resolved through consensus. A total of 26 functionalities were found across 25 mobile applications, with nine objectives identified for which the apps were developed. The results showed that most applications served multiple purposes but none addressed all objectives. Data analysis included descriptive statistics on review scores, development platforms, languages used, and country-context. The study highlighted the need for new development and refinement of existing applications considering design characteristics such as reliability, performance, security, privacy, flexibility, ease of use, and cultural sensitivity. Overall,the findings provide a comprehensive view of mobile apps developed for COVID-19 and offer insights into app design considerations for future development. , , , , 

The research methodology employed rigorous data collection and analysis techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability in the study's outcomes.