DESIGN AND USABILITY EVALUATION OF A BILINGUAL (URDU/ENGLISH) CHILD MONITORING APP FOR LOW-LITERACY PARENTS

Imran Maqsood; Sadeeq Jan; Jalal Khan; Mujtaba Hassan; Mareena Karim

doi:10.71146/kjmr798

Authors

Imran Maqsood Department of Computer Software Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Mardan, 23200, Mardan, Pakistan. Author
Sadeeq Jan National Center for Cyber Security, University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, 25000, Pakistan. Author
Jalal Khan Department of Telecommunication Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Mardan, 23200, Mardan, Pakistan. Author
Mujtaba Hassan Department of Computer Science, University of Engineering & Technology Peshawar,25000, Pakistan. Author
Mareena Karim Department of Telecommunication Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Mardan, 23200, Mardan, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71146/kjmr798

Keywords:

Human Computer Interaction, Usability Evaluation, Urdu/English User Interfaces, HCI4D, GPS Tracking, SOS Alerts

Abstract

This study addresses the accessibility challenges of child monitoring for illiterate and semi-literate parents by developing and evaluating a bilingual (Urdu/English) application. The system integrates voice-guided navigation, culturally intuitive icons, real-time GPS tracking, SOS alerts, and social media monitoring to support low-literacy users. A controlled usability study with 20 participants (10 illiterates, 10 semi-literate) compared Urdu and English interfaces on task success rates, completion time, and error frequency. Results showed that Urdu interface users achieved 35% higher task success rates and completed tasks 40–50% faster than English interface users. Qualitative feedback highlighted that voice guidance enabled independent task execution and improved comprehension of monitoring features. These findings demonstrate the critical role of culturally and linguistically adaptive design in parental control technologies. The study offers a replicable framework for developing inclusive monitoring solutions that bridge literacy gaps, ensuring equitable access to child safety tools across diverse populations.

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