Progressive Web Applications and Users´ Engagement
Kweche Ebechue, Divine (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024060722159
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024060722159
Tiivistelmä
The world is continuously undergoing digital transformation, with billions of people worldwide owning electronic gadgets such as smartphones and laptops which they use to connect to the internet for different purposes. These purposes could be accessing governmental or organizational services, online shopping, making hotel reservations or flight booking. However, the usefulness of these gadgets relies on users` ability to efficiently access their desired contents through web or mobile applications.
A Progressive web application (PWA) is a new technological advancement in Web Development
that integrates the best features of web and mobile applications to provide users with reliable, smooth, and engaging experiences across several devices and platforms.
The aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of Progressive Web Applications on users’ engagement by examining the theoretical foundations of PWAs, technological influences, and the empirical findings linked with PWAs. This thesis provided a comprehensive understanding of PWAs and users´ engagement by identifying key factors that influence users` interaction and retention.
The study used an inductive approach and qualitative methods- including surveys, case study design, and interviews to examine users’ attitudes and actions towards PWAs. The research also used secondary data that was gathered by reviewing existing literature on PWAs to gain a broad understanding of PWAs and their present capabilities. In addition to the secondary data, primary data was obtained through surveys, interviews, and usability testing of AliExpress PWA with end users. The study was conducted in two stages. The first part was a general survey on PWAs to evaluate users` impressions about PWAs and the second stage dealt with a case study of AliExpress for an in-depth analysis.
The study from the general survey found that the majority of users are satisfied with PWAs and that PWAs significantly enhance users´ engagement through features like push notifications, ease of use, and responsiveness. These features contribute to higher engagement and retention rates. In terms of preference between native mobile applications and the PWAs, participants during the survey the number of participants who preferred native mobile applications was the same as the number who chose the PWAs. The usability tests and interviews conducted with users of the AliExpress PWA and the native mobile application revealed that about 57% of the participants preferred the native mobile application of AliExpress because of its easy-to-use layout, while about 43% preferred the PWA because it does not require download and installation on their devices. By combining the key findings from both the survey and the usability test, it was discovered that PWAs enhance user engagement and have the potential to change the web development landscape.
A Progressive web application (PWA) is a new technological advancement in Web Development
that integrates the best features of web and mobile applications to provide users with reliable, smooth, and engaging experiences across several devices and platforms.
The aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of Progressive Web Applications on users’ engagement by examining the theoretical foundations of PWAs, technological influences, and the empirical findings linked with PWAs. This thesis provided a comprehensive understanding of PWAs and users´ engagement by identifying key factors that influence users` interaction and retention.
The study used an inductive approach and qualitative methods- including surveys, case study design, and interviews to examine users’ attitudes and actions towards PWAs. The research also used secondary data that was gathered by reviewing existing literature on PWAs to gain a broad understanding of PWAs and their present capabilities. In addition to the secondary data, primary data was obtained through surveys, interviews, and usability testing of AliExpress PWA with end users. The study was conducted in two stages. The first part was a general survey on PWAs to evaluate users` impressions about PWAs and the second stage dealt with a case study of AliExpress for an in-depth analysis.
The study from the general survey found that the majority of users are satisfied with PWAs and that PWAs significantly enhance users´ engagement through features like push notifications, ease of use, and responsiveness. These features contribute to higher engagement and retention rates. In terms of preference between native mobile applications and the PWAs, participants during the survey the number of participants who preferred native mobile applications was the same as the number who chose the PWAs. The usability tests and interviews conducted with users of the AliExpress PWA and the native mobile application revealed that about 57% of the participants preferred the native mobile application of AliExpress because of its easy-to-use layout, while about 43% preferred the PWA because it does not require download and installation on their devices. By combining the key findings from both the survey and the usability test, it was discovered that PWAs enhance user engagement and have the potential to change the web development landscape.