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# Medical Volunteer Platforms
Apple ResearchKit Lets Volunteers Take Tests on iPhones for More Data

By Meghan Young | Published 2015-03-10 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-researchkit
References: [techcrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2015/03/09/apple-introduces-researchkit-turning-iphones-into-medical-diagnostic-devices) & [apple](http://www.apple.com)

The [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/know-your-lemons) ResearchKit is addressing an important lack in the medical field: relevant volunteers for medical research studies. It turns the [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-1) into a diagnostic device that allows people to participate from wherever they are. According to [TechCrunch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-launches), the Apple ResearchKit "lets people take tests like saying 'ahhh' to detect vocal variations, walking in a line, or tapping in rhythm to test for Parkinson’s Disease."

An opensource iOS software framework, the Apple ResearchKit ensures it will evolve as needed. Yet overall it was created to address current small sample sizes and less diverse samples that lead to inaccuracies in the research being conducted. The Apple ResearchKit demonstrates how tech companies can rally behind bigger concepts and causes rather than simply appealing to the consumer.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 3.5/10
- Popularity: 49% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Medical Research Volunteering:** The Apple Research Kit is encouraging more medical research volunteering by allowing people to participate in studies through their iPhones, creating an opportunity for businesses to innovate in this space.
- **Mobile Diagnostic Devices:** The use of smartphones as diagnostic tools enables patients to take tests from the comfort of their own home, and presents opportunities for healthcare startups to create more innovative mobile diagnostic devices.
- **Big Data in Medical Research:** The Apple Research Kit's vast collection of data from volunteers creates opportunities for businesses to use big data to improve medical research and treatment.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Healthcare Technology:** The Apple Research Kit is opening up new opportunities for healthcare technology startups to create innovative new products that integrate with mobile devices.
- **Medical Research:** The Apple Research Kit presents significant opportunities for pharmaceutical companies and other organizations in the field of medical research.
- **Technology Companies:** Tech companies have the opportunity to collaborate with medical research organizations to promote the use of mobile devices in medical research, ensuring bigger concepts and causes are addressed, rather than simply consumer-driven initiatives.

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