About the App – Tappigraphy

 

For this study we use a research app based on tappigraphy. This method captures when you touch your smartphone screen (taps, swipes, unlocks), but never what you type or do. The app runs quietly in the background and requires no daily input, no syncing, and no extra devices. 

 

By analyzing the timing of these natural smartphone interactions, tappigraphy provides:

• Accurate sleep–wake cycles: Smartphone usage stops and starts around real bedtimes and wake-up times, making it more precise than wearables, which often overestimate sleep.

• Daily cognitive performance measures: Small changes in tapping speed, unlocking speed, or locating apps can reflect fluctuations in brain performance. This allows us to track subtle changes over time in a real-world setting.

• High compliance and comfort: Since nothing needs to be worn or actively managed, participation is easy and data collection is continuous throughout the season.

 

Scientific studies have shown that tappigraphy strongly correlates with gold-standard methods like actigraphy and polysomnography, while avoiding many of their limitations. It also captures cognitive fluctuations that traditional movement-based measures miss. Some publications can be found below: