Developping a program to help reduce the impact of fatigue on patients
The "My Energy" program was added as a new feature in the activity section of our app, with the goal of providing people with MS a tool to manage their fatigue symptoms. By adding this program to the activity section, we ensured that it was easily accessible and integrated with the existing user experience. This helped to increase the program's visibility and usage, as users could easily find it alongside other activities in the app.
User Research and Insights
Through extensive research on the Cleo app, our datas and users feedbacks, it was discovered that the most frequently used tracker in the Journal section was the "fatigue" tracker. In light of this insight and additional scientific research, a program was created that provides tailored tips and habits to address the various facets of fatigue experienced by MS patients.
Design process, features and functionality
The "My Energy" program aimed to deliver personalized tips and habits to help users manage their fatigue symptoms. This objective was based on a user-centered design process that spanned multiple stages of research, prototyping, and testing. In order to fully comprehend the requirements and challenges of individuals with MS, particularly as they relate to fatigue management, a variety of research methods were employed. This included conducting interviews and surveys with users, as well as analyzing app data to uncover patterns and insights related to fatigue tracking.
Using this data, several prototypes of the program were developed and tested. The feedback received from users was crucial in enhancing and refining the program. Iterations were continually made to the program, incorporating additional features and improving the user experience until the final version was created and launched on the app.
Challenges and Solutions
The success of the "My Energy" program is contingent upon the user consistently engaging with the app to monitor their progress and adopt new habits. One of the primary obstacles in designing the program was ensuring that users would continue to use it on a regular basis in order to create lon lasting healthy habits.
The program addressed this issue by including notifications that would remind users to complete their habits and provide encouraging messages. These notifications were informative and engaging, utilizing a friendly tone to inspire users to continue. They were also personalized, enabling users to set reminders at a convenient time. This helped establish accountability, as users were aware that they had committed to specific habits and were reminded to complete them regularly.
Limitations and Mitigations
Despite the limitations of Cleo being a non-medical device, the program aimed to promote the positive impact of healthy habits on overall well-being, including better sleep quality, more energy, and improved mood. The program included disclaimers throughout, stating that the app should not be used as a substitute for medical advice and encouraging users to consult with their healthcare team.
Conclusion
The "My Energy" program was successful in terms of user engagement and satisfaction. By conducting meticulous research and employing user-centered design principles, the program provides a personalized and effective tool for MS patients to manage their fatigue and enhance their quality of life. This case study exemplifies the power of user research and user-centered design in creating effective solutions for people living with chronic illnesses.