Digitalizing campus recreation: action research on developing a mobile application for leisure engagement

This qualitative action research aims to examine the development, implementation, and evaluation process of the Campus Recreation mobile application designed to enhance participation in campus recreation at Gazi University and to address issues concerning information accessibility and event visibility. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test semi-structured interviews, mobile application usage records, and user feedback forms from academic and administrative staff, student club leaders, and students at Gazi University. Content analysis revealed that campus announcements were fragmented and ineffective, relying on channels like WhatsApp and social media with limited accessibility. The developed mobile application significantly improved accessibility, coordination, and participation in campus recreation activities, with participants reporting enhanced social interaction, motivation, and sense of belonging to the university. With content diversity, a user-friendly interface, and a notification system, the application offers a model for integrating recreation into the digital transformation processes of university campuses, enhancing students’ socialization and leisure management.