ADHD Empower

Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often feel overwhelmed and frustrated by disorganization in their schedules. This project focuses on mobile applications as tools to enhance organization and task prioritization for people with ADHD. Through a three-part approach—covering conceptual, empirical, and technical investigations—we analyze the effectiveness of ADHD management applications on user time management and productivity. Based on our analysis, we preliminarily design a schedule planning APP tailored for people with ADHD.

Role

UIUX Designer/ User Researcher

Duration

January 2024 - March 2024

Project Type

Case Study/ Mobile APP Design

Design Process

Our design process begins with a conceptual investigation, followed by an empirical investigation, and concludes with a technical investigation using value-sensitive design methods to create our prototype.

Ethical Considerations:

  • Accessibility: Ensure the app is accessible to all potential users, including those with varying levels of ADHD severity and comorbid conditions.

  • Inclusivity: Design for different age groups, educational backgrounds, and technological proficiencies.

  • Language and Imagery: Carefully consider the language and imagery used in the app to avoid reinforcing stereotypes.

Tripartite Methodology

Our tripartite methodology follows a sequence of conceptual investigation, empirical investigation, and technical investigation. We chose this order because our research project benefits most from first gathering information about our stakeholders through literature reviews and surveys. By understanding their needs, we can propose effective solutions and recommendations.

Conceptual Investigation

The conceptual investigation enables us to comprehensively understand the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and to define core functionalities and features for our final recommendations. We ensured diversity among our stakeholders, considering various demographics such as educational backgrounds, ages, and technology preferences. This phase involved a stakeholder research methodology that included thorough literature reviews of existing task management apps and related research studies. Through this process, we identified specific pain points and existing solutions, evaluating the effectiveness of current apps and features tailored for individuals with ADHD. Our findings and recommendations reflect the insights gathered.

Empirical investigation

Creating the questionnaire using Google Forms and distributing the survey across various social platforms, we prioritized participant privacy by allowing anonymous responses without collecting email addresses. Ethical considerations guided our phrasing to avoid reinforcing stereotypes about ADHD groups. We provided background information in the survey to inform participants about its purpose and how their data would be used, ensuring informed consent.

Survey Methodology

Platform: Google Forms

Distribution: We distributed the survey to students known to have ADHD and posted it on student group platforms like Discord, as well as relevant online social platforms such as Reddit. The survey link was shared in comments on subreddits like r/ADHD and r/mentalhealth.

Question Types: We designed qualitative and quantitative questions covering the following topics:

  1. Frequency of ADHD management app usage

  2. Most utilized and beneficial features

  3. Limitations of current apps

  4. Desired improvements for features

Here are some of the questions from the survey:

  • How often do you use apps to help alleviate ADHD symptoms?

  • When do you primarily use these apps? (e.g., for studying, relaxation)

  • Which features do you find most useful? (e.g., timers, meditation, reminders)

  • How would you rate these features in terms of their effectiveness in managing ADHD symptoms?

  • What limitations have you observed while using these apps?

  • What features do you wish were available in these apps but currently aren't?

  • How can these apps be improved to better meet your needs?

We received a total of 34 responses and used R Studio to visualize the data. From our quantitative analysis, we found that 70% of participants use management apps daily, with high satisfaction ratings (4 out of 5) for the reminder feature, but lower ratings (2.5 out of 5) for content customization. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses revealed user needs such as better integration with academic tools, more personalized settings and content, and community features within the apps.

Technical Investigation

We conducted a retrospective analysis and explored existing technologies, frameworks, and tools that could support the desired functionalities. During our conceptual analysis and market research, we discovered an exemplary app called "Avocation," specifically designed to assist individuals with ADHD. This app allows users to input their own habits to create personalized task organization. Its planner feature aids users in structuring daily tasks effectively. Additionally, the app includes a data analysis function that provides users with intuitive charts and visualizations to track their work efficiency.

Value Sensitive Design Methods

Our group employs a comprehensive design framework rooted in value-sensitive methodologies to guide our process. Through strategic steps such as envisioning cards, value source analysis, stakeholder analysis, and value-oriented prototyping, we aim to deeply understand the diverse needs and perspectives of stakeholders within the ADHD community. By utilizing the Value Sensitive Action-Reflection Model, we ensure that our design process remains closely aligned with the core values of our target users, fostering a reflective practice to continuously refine our solutions.

We utilize Figma to create low-fidelity prototypes tailored to the unique requirements of individuals with ADHD, iteratively adjusting our designs based on user feedback. Additionally, adopting a multi-lifespan timeline approach, we aim to develop sustainable solutions capable of evolving with users. We also explore emerging technologies such as AR and VR to enhance accessibility and maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Design Insights

Through our research, we found that integrating personalized customization is crucial in ADHD management apps. People with ADHD exhibit diverse preferences and needs, rendering a universal solution inadequate. Additionally, embracing the concept of "pervasiveness," it is essential for apps to be adaptable to accommodate the cultural diversity within the ADHD community. This approach ensures that the apps can effectively cater to a broad audience's varying requirements.

Design Implications

Based on our research, integrating community and social support features into ADHD apps is essential. Effective ADHD management extends beyond individual task organization and productivity tools. Stakeholders also require a sense of community and support among peers. By incorporating these features, users can connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a supportive environment that reduces feelings of isolation.

Regarding our design approach, our project emphasizes immediate impact, focusing on current and near-future users rather than spanning beyond a human lifetime.

Policy Recommendations

We advocate for the inclusion of supportive policies within the education system to benefit individuals with ADHD. These policies could include provisions for ADHD-friendly technologies and accommodations such as extra time during quizzes or exams. Additionally, we recommend implementing guidelines or policies to ensure that ADHD-related apps available in the market meet specific criteria to genuinely assist the ADHD community. This approach aims to guarantee that all apps meet high standards of quality and effectiveness, thereby enhancing their utility and benefit to users.

Low Fidelity Prototype

This is the Focus Time page of the ADHD Empower app. Here, users can set a timer to assist them in maintaining focus on their tasks.

This is the Calendar page in the ADHD Empower app where users can review their monthly goals and plans. The app provides reminders if goals are not completed by the end of the month.

This is the Personal Assistance page of the ADHD Empower app. Each user has personalized assistance available to help them solve problems and provide tips on time management.

This is the homepage of the ADHD Empower app. Here, users can access their daily schedule seamlessly. The ADHD Empower app integrates with a student's Canvas account, displaying their daily assignment deadlines directly on the homepage.

This is the Discussion page of the ADHD Empower app. Here, users can exchange experiences related to ADHD and discuss time management skills. This page serves as a platform for users to share their experiences, seek advice, and offer support to one another.

This is the Personal Profile section of the ADHD Empower app. Here, users can set up their monthly tasks, connect to their school's Canvas account, and track their goal achievements.

Retro

Our project identified a significant gap and mismatch between designer intentions and stakeholder values, resulting in a lack of personalization and engagement in existing apps. This finding underscores the necessity for evidence-based design and user feedback. Key design insights for future apps include the importance of personalization, gamification, and consideration of cultural diversity. Building on our low-fidelity prototype, the next steps involve incorporating evidence-based design and user feedback to ensure alignment with stakeholder values. We will focus on enhancing personalization, integrating gamification elements, and addressing cultural diversity to increase user engagement and satisfaction.