How to Talk About It

As a passion project, I developed a concept for an app that would educate and direct those suffering from unipolar depression to a personalized treatment plan.

Role: Self-Led Project - 2021

There is a struggle of communication between mental health clinicians and patients when it comes to making appropriate treatment decisions regarding depression. Patients often do not understand complex information, and as a result, do not feel or stay engaged in their own care.

Problem

A concept for an app that walks potential patients step by step through treatment options, using accessible language.

Outcome

Initial Research

My initial start on this project led me into the subject of health literacy, or the advocation that health technology should be accessible to all. While the greater systemic issues were not something I could possible cover in one project, I came across a solution to bridge the knowledge gap in patients; a patient decision aid.

Interviews

I decided to apply this concept in a mental health lens and conducted interviews to paint a better picture of what was needed. I found that patients don’t know what to ask, and feel their options aren’t fully disclosed to them. Clinicians have the best interest of patients but are uncertain if information is being understood.

Information Architecture

Early Iterations

Style Guide

Registration and Home

Register or log in and view any upcoming appointment details.

Assessment

Determine user goals, values, and symptom levels with a simple and quick assessment.

Explain possible symptoms and treatments that can help. From here, the user can go on to find a provider.

Summary of Treatment Plans

Booking an Appointment

Search for a provider and book an appointment.

As a student project, I was excited to have the chance to conduct interviews that informed my decisions, as well as deep research into a topic I had no knowledge of. My one regret in this process was that I did not test the final outcome with users.

Insights

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