This study builds on initial ADApp research that identified the factors that influence the intention to use a pharmacy drone app for urgent medication delivery. While previous studies and theories have predominantly focused on user acceptance alone, the present qualitative study introduced a holistic model that integrates user acceptance theories as well as user-centered design principles and technology features. It focused on the user journey to derive core statements from the development of a drone-based application using a qualitative theory synthesis approach (study 1), and explored the perceived participatory collaboration between developers (software and drone developers) and co-developers (core group participants) using final tandem discussions and a qualitative content analysis method (study 2). Study 1 resulted in the identification of eight categories that serve as technical working goals for future participatory technology development. Study 2 identified five critical factors that provide insight into the unique challenges and goals of collaborative development. Both studies contribute to a better understanding of the essential factors that lead to successful participatory processes between developers and co-developers aimed at increasing usability and intention to use. Based on these findings, an integrated model is presented to support participatory design strategies in healthcare technology development.

This study builds on initial ADApp research, that identified the factors influencing the intention to use a pharmacy-drone-app. Through two sub-studies, it further explores the participatory development in drone-assisted medication delivery technology: Study 1 aimed to identify technical orientation points as practical guidelines for participatory technology design. By recruiting naive adhoc groups at each stage of development, a possible bias effect due to response shifts caused by repeated interviews with the core group was avoided. This approach resulted in the identification of eight superordinate categories which serve as technical work goals for future participatory technology developments. Study 2 focused on understanding the perceived collaboration between developers (software and drone developers) and core group participants (co-developers), aiming to identify factors influencing the participatory development process. Using tandem groups of developers and co-developers as a qualitative method, five critical factors were identified, which provide insight into the unique challenges and goals of collaborative development, helping to establish practical recommendations for integrating participatory approaches in future technology projects. Taken together, the studies highlight the value of participatory methods in promoting user acceptance and improving collaboration, providing fundamental strategies for future research and development in user-centered technology design.