Particpatory design of a mobile application for teenagers' language homework

In this paper we focus on the design, and in particular the design process of a mobile application for teenagers’homework in Swedish as a second language. We have used participatory design methods, with the aim to have a userdrivendesign process. The design process was iterative with several interventions with the students and their teachers.We discuss to what extent the design methods used and applied supports user-driven design. The analysis of the designprocess showed that it was not to be considered as fully user-driven but it is instead reasonable to consider it as abalanced design process, where the students’ design work was essential for the final product. The application was used intwo field tests. The field tests were evaluated using pre- and post questionnaires focusing on the attitudes and opinions ofthe students using the application for their homework. Results from the questionnaires showed that fully supportedmobile learning activities are needed in order to achieve positive attitudes from the students towards using the mobileapplication for learning Swedish