Cog Test is an app published by The Open University’s Digital Health Lab (“we”, “us”). This policy explains what information the app handles and where it goes.

Summary

Cog Test does not send any information to us or to anyone else. Everything it records stays on the device it is used on.

What the app records

Cog Test can be used in two ways: by a clinician or researcher with a patient, or by patients on their own device. In either case, a patient or participant ID is typed in first, and the patient then completes a series of drawing tasks on the screen using a finger or stylus.

When each task is finished, the app saves a picture of the drawing (a PNG image file) on the device. The file name contains:

• the patient or participant ID that was typed in
• the name of the task (for example, “shapes” or “clock”)
• the date and time the task was completed

The app does not record a name or any other personal details unless they are typed in as the ID. We recommend using the reference number given to you by your clinic or research team rather than a name.

What we receive

Nothing. Cog Test has no internet features. It does not send drawings, IDs or any other information to The Open University or to anyone else. It contains no analytics, advertising, crash reporting or tracking, and it does not require an account or login.

Where the drawings are stored

• Android: in the device’s Downloads folder, inside a folder called DrawingTest.
• iPhone and iPad: in the app’s own folder, which can be opened in the Files app under “On My iPhone” or “On My iPad”, then “Cog Test”.

Anyone with access to the device may be able to open these files.

Who is responsible for the drawings

Because we never receive the drawings, responsibility for them lies with whoever holds the device.

• If you use Cog Test on your own device, the drawings are stored only on your device and are under your control. You can share them with your clinic or research team in whatever way they ask, and you can delete them at any time. On iPhone and iPad, deleting the app also deletes its folder and the drawings in it. On Android, the drawings stay in the Downloads folder until you delete them.
• If you use Cog Test on a device provided by a clinic, hospital or research team, that organisation is responsible for the files. This includes keeping the device secure, moving the files to secure storage, and deleting them when they are no longer needed, in line with its own data protection and research ethics requirements. If you have questions about drawings made on their device, please contact them, as they hold the files, not us.

Medical use

Cog Test records drawings only. It does not score, interpret or diagnose anything, and it is not a medical device.

Children

Cog Test is designed for use by adults and is not directed at children.

Changes to this policy

If this policy changes, the updated version will be published on this page with a new date.

Contact

If you have questions about this policy, please email [email protected].

Digital Health Lab, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, United Kingdom.

Last updated: 3 November 2026