MOBILE APP DESIGN
Chime
Project Context
Chime is a passion project of mine. My dad was diagnosed with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome 7 years ago. Also known as CRPS, it is defined by the constant and severely painful burning in your limbs. After researching pain relief methods for CRPS, I found that whole body vibrations can significantly help with chronic pain, but that means you would be bed/chair-ridden depending on your level of pain. I wanted to better understand if people that live with severe chronic pain could benefit from new advances in mobile technology to relieve pain and still lead active lifestyles.
However, after initial user interviews, I found people were not looking for more treatment options but simply connection, compassion and understanding. Chime was born with those attributes in mind.
Process
I followed the Human Centered Design process to investigate how users deal with chronic pain. Letting user research be my guide, I brainstormed and designed multiple solutions. I then tested my MVP through usability tests and developed a high-fidelity interactive prototype based on the findings.
Problem Statement
People that live with severe chronic pain need a way to connect with people who can relate to them and their pain-adapted lifestyles. It is hard to find support groups specific to their chronic pain type and they would benefit from meeting people who can provide additional support.
User Research
Empathy was key to deeply understanding the problems and realities of those I interviewed. They face extreme difficulties on a day-to-day basis. By keenly listening and appreciating those hardships, I was able to better understand what they needed beyond their physical needs.
Competative Analysis
Using SWOT for competitive marketing analysis, the business's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were evaluated. I learned that there are no competitors delivering on the unique needs of chronic pain sufferers beyond basic pain management. Chime’s challenge will be to offer a solution that delivers on users holistic needs but doesn’t include too many features.
Research Synthesis
User Goals
Manage daily pain
Stay positive in spite of pain & mental anguish
Maintain relationships with family and meet new friends
Lead a normal life as if not in constant pain
Target Audience
Personas
Sketching
Once I better understood my users, I began additional ideation for my vision. I quickly settled on basic components and layout through several quick rounds of sketches. I explored interactions around the users main objectives and how I could provide them with the opportunity to connect with individuals and groups. I also reviewed patterns that expressed different ways users could find and filter images to send to their contacts without having to leave the app.
Wireframes
Sketching and card sorting stress tested the design ideation process and aided in the initial development of 25 lo-fi wireframes. Built in Sketch, an additional 22 screens for onboarding and modals helped efficiently guide the user through the entire app.
Additional User Flows
Visual Design
Sign Up + Onboarding
Find Support Groups
Find Individual Supporters
Find “Positivity Pings”
