This week, I uncovered a fascinating discovery in my research that could significantly impact the direction of my ISM project. While studying the technical requirements for mobile app development, I came across a research paper that introduced the idea of using mobile web applications instead of traditional mobile apps. This concept, which leverages Progressive Web Applications (PWAs), presents a compelling alternative. PWAs combine the best of both web and mobile technologies, offering the ability to use app-like features, such as offline functionality, push notifications, and access to device cameras, without needing to install a native app. This discovery could streamline the development process of my skin cancer detection project, as PWAs are easier to maintain and update across platforms compared to traditional mobile apps. Additionally, PWAs eliminate barriers to entry for users who may be hesitant to download apps, making the tool more accessible to a broader audience, particularly those in rural or underserved areas where app stores may not be as easily accessible. In terms of functionality, a PWA can still use the phone’s camera to capture skin lesion images. This revelation has led me to reconsider whether developing a PWA might be a better solution than a native mobile app, given its cross-platform capabilities and ease of use. This week has been pivotal for my project, and I am eager to explore how I can integrate this new approach into my development plan.
