Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services

Device Review: Notability by Ginger Labs, Inc.

Reviewed on September 5th, 2017

By Kimberly A. Eichhorn, MS, CCC-SLP, ATP

Overview

Notability is a note taking app compatible with the iPad, iPhone and Mac. Produced by Ginger Labs, Inc. This application allows for the combination of handwriting, use of photos, and audio recordings within a single note – creating an integrated note taking experience. Users are able to download and annotate PDFs as well as mark-up photos, and record lectures/interactions within Notability. The type anywhere features allows for creation of outlines and text boxes utilizing a wide range of fonts, sizes, and colors. Audio recordings and comments are linked to written material on the iPad, iPhone and/or Mac by mapping the typed/written words against the point in the recording. You can quickly jump between lecture notes and start listening to a specific point of the recording.

Spotlight search allows for finding and opening recent notes. Notes can be organized by creating subjects and use of drag and drop into the folders. Notes are kept up-to-date with use of iCloud. Notes can be shared with colleagues or study partners through Google Drive, AirDrop, Email and Dropbox. Notability for iOS currently supports direct importing, exporting, and auto-backup to Dropbox, Google Drive, Box and WebDAV. Notability for Mac currently supports auto-backup to Dropbox and Google Drive.

http://gingerlabs.com/  

Indications

Notability provides a versatile platform for flexibility in note taking. Would be appropriate for consideration for patients returning to school/working professionals (TBI, Polytrauma); may also be of benefit for older adults with MCI (i.e., note taking/recordings in the context of doctor's appointments, etc.). 

Contraindications

Notability would likely not be useful for patients with severe cognitive and/or language deficits. Would likely not be useful for patients with severe upper extremity dexterity difficulties as these would potentially pose a barrier to access.

Evaluation Device Criteria

Affordability:

• $9.99

Compatibility: Limited to iOS and Mac. Compatible with iOS 8.0 or later and takes up 123 MB. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPadPro, and iPod touch and Mac.

Available languages include: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian Bokmål, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Turkish

Consumer Repairability: N/A; The consumer can delete and download the app again from their account in iTunes or the App Store should troubleshooting techniques be ineffective.

http://support.gingerlabs.com/hc/en-us

Dependability: Once downloaded, Notability does NOT require internet access for operability. The app itself will operate as long as the iPad is charged and turned on. Sharing and back-up features would not be functional without internet access. iCloud can be used to sync notes between iPad, iPhone, and Mac, but you cannot import or export to it.

Durability: N/A

Ease of Assembly: N/A, as this is software (not hardware). Notability can be easily downloaded from iTunes.

Ease of Maintenance: Maintenance of this app is simply keeping it updated. Updated versions of the software are released periodically on iTunes or the App Store; auto-backup runs as soon as the device is connected to the internet. iCloud automatically syncs all of your notes to iPad, iPhone, and Mac.

Effectiveness: Notability allows the user to choose, manage, and integrate note-taking features which are congruent with personal preference and learning style. It provides an alternative to other note taking apps and smart pens.

Flexibility: When you create a new note, generally a blank space is provided for the user, allowing the ability to draw, scribble or type. Users are able to add images, PDFs and audio recordings as well as highlight.

Imported PowerPoint, annotated

Learnability: Notability app is well designed and easy to use, including a training "note".

Operability: Notes are easily created, organized, stored and retrieved.

Personal Acceptability:

As tablet devices are socially-accepted, this app can be downloaded to an iOS device which the patient may already own or use.

Physical Comfort/Portability: N/A; Notability app is integrated within an existing iOS device. Various carrying cases may be used for the device portability but should not impact the function of the app.

Securability: As it runs on portable iOS devices, the device itself is subject to theft.

Supplier Repairability: N/A.

return to top