OVERVIEW
The Problem
As fatigue started taking a toll on my productivity, I realized that attention is a scarce commodity. On the lookout for another task management application, I started reading more about productivity strategies and factors affecting it to address the root problem, such as procrastination.I came across an article about the relationship between productivity and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Intrigued, I began reading it and was surprised to see how differently ‘productivity’ is perceived by people with ADHD and the hurdles that they encounter on a daily basis.
Design Question
How can technology and design make it easier for individuals with ADHD to stay productive and maintain their wellbeing?
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Say hi to Feliz!
Feliz is a happy and cheerful orange who refuses to be seen without his boots.
He is the face of the solution and will take you through this case study!
My process
RESEARCH
Struggles due to ADHD
Lack of focus and prioritisation
Inefficient time management
Emotional dysregulation
Secondary research
I was interested in learning about the prevalence of ADHD in general as well as any trends or shared problems. I also read numerous articles written by renowned researchers in the field from the past 10 to 15 years .
4.4% people in the United States have ADHD
3.2% female diagnosis rate
5.4% male diagnosis rate
Understanding Intention Deficit Disorder:
In an article by Dr. Russell Barkley, Intention Deficit Disorder is highlighted as a significant challenge for individuals with ADHD. It involves:
Disconnect between knowledge/intention and actions
Being able to understand the significance of tasks but not being able to take the necessary actions
Competitive Analysis
I studied features of some of the best productivity solutions present currently. The goal was to study what has worked for them previously and build onto those features while introducing new ones.
None of the above applications explicitly mention that they cater to the needs of people with ADHD. Hence, I decided to go through testimonials of people with ADHD instead of just focusing on an overview of features or App Store reviews. I went through the ADHD subreddit where people anonymously post their problems, wins and suggestions.
Primary research
To conduct in-depth qualitative research, I set up semi-structured video interviews with 2 participants diagnosed with ADHD lasting about 30-40 minutes.
One of the main goals was to understand the pain points of users along with their strengths to come up with a solution which would help users play by their strengths while working on their weaknesses.
Another research goal was to understand the difference between the daily routines of people with and without ADHD to propose a solution which would fit into their lives seamlessly.
Insights
Rewards act as a great motivating factor
Frequent reminders help to be on track
Accountability enhances focus and productivity
Dopamine regulation can minimize negative effects
IDEATION
User personas
With the data collected from the interviews and secondary research, I created personas representing potential users of the application. This step aided in pinpointing users’ goals and pain points.
How might we..?
I used the How Might We framework to pinpoint needs and potential solutions. This framework encourages a multitude of ideas rather than focussing on finding just the ‘right’ answer.
Brainstorming through Card Sorting
I performed a modified version of the conventional card sorting process and matched user frustrations with solutions and features. Further, I connected this group of problems-solutions to the need it was catering to.
A glimpse of the entire board
Success Metrics
Enables the user to seamlessly log, organize, prioritize, and track tasks
Helps in habit forming and rewards progress
Allow collaboration thereby creating accountability
Lessen the burden on the user's short term memory
SOLUTION
"Feliz: An ADHD Companion App – Log, Organize, and Thrive with Tailored Strategies and a Cute Accountability Partner!"
About Feliz
Feliz will be at the forefront of the application and will help the users truly connect with the application.
I wanted gamification to be a part of the application and Feliz acts like the mascot. When Instagram and other distractions are just a tap away, it is crucial to make users want to keep coming back.
As the goal was to help the user be productive without burning himself out, Feliz will keep showing up and showering the user with encouragement.
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Information Architecture
Wireframes
Final solution! 🎉
Tasks
This is the first screen that the user sees- with Feliz ready to greet you with enthusiasm
Create a task
Feliz helps users log tasks efficiently - Feliz has every detail a user might need to remember a task in the best way possible
Create subtasks
With Feliz, users can divide daunting tasks into smaller ones and make them more manageable!
Timeline view
All tasks are aligned sequentially according to their due time. Only the important details of a task like name, description, label and due date will be visible to the user
Eisenhower Matrix view
This matrix framework helps user sort tasks based on urgency and importance. This feature has been introduced to tackle the persistent prioritisation problem faced by people with ADHD
Progress view
Being able to monitor how far you’ve come is essential while building habits and staying on track. Feliz understands that progress is not linear. Hence, the user is able to see short term as well as long term progress.
Feliz has an integrated timer as well - so the user does not have to leave the application, thereby minimizing any chances of distractions
Timer
The user can also add the Feliz widget to view all daily tasks at a glance and for quick access to the application
The ability to add lockscreen widgets in iOS 16 is a gamechanger for quick access
iOS widget
Feliz also acts as the user’s accountability partner. While working on a task, Feliz will gently nudge the user
Nudges
REFLECTION
Future scope
The appropriate next step would be to create an application for smartwatches as a part of the application's future scope. By giving users quick access to controls, this application will help users spend less time on their phones and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Starting to develop a web extension would be another good next step. Using laptops and other digital devices for work is growing increasingly commonplace as remote work gains popularity.
The utilization of screen time insights and restrictions with this application to assist users in improving their ability to concentrate is another beneficial feature.
What did I learn?
There is still a lot of work to be done in the area of neurodivergence because it is a complex subject.
Designing for neurodivergents requires far more research than designing for neurotypicals. The majority of my time was spent reading about persons with ADHD and their experiences.
Thank you for reading!
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