case study —
SPIRAL
(A)
The Problem
Youth at risk often don’t have a safe place to store sensitive information. Documenting their lived experience is vulnerable and creates anxiety because it often put’s them in harm’s way.
(B)
The Solution
Design a digital product so users can document sensitive personal information. This design is to empower users to document their lives so they can alchemize their stories when they are ready.
(C)
My Role
UX researcher and designer. This project was the final assignment for my UX Design Certification, so I leaned into more novel design approaches while building this product with progressive enhancement.
STEP 1 : UNDERSTANDING THE USER
EMPATHIZE + DEFINE
I conducted sensitive interviews, which I then turned into empathy maps to better understand the target user and their needs. I discovered many target users are scared to write down information for fear it will add to their lack of control within the foster or family system.
I realized during the research I couldn’t legally create an app for minors to receive therapy, so the platform pivoted to a place to log thoughts and images so that when they were of legal age, they could get help and therapy if they desired. This product is designed to help users log their experiences so they didn’t forget their stories in the heat of traumatic situations.
STEP 2 : DESIGN
IDEATE + PROTOTYPE + TEST
Initial brainstorming of how to disguise this therapy website in well-known layouts to prevent users from feeling vulnerable if using an outward-facing desktop at a library or having a peer glance over their shoulder at their phone.
I spent time researching the legal implications of age-appropriate voluntary therapy. After diving into the foster system, social worker’s legal duties, caretaker obligations, and privacy concerns for these young lives I decided to make a journaling platform where one can document their lived experiences. It was age inclusive, and legally sound while being supportive and therapeutic to youth at risk.
After each phase of prototypes, I conducted usability studies and wrote reports for myself to guide my iterations and product design.
TASKS LIST OF LO - FI PROTOTYPE :
1 - create account
2 - add a photo to their story
3 - add a note to their story
4 - explore older entries
5 - edit profile account
6 - log out
MOCKUPS
Based on insights from the usability study, I added a ‘log out’ security feature, the ability to back-date entries, and improved sequential flow and information recall. I also received feedback that users loved the dark background so I carried this into my hi - fi prototypes. Using progressive enhancement, I created the web product to hold the same design DNA as the mobile product.
mobile example — concise
desktop example — expanded
“I would only use this app if there was an instant log out feature ...”
observe my note-taking system and self-design edits to keep me organized while receiving feedback and addressing elements that need iteration and attention
consistent organization system to follow adjustments made to the mobile product
Icon Design
GOING FORWARD
WHAT I LEARNED :
The options for how to support youth at risk is pandora’s box. The opportunity for good is endless when it comes to technology supporting our vulnerable groups in society. This project is a very small step towards helping youth feel seen and supported in a safe way. I felt very limited in what I could do for active healing due to laws and regulations, and I would love to learn more active ways for this product to support youth.
ACCESSIBILITY ANALYSIS :
Inclusive design in the world of UX is one of my key motivating factors when creating a product. I am constantly eager to learn how to make my designs more equity-focused and unbiased. The age-inclusive design choices were front of mind when making this product.
NEXT STEPS :
I would enhance the accessibility features to be the most inclusive option for those with disabilities to fully participate with ease. My next elements to add to Spiral would be nervous-system regulating tips and techniques to support someone alone in the midst of a crisis. A breathing visualization, a meditation, and articles of others’ stories who have made it through extremely difficult seasons.
Thank you for going on my design journey!
All processes are documented HERE