MindPulse

MindPulse is an invitation-only, IRB-approved University of Wisconsin–Madison research app for consented study participants.

You can access the app only if you are enrolled in an active research study and have a valid enrollment code from the research team.

The app's core function is participant-controlled collection of encrypted smartphone-use and research-context data. When a participant turns Data Collection on and separately taps Start Location Collection, MindPulse collects precise GPS location for research context, including while the app is closed or not in use. A persistent "MindPulse location collection is active" notification remains visible for the entire location session. Participants can stop all collection from the notification or by turning Data Collection off in the app. Location is the app's only foreground-service use; encrypted uploads run as scheduled background work.

Accessibility API disclosure:

MindPulse uses Android AccessibilityService API to capture encrypted screenshots for approved research data collection.

DATA COLLECTED VIA ACCESSIBILITYSERVICE:

Because screenshots capture everything visible on screen, the following data types may be collected:

- Web browsing history
- Emails
- SMS or MMS messages
- Other in-app messages
- Precise location
- Personal identifiers (name, email, address, phone number)
- Race and ethnicity; political or religious beliefs
- Sexual orientation or gender identity
- Financial information (credit/debit/bank accounts, purchases)
- Health and fitness information
- Photos, videos, voice/sound recordings, music, files, documents
- Calendar events and contacts
- Page views, taps, in-app search history
- Installed apps and other user-generated content
- Device or other identifiers

ADDITIONAL DATA COLLECTED:

- App usage metadata (active app name, timestamps)
- Device diagnostic logs (for research quality assurance)
- Location data (GPS coordinates collected alongside screenshots)

PURPOSE:

This data is used exclusively for approved academic research on smartphone use and digital behavior at UW-Madison.

SECURITY:

All data is encrypted on device and transmitted securely to authorized UW-Madison research systems.

Participation is voluntary, and participants can stop or disable capture at any time.

Privacy and participant rights are described in the app privacy policy.