Patients were diagnosed with PTSD in 2023
Received psychological help
Respondence experienced at least one symptom of PTSD
Experienced a traumatic event affecting them and their loved ones
Gathering insights
To validate assumptions and better understand user needs, I conducted interviews with 3 participants. The hardest part was to find people I can interview. Connecting with military personnel directly was difficult, so I gathered insights from their family members instead.
The goal was to uncover pain points related to recognizing PTSD and anxiety symptoms and offering support.
Key Pain Points
Emotional Support
2/3 do not feel confident in offering emotional support
Awareness
2/3 do not feel confident in offering emotional support
Visiting a Specialist
3/3 Mentioned the stigma around visiting a specialist
How Might We
My initial idea was to create an app for people directly affected by mental health issues. However, insights revealed a deeper issue: people need awareness and courage to recognize problems before seeking help.
I reframed my focus:
HMW help family members of military personnel recognize PTSD symptoms and behaviors to create a supportive environment and improve overall well-being?
Understanding the user
To guide my design decisions, I developed a persona based on the insights gathered. This helped ensure my solutions addressed the specific needs of family members struggling to recognize and support loved ones with PTSD.
Sketches
Moving into solutions, I brainstormed user stories to determine the app’s key features. Two main task flows emerged:
Learning how to provide emotional support.
Recognizing symptoms of mental health issues.
I created exploratory sketches to visualize these flows and their features.
Wireframing Solutions
I translated my sketches into a digital greyscale prototype to test how well my solution addressed user needs.
Home Screen
Education Screen
Symptom Screen
Guidance Screen
Tips Screen
Quiz Screen
Validating the design
To validate the design, I conducted two rounds of usability testing with ten participants. The focus was on two key tasks: learning about PTSD symptoms and completing a quiz on support tips.
The feedback was generally positive, with most participants successfully completing the tasks. However, some areas for improvement were identified:
Unclear wording in certain sections.
Repetitive information.
Small text sizes that affected readability.
These issues were addressed in following iterations of the design.
Brand Development
Before designing the high-fidelity prototype, I focused on visual identity. I wanted the app to feel calming and supportive, aligning with its purpose.
I explored multiple directions and finalized a moodboard that balanced warmth and clarity.
For the name, I chose a Ukrainian word to connect more deeply with my target audience. The word "svitlo," meaning "Light," reflects the purpose of my app, symbolizing hope, guidance, and clarity.
UI Library
Colors
To create a calming environment, I chose a palette of warm tones like green and orange. Each color was tested to ensure it met accessibility standards for contrast.
Typography
I selected a sans-serif font to evoke softness and comfort while ensuring readability.
UI Elements
Icons and interactive elements were designed to enhance engagement and reflect the app’s calming mood.
High-fidelity design
Product marketing Website
As online visibility is crucial for any product, I created a marketing website to promote svitlo and highlight its key features and benefits.
Key Takeaways
Focus on the Problem, Not the Solution. I learned the importance of not jumping straight to a solution. While it can be tempting to assume you already know what users need, this approach risks overlooking the real problem. During my research, I changed my initial idea to a completely different solution, highlighting why it's crucial to define the problem first.
Always think about the user's perspective.. With a sensitive topic, it was challenging to decide how to approach it effectively. I realized the importance of using the right wording to avoid overwhelming users while still conveying the message clearly.
The Importance of Organization. With a strict time limit, staying organized was essential. Keeping my assets and research findings well-structured helped me access information quickly and showcase progress efficiently.
