Stanford Screenomics
The Stanford Screenomics platform is an open-source, customizable framework designed for unobtrusive multimodal data collection from smartphones. It captures a wide range of digital trace data, enabling researchers to explore behavioral patterns and health insights effectively.
Customizable Modules: The platform includes nine distinct data collection modules, each tailored to capture specific types of data. Researchers can choose which modules to activate based on their study requirements.
Dynamic Configuration: Researchers can modify parameters such as sampling frequency and data transfer methods without extensive coding knowledge.
Screenshots: Captures screenshots at user-defined intervals, logging timestamps and saving images.
App Usage: Monitors currently active apps and transitions.
User Interactions: Logs actions like clicks, scrolls, and gestures.
Location Tracking: Collects GPS coordinates at customizable intervals.
Physical Activity Tracking: Records step counts at intervals.
Battery Monitoring: Tracks levels and charging events.
Network Connectivity: Monitors Wi-Fi/cellular connectivity.
Device Specifications: Collects device info during account creation.
Dashboard Application: Real-time participant data monitoring.
Ticker Collection: Streamlined overview of activity with inactivity flags.
HIPAA-Compliant Storage: Uses Firestore + GCS for secure storage.
User Authentication: Firebase Authentication for secure access.
Dynamic Parameter Updates: Real-time adjustments without recompilation.
Community Contributions: Extension points for developers.
Source Code Access: Source code publicly available for adaptation.
Informed Consent: Participants are fully informed and can pause/resume data collection anytime.
Privacy Controls: Manage permissions easily (e.g., location, screenshots).
Granular Data Collection: Captures moment-to-moment interactions.
Cross-Validation: Combines multiple data sources for robust conclusions.
Resource Efficiency: Low CPU/RAM impact during data collection.
Battery Conservation: Strategies to minimize power drain.
The Stanford Screenomics platform is a significant advancement in digital trace data collection, offering researchers a versatile tool with modular design, real-time monitoring, and strong privacy safeguards.