Implementación de un prototipo móvil para la gestión de actividades y eventos comunitarios en Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify usability characteristics and essential functionalities that mobile applications must integrate to improve community event management in Latin American contexts, specifically in Cuenca, Ecuador. A systematic comparative analysis of four event management platforms available in Latin America was conducted through an evaluation matrix that included functionalities, usability according to Nielsen heuristics, business models, and contextual adaptability. Subsequently, a functional prototype named Azuevento was developed using Scrum agile methodology in six two-week sprints, implemented with React Native for cross-platform frontend and microservices architecture with Spring Boot and PostgreSQL for backend. The prototype validation was carried out through a structured protocol with twenty citizens of Cuenca, applying the System Usability Scale questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The comparative analysis revealed that existing platforms present three critical limitations for community contexts: dependence on commission-based business models inaccessible to non-profit organizations, lack of functionalities adapted to specific local geographies, and lack of consideration toward digital literacy barriers. The developed prototype integrated the identified best practices and obtained an average System Usability Scale score of 69.12 points, positioning slightly above the average usability threshold and demonstrating adaptation to the local context through functionalities specifically designed for inclusive citizen participation. It is concluded that mobile applications for community event management in Latin America require contextualized design that considers local particularities, viable business models for community organizations, and functionalities that promote accessible citizen participation.