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3.1.3. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of the Im2be® application. The COVID-19 pandemic was an important catalyst for the project. Social restrictions have introduced new challenges in the functioning of families, especially in the context of the psychosocial development of children. In response to these challenges, on March 1, 2021, the research team developed and implemented the Im2be® 6.0 version in the form of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
The solution was made available as a non-profit initiative to one thousand families. The evaluation of the tool’s effectiveness provided valuable data that confirmed the validity of the adopted research direction, while indicating areas for modification. The main conclusion from this phase of the research was the need to extend the functionality of the system to include support for parents, not only for children.
3.1.4. International cooperation and development Im2be® 7.0 (2022-2025). As of February 2022, the project has entered a phase of intensive technological development, characterized by increased international research cooperation. A significant turning point was the establishment of cooperation with Ukrainian scientists and IT specialists, which contributed to the technological advancement of the project.
On February 24, 2024, on the second anniversary of the intensification of the conflict in Ukraine, Intelligent Technologies S.A. concluded an official joint venture agreement with the Lviv Polytechnic University. This cooperation, coordinated by Prof. Nazar Podolchak and Prof. Yaroslav Klochnyk, enabled the development of advanced technological solutions that became the foundation of Im2be® 7.0.
3.1.5. Current status quo. The global rollout of Im2be® 7.0 is scheduled for May 1, 2025. The project will operate on the basis of advanced cloud technologies and solutions in the field of artificial intelligence.
The research team declares that it will continue to work on further development of the tool, taking into account new social challenges and technological progress. In accordance with the adopted methodology, the project will be subject to continuous evaluation and improvement based on empirical data.
3.2. Im2be® 7.0 – characteristics of functionality with theoretical implications
The Im2be® application is a comprehensive tool supporting the psychosocial development of children and entire families, integrating theoretical assumptions with modern technological solutions. The key functionalities of the system and their connections with the theoretical foundations discussed earlier are presented below.
3.2.1. Tasks and Points. The system of tasks and points is the core of the application, directly addressing the stage of “diligence vs. feeling inferior” from Erikson’s theory (Erikson, 1950, 1963). This functionality allows parents to assign tasks appropriate to their age and developmental abilities to their children, which supports the development of appropriate, desirable competences.
The assignment of tasks in the application is based on the principles supporting positive psychosocial development, identified in empirical research, i.e.:
- Developmental adequacy – Parents can adjust the complexity of tasks to the child’s abilities, creating optimal challenges (Bronfenbrenner 2005).
- Consistency – The system supports regular performance of tasks, which, according to research, builds perseverance and discipline (Duckworth, 2013).
- Autonomy – Children have the ability to choose certain tasks, which strengthens their sense of agency and intrinsic motivation, confirming the principles of the theory of self-determination (Ryan & Deci 2000).
- Social recognition – The point system is a form of positive reinforcement that, according to the principles of CBT, shapes desired behaviors by rewarding effort and achievement.
The point mechanism in the Im2be® app implements the fundamental principles of operant conditioning from cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, while supporting the development of the goal orientation described by Locke and Latham (2019). This system allows for:
- Immediate reinforcement of positive behaviors.
- Building long-term motivation through the accumulation of points.
- Development of self-regulation and strategic planning.
- Shaping a constructive approach to challenges.
