In the initial phase, we focused on understanding the sponsor’s requirements for the app’s design, functionality, and implementation. As part of a computer science senior design project, the sponsor emphasized the technical aspects, granting us full freedom in the app’s design. They suggested we research Noom, a similar health app, to draw inspiration for its design elements. Our goal was to create a user-friendly design that met the functional needs while aligning with the sponsor’s technical objectives.
During the brainstorming phase, our team researched Noom’s design, taking notes on its clean layout and color scheme. While we drew inspiration from it, we aimed to make the app unique by adding a mascot. We believed that including a mascot would make the app more engaging and relatable for users, reinforcing the calming and supportive atmosphere we wanted to create. We chose a manatee to symbolize gentleness and calmness. We also ensured accessibility for users with color blindness and focused on making the app more visual by reducing text. After finalizing the color palette, we split into three groups to design different app elements, with my focus on the chatbot and progress tracking pages.
The project was completed in three iterations, but the majority of the design and wireframes were completed before the start of Iteration 1. Our wireframes focused on essential user interactions, including sign-in, login, profile creation, and the chatbot page. Additionally, we designed a track progress page, allowing users to monitor and edit their profiles. The goal was to create intuitive, easy-to-navigate pages that aligned with the app’s user-friendly theme, ensuring a seamless user experience from the start.
After presenting the initial wireframes to our sponsors, they expressed general satisfaction with the design, but as the project progressed, they requested additional features. These updates included the addition of a favorites page, a history page for the chatbot, and the ability for users to rank their priorities. We also decided to make the chatbot the primary page after user login, ensuring easy access to the app's most important feature. This change streamlined the user experience, making the core functionality readily available, which was key for our target audience seeking reliable medical answers.
Additional Feedback:
At the end of the project, we presented our app during the "Poster & Pie" event, where visitors from various demographics, including our peers, parents, professors, elderly individuals, and children, interacted with the application. While we did not conduct formal usability testing, this hands-on session provided valuable feedbacks. The majority of users found the app to be easy to use, intuitive, and engaging. Many participants indicated they would download the app if it became available on the app store. A few users pointed out that the text size could be improved, but overall, the app was praised for its straightforward interface and user-friendly experience, suitable for all age groups. Despite minor technical issues, the feedback highlighted that the app was accessible and approachable, confirming that the design was on track for a wide range of users.
I am beyond excited and proud to see the project progress from just an idea on paper to its design and ultimate implementation. Working in a team of five, I learned a great deal about collaboration and teamwork. Our senior design section ensured that our project mirrored a real work environment where you take an idea, address any questions or concerns with the client—in this case, our sponsors—begin the design, and then move into implementation and testing. Through this process, I learned that communication with teammates is crucial, but it is equally important to keep our sponsors updated to ensure they are aware of what is happening.
Seeing this app come to life is tremendously exciting for me. It is my first time building a mobile application, and during the process, I was able to learn React, which has always interested me. Being part of the team that built the first-generation prototype of this application is truly amazing. I believe this app has great potential and can benefit many people once it is eventually deployed and used widely. I spoke to many people at the Poster & Pies event, and the amount of feedback I received about how eager people are to try this app—if it ever makes it to the app store—and about its great potential, has once again confirmed my passion for making products that are great and easy to use. This project will continue to go through many rounds and involve other senior design classes in the future, but I see the value it has in providing additional help to others.
