NIH Toolbox • Mobile Toolbox • DRIVEN • Northwestern University • The University of Chicago • Named contributor on peer-reviewed publications in Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology • Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology • Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease
Helium Foot Software has contributed to federally funded research projects, published in peer-reviewed clinical journals, and worked alongside leading research institutions.
NIH Toolbox • Mobile Toolbox • DRIVEN • Northwestern University • The University of Chicago • Named contributor on peer-reviewed publications in Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology • Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology • Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease
Helium Foot Software has contributed to federally funded research projects, published in peer-reviewed clinical journals, and worked alongside leading research institutions.
Why the tools researchers reach for fall short
Most data collection tools were built for the broadest possible use case, not yours.
The tools that are affordable, accessible, and easy to set up were designed to work for as many researchers as possible. Which means they were designed for no one's research in particular. For some studies that's workable. There are integrations, workarounds, ways to make a generic tool do something it wasn't quite designed to do.
For other research, studies that require a specific participant experience, passive data collection, longitudinal engagement, wearable integration, institutional compliance requirements that exceed what any existing platform was built to handle, or a methodology that no existing tool was built to support, generic tools don't just create friction. They limit the questions you can ask.
Why the tools researchers reach for fall short
Most data collection tools were built for the broadest possible use case, not yours.
The tools that are affordable, accessible, and easy to set up were designed to work for as many researchers as possible. Which means they were designed for no one's research in particular. For some studies that's workable. There are integrations, workarounds, ways to make a generic tool do something it wasn't quite designed to do.
For other research, studies that require a specific participant experience, passive data collection, longitudinal engagement, wearable integration, institutional compliance requirements that exceed what any existing platform was built to handle, or a methodology that no existing tool was built to support, generic tools don't just create friction. They limit the questions you can ask.
Why the tools researchers reach for fall short
Most data collection tools were built for the broadest possible use case, not yours.
The tools that are affordable, accessible, and easy to set up were designed to work for as many researchers as possible. Which means they were designed for no one's research in particular. For some studies that's workable. There are integrations, workarounds, ways to make a generic tool do something it wasn't quite designed to do.
For other research, studies that require a specific participant experience, passive data collection, longitudinal engagement, wearable integration, institutional compliance requirements that exceed what any existing platform was built to handle, or a methodology that no existing tool was built to support, generic tools don't just create friction. They limit the questions you can ask.
Custom mobile apps and data collection tools for federally funded research studies
We build the participant-facing piece your research actually requires. The app on the phone, the tool on the tablet, the wearable integration, the web platform your participants interact with directly. We handle participant management, data flow, and integration with the systems you already use. We build what needs to be built and connect what already exists.
iOS · Android · Tablet · Web · Wearables · Grant-Budget-Friendly
Every project is different. Some researchers need one piece. Some need everything connected. We start with your research question and work backwards from there.
We build the participant-facing piece your research actually requires. The app on the phone, the tool on the tablet, the wearable integration, the web platform your participants interact with directly. We handle participant management, data flow, and integration with the systems you already use. We build what needs to be built and connect what already exists.
iOS · Android · Tablet · Web · Wearables · Grant-Budget-Friendly
Every project is different. Some researchers need one piece. Some need everything connected. We start with your research question and work backwards from there.
Custom mobile apps and data collection tools for federally funded research studies
We build the participant-facing piece your research actually requires. The app on the phone, the tool on the tablet, the wearable integration, the web platform your participants interact with directly. We handle participant management, data flow, and integration with the systems you already use. We build what needs to be built and connect what already exists.
iOS · Android · Tablet · Web · Wearables · Grant-Budget-Friendly
Every project is different. Some researchers need one piece. Some need everything connected. We start with your research question and work backwards from there.
Custom mobile apps and data collection tools for federally funded research studies
Custom research app built for patient reported outcomes, delivered in days
A team needed a way for participants to self-administer Patient Reported Outcome measures in the field. They tried tools like JotForm. None of them could do what the project actually required. The data collection was too specific, the participant experience too important, the workflow too custom to fit inside a generic product.
So we built a prototype on iPhone, iPad, and Android, as a native app and a web app, along with a participant management dashboard where aggregated data was available.
A project like this would have cost 90% more two years earlier.
Custom research app built for patient reported outcomes, delivered in days
A team needed a way for participants to self-administer Patient Reported Outcome measures in the field. They tried tools like JotForm. None of them could do what the project actually required. The data collection was too specific, the participant experience too important, the workflow too custom to fit inside a generic product.
So we built a prototype on iPhone, iPad, and Android, as a native app and a web app, along with a participant management dashboard where aggregated data was available.
A project like this would have cost 90% more two years earlier.
Custom research app built for patient reported outcomes, delivered in days
A team needed a way for participants to self-administer Patient Reported Outcome measures in the field. They tried tools like JotForm. None of them could do what the project actually required. The data collection was too specific, the participant experience too important, the workflow too custom to fit inside a generic product.
