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Project Overview
In a world where technology plays a pivotal role in personal health, this project addresses the urgent need for digital tools that support addiction recovery. By developing a mobile app prototype, you will encapsulate essential skills in user experience and technology application, preparing you for professional challenges in the health tech industry.
Project Sections
Understanding User Needs
In this section, you will explore the unique needs of individuals in recovery. Conduct user research to identify their challenges and preferences, ensuring your app addresses real pain points in addiction recovery. This phase emphasizes empathy and user-centered design principles.
Tasks:
- ▸Conduct interviews with individuals in recovery to gather insights on their needs.
- ▸Create user personas that represent different demographics in recovery.
- ▸Develop user journey maps to visualize the recovery process and identify key touchpoints.
- ▸Analyze existing recovery apps and identify gaps in their offerings.
- ▸Draft a summary report of your findings to lay the groundwork for your app's features.
- ▸Present your research findings to peers for feedback and discussion.
Resources:
- 📚"The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman
- 📚UX Design articles on user research techniques
- 📚Case studies of successful recovery apps
- 📚User experience guidelines from Nielsen Norman Group
- 📚Research papers on addiction recovery needs
Reflection
Reflect on how user feedback shaped your understanding of the recovery process and influenced your design decisions.
Checkpoint
Submit a comprehensive user research report with key findings and personas.
Defining Core Features
Based on your research, this section focuses on defining the core features of your mobile app. You will prioritize functionalities such as mood tracking, goal setting, and community support, ensuring they align with user needs and enhance the recovery journey.
Tasks:
- ▸Brainstorm a list of potential features based on user research.
- ▸Prioritize features using a MoSCoW method (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have).
- ▸Create wireframes for the core features of your app.
- ▸Develop user stories to describe how users will interact with each feature.
- ▸Gather feedback on your wireframes from peers and potential users.
- ▸Revise your feature set based on feedback to ensure usability and relevance.
Resources:
- 📚Feature prioritization frameworks
- 📚Wireframing tools like Figma or Sketch
- 📚User story templates
- 📚Feedback collection methods
- 📚Articles on mobile app feature best practices
Reflection
Consider how the prioritization of features reflects the needs of users and the ethical implications of technology in recovery.
Checkpoint
Present a feature specification document outlining core functionalities.
Designing the User Interface
In this section, you'll translate your wireframes into high-fidelity designs, focusing on creating a user-friendly interface. You'll apply UX design principles to ensure accessibility and engagement for all users, particularly those in recovery.
Tasks:
- ▸Select a color palette and typography that resonates with users in recovery.
- ▸Create high-fidelity mockups of your app's main screens.
- ▸Ensure your designs adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG).
- ▸Gather user feedback on your mockups to identify usability issues.
- ▸Iterate on your designs based on user testing results.
- ▸Prepare a design rationale document explaining your design choices.
Resources:
- 📚Accessibility guidelines from W3C
- 📚Design inspiration websites like Dribbble or Behance
- 📚UX design best practices articles
- 📚Mockup tools such as Adobe XD or Figma
- 📚User testing methodologies
Reflection
Reflect on the design choices made and their impact on user experience and accessibility.
Checkpoint
Submit high-fidelity mockups along with a design rationale.
Developing the Prototype
Now it's time to bring your designs to life by developing a functional prototype of your mobile app. This phase will enhance your technical skills and provide a tangible product that can be tested with users.
Tasks:
- ▸Choose a prototyping tool suitable for mobile app development.
- ▸Develop a clickable prototype based on your high-fidelity designs.
- ▸Implement core features such as mood tracking and goal setting in the prototype.
- ▸Conduct usability testing sessions with potential users.
- ▸Gather feedback on the prototype's functionality and user experience.
- ▸Iterate on the prototype based on testing results.
