This study reports on a participatory design approach including the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a mobile app-based personal response system (PRS). The first cycle formulated initial design principles through context and needs analysis; the second utilized the collaboration with instructors and experts embodying specific design guidelines to advance instructional benefits; the third developed a PRS and revised it based on pilot implementations; and the fourth engaged instructors and students in evaluating the PRS in terms of the class participation and learning support as well as design components. The authors provide an overview of the design and development process and summarize the results of the evaluation on design components. The results of this study inform educational researchers about the usefulness of a participatory design approach to formulate design components of educational software. This study also provides a natural guide toward future research on the relationship between each design aspect and learner performance when using a PRS.