So we built a prototype on iPhone, iPad, and Android, as a native app and a web app, along with a participant management dashboard where aggregated data was available.
A project like this would have cost 90% more two years earlier.
Fixed-scope build
You have an idea. We scope it, build it, and manage it. As your research evolves and you're ready to iterate, we scope each new phase of work separately. Through every build and every iteration, we maintain what we've made together. You keep working with us, not a support team.
Strategic partner
If your research question is still forming, if you know you need something custom but aren't sure what that looks like yet, we can help you get there. We work alongside your team as a thought partner and technical advisor, helping you define what needs to be built before a line of code is written. This is a time and materials engagement.
Fixed-scope build
You have an idea. We scope it, build it, and manage it. As your research evolves and you're ready to iterate, we scope each new phase of work separately. Through every build and every iteration, we maintain what we've made together. You keep working with us, not a support team.
Strategic partner
If your research question is still forming, if you know you need something custom but aren't sure what that looks like yet, we can help you get there. We work alongside your team as a thought partner and technical advisor, helping you define what needs to be built before a line of code is written. This is a time and materials engagement.
Built for human subjects research, two ways to engage
We have built participant-facing research software under IRB protocols and understand the compliance requirements of human subjects research. We design every app with data ownership, consent workflows, and audit requirements in mind. We'll work with you to get Helium Foot Software written into your IRB. We work two ways.
Fixed-scope build
You have an idea. We scope it, build it, and manage it. As your research evolves and you're ready to iterate, we scope each new phase of work separately. Through every build and every iteration, we maintain what we've made together. You keep working with us, not a support team.
Strategic partner
If your research question is still forming, if you know you need something custom but aren't sure what that looks like yet, we can help you get there. We work alongside your team as a thought partner and technical advisor, helping you define what needs to be built before a line of code is written. This is a time and materials engagement.
Built for human subjects research, two ways to engage
We have built participant-facing research software under IRB protocols and understand the compliance requirements of human subjects research. We design every app with data ownership, consent workflows, and audit requirements in mind. We'll work with you to get Helium Foot Software written into your IRB. We work two ways.
Frequently asked questions
Can I write Helium Foot Software into my grant budget?
Yes. We have provided letters of support for grant applications and can help you build a custom pricing proposal for your budget justification. We understand NIH and NSF grant timelines and can work within them.
Do you work with IRB requirements?
Yes. We have built many participant-facing research tools under IRB protocols and understand the compliance requirements for human subjects research. We design our apps with data ownership, consent workflows, and audit requirements in mind.
What platforms do you build for?
We build for iOS, Android, web, and wearables. Every project can be deployed across the platforms your participants actually use.
Do you integrate with existing research infrastructure?
Yes. We can integrate with the data systems you already use or build new data flow from the ground up, depending on what your study requires. We build what needs to be built and connect what already exists.
How long does a typical project take?
It depends on scope. A focused prototype can be built in days. A full participant-facing research platform with data aggregation and a researcher dashboard typically takes weeks to a few months. We scope every project before committing to a timeline.
What happens after the app is built?
The first build is just the beginning. You'll learn from it. Your research will evolve. We stay involved through every phase: maintaining what's built, iterating based on what you learn from a pilot, adding features as your study grows, and rebuilding phases when the research calls for it. Each new phase of development has its own scope and cost. You keep working with us, not a support team.
Who is the right fit for Helium Foot Software?
Researchers who have hit a wall with generic tools, where the methodology demands something that does not exist yet. We work with NIH-funded PIs and Research Directors at R1 universities, academic medical centers, and independent research institutes. Our strongest fit is behavioral health, mHealth, EMA, JITAI, and patient reported outcomes research where participant-facing apps are central to the study design.
Who is not the right fit?
Teams that need enterprise-scale infrastructure, a large dedicated engineering org, or a vendor who will staff a team for years at an expensive ongoing cost. We build focused, purposeful tools for researchers with a specific problem and something genuinely worth building. If a generic platform genuinely fits your data collection needs, we will tell you that too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I write Helium Foot Software into my grant budget?
Yes. We have provided letters of support for grant applications and can help you build a custom pricing proposal that can fit your budget. We understand NIH, NSF, and nonprofit foundation grant timelines and can work within them.
Do you work with IRB requirements?
Yes. We have built many participant-facing research tools under IRB protocols and understand the data security and compliance requirements for human subjects research. We design our apps with data ownership, consent workflows, and audit requirements in mind.
What platforms do you build for?
We build for iOS, Android, web, and wearables. Every project can be deployed across the platforms your participants actually use.
Do you integrate with existing research infrastructure?
Yes. We can integrate with the data systems you already use or build new data flow from the ground up, depending on what your study requires. We build what needs to be built and connect what already exists.
