Recovery Park
Mobile App
Overview
Recovery Park is a transformative digital platform aimed at connecting individuals dealing with substance abuse and mental health challenges to a comprehensive network of supportive resources and services. As the Lead UX Researcher, my mission was to conduct user research to understand the unique needs and pain points of our target audience, ensuring that our platform provides a seamless and effective user experience.
Understanding the Problem
The Behavioral Healthcare Gap
Across the United States, millions of individuals grappling with substance abuse and mental health issues face a daunting challenge: accessing appropriate, timely, and supportive resources. The existing healthcare system often fails to provide a clear path to recovery, resulting in unnecessarily prolonged suffering, lost opportunities, and lives hanging in the balance.
Research Objectives
User Understanding: Gain insights into the behaviors, motivations, and challenges faced by individuals seeking recovery resources.
Service Provider Insights: Understand the perspectives and requirements of service providers who will be listed on the platform.
User-Centered Design: Utilize research findings to inform the design and development of Recovery Park, ensuring it aligns with user needs and expectations.
Research Methods
User Interviews
Participants
We conducted semi-structured interviews with over 2000 individuals who either had personal experiences with substance abuse or mental health challenges or were supporting someone in their recovery journey.
Findings
Identified common pain points, such as difficulty finding appropriate services and long waiting times.
Uncovered the need for a centralized platform providing comprehensive information and support.
Explored the role of peer support and the significance of a non-judgmental, empathetic community.
Research Methods
Service Provider Surveys
Participants
We distributed surveys to 450 potential service providers, including both private practices and agencies.
Findings
Discovered providers' willingness to list their services on a platform like Recovery Park.
Identified key features they considered crucial, such as profile customization and communication tools.
Uncovered preferences for a seamless integration process with their existing systems.
Survey Questions
Have you or someone you know ever experienced challenges related to substance abuse or mental health?
Are you aware of the availability of support services for individuals dealing with substance abuse or mental health challenges in your area?
Have you or someone you know faced difficulties in accessing timely support or treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues?
On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with the current availability and accessibility of substance abuse and mental health support services in your community? (1 being very dissatisfied, 5 being very satisfied)
Are you familiar with mobile apps or online platforms that provide information or support related to substance abuse or mental health?
Have you or someone you know ever used a mobile app or online platform for support or information related to substance abuse or mental health?
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience with such apps or platforms.
Do you believe that there is a need for a platform like Recovery Park that aims to connect individuals dealing with substance abuse or mental health challenges to relevant services and support?
What features or services do you think would be most valuable in a platform designed to support individuals dealing with substance abuse or mental health challenges?
Are you open to using a platform like Recovery Park to access information, resources, and support for substance abuse or mental health challenges in the future?
Do you have any additional comments or insights regarding the need for a platform like Recovery Park?
User Interviews
• Interviews were successfully conducted with more than 500 out of the 0ver 2000 participants.
• A unanimous 100% concurred that significant barriers exist when trying to access treatment.
• Among the 500 plus participants interviewed, 453 shared personal experiences of knowing someone who tragically succumbed to a fatal overdose.
• 472 out of the over 500 participants expressed agreement on the need for a platform that empowers individuals struggling with addiction.
Competitive Analysis
Scope
We evaluated existing platforms and mobile applications in the behavioral healthcare space to identify best practices and potential gaps.
Findings
Recognized the importance of clear, user-friendly interfaces.
Analyzed successful engagement strategies and user retention tactics.
Identified opportunities for differentiation and innovation.
Design and Implementation
1. User Personas
Based on the insights gathered from user interviews, we developed detailed user personas to represent the diverse needs and goals of our target audience.
2. Information Architecture
We refined the platform's information architecture to ensure intuitive navigation and access to essential resources.
3. Prototype Testing
We created a high-fidelity interactive prototype and conducted usability testing with potential users to gather feedback on the design and functionality.
4. Iterative Design
Throughout the design and development process, we iteratively incorporated user feedback to refine the platform and enhance its usability.
Persona (Thomas)
Behaviors – Loves to read, recovery advocate
Demographics – late 40s, single, owner of a small private practice
Needs – Access to those suffering from substance abuse
Persona (Claire)
Behaviors – Highly social, volunteers with many local organizations
Demographics – Early 30s, recovering addict, single, employed full time
Needs – The ability to connect with others
Persona (William)
Behaviors – Self Isolates, nonsocial
Demographics – Unemployed, early 40s, father of 2, drug addict
Needs – Access to treatment services, support, and connection
User Stories
These user stories represent various perspectives and needs within the Recovery Park platform, highlighting the importance of user-centered design and research in addressing these requirements effectively.As a person seeking support for my substance abuse recovery, I want to find a user-friendly platform where I can easily access resources, connect with peers, and locate nearby support services.
