The Installation Process of a Progressive Web App : Studying the Impact of "Add to Home screen"

Abstract: Progressive Web Apps (PWA) is a concept of enhanced web apps which aim to erase the difference between web and native apps. The concept of PWA introduces several benefits, including simpler distribution and development, which makes web apps a viable option for many businesses. The installation process of a PWA is different from native apps and this study aims to understand whether or not it has an impact on the users will to install the PWA. PWA:s are installed directly from the browser, rather than an app marketplace. Said installation process is suspected to be unknown to many which might influence the impact. In this study, several papers on the topic are studied. A PWA is developed from scratch which is used as a platform for a user test, hosting a brief introduction of the topic as well as guiding participants through the installation process. In conjunction with the user test a survey is conducted to collect the impressions from their experience in the user test. The result of the survey shows indications that the suspected lack of knowledge and experience was correct, and that the installation process is not to complicated.Additionally, results show that many probably will not bother to install a PWA, even if it is available. Therefore, I argue that the installation process does have an impact in its current form. Alternatives to the installation process used in this study do exist and are discussed in this paper.