Data for: Designing an interactive information tool for people affected by cancer: my journey dataset

The following data were collected over three phases, commencing in October 2020 and concluding in June 2021.

First, the research focused on exploring cancer professionals’ outlook towards the delivery of cancer information and recognise if there is a space for smartphones to operate as cancer information tools, five Macmillan Cancer Support professionals volunteered to take part in a structured interview and complete a questionnaire. The participant sample was restricted to practitioners; thus, the sample size was limited. The gathered data was analysed through a method of thematic analysis.

The next phase involved online focus groups, which were conducted in order to obtain insights and perceptions from PABC which would influence the design of the cancer information tool. Seven PABC participated in the focus groups and completed a questionnaire. The participants were at different stages within the cancer journey, and comprised carers, loved ones and people living with or recovering from cancer. The gathered data during this phase were also analysed through a method of thematic analysis.

The collection of the data concluded with conducting user testing in which 11 participants completed a survey after interacting with the final prototype. The survey was used to evaluate the user’s experience with the tool and whether it met their requirements as a person affected by cancer (PABC). It also provided insight into whether the design principles employed in the prototype supported usability and accessibility. The responses from the surveys were analysed through a variety of approaches including a thematic analysis, calculating the median response and the equation for the system usability scale to calculate the usability of the prototype.