As a family member concerned about a loved one's mental health, I want a platform that provides guidance on how to support and connect my loved one to the appropriate services.
As a licensed counselor specializing in addiction treatment, I want to access a platform that offers up-to-date information, resources, and tools to enhance my counseling sessions and better assist my clients.
As a peer support specialist, I want a platform that allows me to connect with individuals in recovery, share my own experiences, and provide encouragement and guidance.
As a mental health advocate, I want a platform that empowers me to raise awareness about mental health issues, share educational content, and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations.
As a substance abuse treatment center, I want to be listed on a platform where potential clients can easily find information about our services, location, and contact details.
As a researcher studying addiction and recovery, I want access to anonymized user data to better understand trends and patterns in recovery journeys and outcomes.
As a developer working on the Recovery Park platform, I want to receive user feedback and insights from UX research to continually improve the platform's usability and features.
As a potential advertiser or sponsor, I want to understand how advertising on the Recovery Park platform can reach and engage with individuals seeking support for substance abuse and mental health challenges.
As a person seeking support for a co-occurring disorder (both substance abuse and mental health challenges), I want a platform that recognizes the complexity of my situation and provides tailored resources and connections to dual-diagnosis services.
Brand Development
The evolution of the company’s logo begins with the image on the left. As you can see, a shift in vision took place with the one in the middle including a change to the company’s name. The one to the far right is the final version of the company’s logo.
The final logo was tested with a small group of participants. The feedback received from the final logo was very positive. The participant feedback included the following, “ Warm and welcoming”, “The color scheme gave it a cool feel”, “ I really like the vibe of the logo”.
Wireframes
Usability Test #1
The first usability test was conducted using the wireframes and protype shown above. This was the first prototype developed for the app. The usability test produced results that suggests improvements were needed.
Improvements
Expanded color scheme
Increased branding
Increased functionality
Added direct messaging
Added alert feature
Final Prototype
User Flow
This "User Flow" outlines the onboarding procedure. Our aim was to ensure that the onboarding process is highly intuitive. The feedback gathered from usability testing affirmed that the user flow aligns with my original vision.
Usability Test #2
The results display significant increase after making the necessary improvements.
Summary
This Recovery Park UX research case study highlights the platform's commitment to providing tailored support to active users, recovered individuals, and service providers in the realm of substance abuse and mental health. Through comprehensive user research and iterative design, Recovery Park has successfully created a user-centric platform that addresses the unique needs of each user group. The onboarding process has been optimized to guide users toward personalized content and resources, enhancing their overall experience. Survey data has demonstrated a significant need for accessible support in this field.
Design Opportunities
Enhanced Personalization: Further refine user profiles and content recommendations to create an even more personalized experience for active users, recovered individuals, and service providers. Utilize AI-driven algorithms to better understand user preferences and deliver tailored resources.
Content Expansion: Continuously expand the platform's content library to cover a wider range of topics related to substance abuse and mental health. Incorporate multimedia resources, including videos, podcasts, and interactive tools, to engage users more effectively.
Community Building: Develop features that encourage community interaction and support among users. Forums, discussion boards, and peer support groups can foster connections and provide a sense of belonging for individuals on their recovery journeys.
Accessibility: Prioritize accessibility features to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can easily navigate and benefit from the platform. Conduct accessibility testing to identify and address any usability barriers.
Real-Time Support: Implement real-time support options, such as chatbots or crisis helplines, to provide immediate assistance to users in crisis or seeking immediate guidance.
Data Security: Strengthen data security measures to protect user privacy and sensitive information. Regularly update security protocols to stay ahead of potential threats.
Partner Collaborations: Forge strategic partnerships with organizations and agencies in the behavioral healthcare field to expand the platform's reach and offer a wider array of services. Collaborate with substance abuse treatment centers, mental health professionals, and research institutions.
Longitudinal Research: Conduct longitudinal research to track user journeys over time, measuring the platform's impact on their recovery processes and overall well-being. Use this data to continually refine and improve Recovery Park's offerings.
Feedback Loops: Establish feedback mechanisms that encourage users to provide ongoing input on their experiences with the platform. Actively incorporate user feedback into decision-making processes to drive continuous improvement.
By addressing these design opportunities, Recovery Park can further solidify its position as a valuable resource in the field of behavioral healthcare, serving as a beacon of hope and support for individuals seeking assistance in their recovery journeys.