Resources:
- 📚Prototyping tools like InVision or Figma
- 📚Guides on mobile app prototyping
- 📚Usability testing techniques
- 📚Documentation on app development best practices
- 📚Videos on creating interactive prototypes
Reflection
Consider how the prototype aligns with your initial research and user needs, and how it can be improved.
Checkpoint
Deliver a functional prototype and usability testing report.
Evaluating Impact and Effectiveness
In this section, you'll explore methods to evaluate the effectiveness of your app post-launch. You'll learn how to gather user feedback and measure the app's impact on recovery journeys, ensuring continuous improvement.
Tasks:
- ▸Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for your app's success.
- ▸Create a feedback collection plan for post-launch users.
- ▸Design surveys or interviews to assess user satisfaction and impact.
- ▸Analyze feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- ▸Draft a report summarizing your evaluation findings and recommendations.
- ▸Prepare a presentation to share your evaluation process and results.
Resources:
- 📚Articles on app evaluation methods
- 📚KPI templates for mobile apps
- 📚User feedback collection tools
- 📚Case studies on app impact assessments
- 📚Guidelines for analyzing user feedback
Reflection
Reflect on how the evaluation process can inform future iterations of your app and enhance its effectiveness.
Checkpoint
Submit an evaluation report with KPIs and user feedback analysis.
Preparing for Launch
As you near the completion of your project, this section will focus on preparing your app for launch. You'll learn about marketing strategies, user onboarding, and ethical considerations in promoting your app.
Tasks:
- ▸Develop a marketing plan to reach your target audience.
- ▸Create onboarding materials to guide new users through your app.
- ▸Identify ethical considerations in promoting recovery apps.
- ▸Draft a launch timeline and checklist to ensure readiness.
- ▸Engage with potential users and stakeholders for launch feedback.
- ▸Prepare a final presentation to showcase your app and its features.
Resources:
- 📚Marketing strategies for mobile apps
- 📚Onboarding best practices
- 📚Ethical guidelines for health tech marketing
- 📚Templates for launch checklists
- 📚Articles on user engagement post-launch
Reflection
Consider the importance of ethical marketing in health tech and how it impacts user trust.
Checkpoint
Deliver a comprehensive launch plan including marketing strategies and onboarding materials.
Final Presentation and Portfolio Development
In this final section, you'll compile all your work into a cohesive presentation and portfolio piece. This will showcase your journey, skills acquired, and the impact of your app on addiction recovery.
Tasks:
- ▸Create a presentation summarizing your project journey and outcomes.
- ▸Compile your project documentation into a professional portfolio.
- ▸Highlight key skills developed throughout the course.
- ▸Prepare to present your app to peers and potential stakeholders.
- ▸Gather feedback on your presentation for future improvement.
- ▸Reflect on your overall learning experience and personal growth.
Resources:
- 📚Presentation design tools like Canva or PowerPoint
- 📚Portfolio examples from industry professionals
- 📚Feedback techniques for presentations
- 📚Guidelines on effective storytelling in presentations
- 📚Self-reflection prompts for personal growth
Reflection
Reflect on your overall journey, the skills you've developed, and how this project prepares you for future challenges in health tech.
Checkpoint
Present your final project and submit your portfolio.
Timeline
8-12 weeks, with iterative reviews after each section to ensure alignment with goals and user needs.
Final Deliverable
A fully developed mobile app prototype that includes user research, design documentation, and a comprehensive evaluation report, ready for presentation to stakeholders.
Evaluation Criteria
- ✓Clarity and thoroughness of user research findings
- ✓Effectiveness of feature prioritization and design choices
- ✓Quality and usability of the developed prototype
- ✓Depth of evaluation and impact assessment
- ✓Professionalism and coherence of the final presentation and portfolio
- ✓Adherence to ethical considerations in design and marketing
- ✓Engagement with peers and incorporation of feedback throughout the project.
Community Engagement
Engage with fellow participants through online forums, share your progress on social media, and seek feedback from industry professionals to enhance your learning experience.