THE CHALLENGE
The MoBeGo teams at the University of Iowa and Vanderbilt University partnered with Emberex to modernize and enhance their existing app. While several contemporary updates were necessary, the primary challenges stemmed from key limitations of the original app: it allowed monitoring of only one student at a time, was restricted to a single device—requiring constant teacher-student handoffs—and was designed exclusively for iPad use. The team needed a complete transformation: a multi-user, multi-device, multi-platform solution combined with a design overhaul that included engaging features like student avatars and gamification elements.

THE PROCESS
The MoBeGo project began with extensive discovery work, during which we helped the team identify the features required in their new app, the type of app best suited to their needs (native, web app, or PWA), and features that could be considered for future versions. For budgetary reasons, we initially approached this as a design-only project to present stakeholders with a clear vision for the future of the intervention. At Emberex, we have a strong track record of helping partner researchers secure additional funding once decision-makers see a well-defined design plan. Shortly after the designs were finalized, we received approval to proceed with development.

FUN AND INTERACTIVE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
At Emberex, most of our work is for students, but we don’t always get the opportunity to design apps with students as the primary users. This project gave us that chance. The student user experience is intentionally simple: log in and wait until it’s time to score yourself. We provided users with a sleek dashboard where they can track the behaviors they are working on, view their recent scores, and see the badges they’ve earned. The scoring experience is colorful and straightforward, offering quick feedback from teachers through emojis and badges. By integrating emojis, badges, and the ability to create avatars, the app becomes highly engaging for its young users, increasing their likelihood of behavioral success.

THE RESULTS
MoBeGo now features a visually appealing, easy-to-use, interactive progressive web app that enables teachers and students to collaborate effectively to improve school life.

TECHNOLOGY
Node.js, React, PostgreSQL, SocketIO