How long does a typical project take?
It depends on scope. A focused prototype can be built in days. A full participant-facing research platform with data aggregation and a researcher dashboard typically takes weeks to a few months. We scope every project before committing to a timeline.
What happens after the app is built?
The first build is just the beginning. You'll learn from it. Your research will evolve. We stay involved through every phase: maintaining what's built, iterating based on what you learn from a pilot, adding features as your study grows, and rebuilding phases when the research calls for it. Each new phase of development has its own scope and cost. You keep working with us, not a support team.
Who is the right fit for Helium Foot Software?
Researchers who have hit a wall with generic tools, where the methodology demands something that does not exist yet. We work with NIH-funded PIs and Research Directors at R1 universities, academic medical centers, and independent research institutes. Our strongest fit is behavioral health, mHealth, EMA, JITAI, and patient reported outcomes research where participant-facing apps are central to the study design.
Who is not the right fit?
Teams that need enterprise-scale infrastructure, a large dedicated engineering org, or a vendor who will staff a team for years at an expensive ongoing cost. We build focused, purposeful tools for researchers with a specific problem and something genuinely worth building. If a generic platform genuinely fits your data collection needs, we will tell you that too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I write Helium Foot Software my grant budget?
Yes. We have provided letters of support for grant applications and can help you build a custom pricing proposal for your budget justification. We understand NIH and NSF grant timelines and can work within them.
Do you work with IRB requirements?
Yes. We have built participant-facing research software under IRB protocols and understand the compliance requirements for human subjects research. We design our apps with data ownership, consent workflows, and audit requirements in mind.
What platforms do you build for?
We build for iOS, Android, web, and wearables. Every project can be deployed across the platforms your participants actually use.
Do you integrate with existing research infrastructure?
Yes. We can integrate with the data systems you already use or build new data flow from the ground up, depending on what your study requires. We build what needs to be built and connect what already exists.
How long does a typical project take?
It depends on scope. A focused prototype can be built in days. A full participant-facing research platform with data aggregation and a researcher dashboard typically takes weeks to a few months. We scope every project before committing to a timeline.
What happens after the app is built?
The first build is just the beginning. You'll learn from it. Your research will evolve. We stay involved through every phase: maintaining what's built, iterating based on what you learn from a pilot, adding features as your study grows, and rebuilding phases when the research calls for it. Each new phase of development has its own scope and cost. You keep working with us, not a support team.
Who is the right fit for Helium Foot Software?
Researchers who have hit a wall with generic tools, where the methodology demands something that does not exist yet. We work with NIH-funded PIs and Research Directors at R1 universities, academic medical centers, and independent research institutes. Our strongest fit is behavioral health, mHealth, EMA, JITAI, and patient reported outcomes research where participant-facing apps are central to the study design.
Who is not the right fit?
Teams that need enterprise-scale infrastructure, a large dedicated engineering org, or a vendor who will staff a team for years at an expensive ongoing cost. We build focused, purposeful tools for researchers with a specific problem and something genuinely worth building. If a generic platform genuinely fits your data collection needs, we will tell you that too.
What researchers say about working with Helium Foot Software
Michelle Thompson
CEO
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David Patel
Head of Marketing
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Branding Director
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"Helium Foot Software helped us build our web-based intervention prototype from the ground up, expertly translating our early ideas into a thoughtful, user-centered experience and a practical, fully realized site. They were consistently responsive, efficient, and flexible throughout, and their guidance in prioritizing features within the project scope was invaluable in keeping us focused and on track."
Francesca Farina, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Department of OB/GYN
University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
"I am a psychologist and a researcher; what drives our research team is looking for ways to better healthcare interventions that will make a real difference for people. Helium Foot Software understands this vision, and they have been exceptional collaborators. We have worked with them on multiple projects and in addition to providing high-quality and user-friendly software, they are thoughtful people who ask great questions and provide helpful perspectives."
James W Griffith, PhD
Professor, Departments of OB/GYN, Psychiatry, Behavioral Neuroscience
University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences
What researchers say about working with Helium Foot Software
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What researchers say about working with Helium Foot Software
Building something outside of research? We also build custom mobile apps for founders, nonprofits, and startups. We'd love to hear about it.
Tell us about your research study
We read every inquiry. If what you're trying to build sounds like something we can help with, we'll say so. If it doesn't, we'll tell you that too.
You can fill out the form or reach us directly at bizdev@heliumfoot.com.
Tell us about your research study
We read every inquiry. If what you're trying to build sounds like something we can help with, we'll say so. If it doesn't, we'll tell you that too.
You can fill out the form or reach us directly at bizdev@heliumfoot.com.
Tell us about your research study
We read every inquiry. If what you're trying to build sounds like something we can help with, we'll say so. If it doesn't, we'll tell you that too.
You can fill out the form or reach us directly at bizdev@heliumfoot.com.