Exploring mobile device literacy in Senegal

Abstract

This paper presents a study of mobile device literacy in Senegal within the context of the AppliCafé project. Research in this area has been mostly conducted in Anglophone countries. We designed a kiosk structure that we call AppliCafé (derived from the term cyber café) that can move between locations and is equipped with mobile technology, including training videos and a mobile application. This project aims at teaching people on how to use their smartphones efficiently. We used a qualitative approach based on surveys and interviews to gather data from users on their mobile phone usage and their opinions on the structure, mobile app and videos. We also interviewed local developers and entrepreneurs to get their perspective on mobile app adoption, usage, and the issues they meet in promoting their apps and scaling their businesses. We outline interesting mobile device usage patterns including the use of web sites rather than mobile apps to save data. We demonstrate the importance of a physical learning environment for users to improve their mobile device literacy skills and for developers to engage with users to produce better quality and fitted apps.