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Crafting a productivity optimization tool for ADHD-specific needs
Overview
Project
End-to-end Mobile App
Role
UX/UI Designer
Tools
Figma & FigJam
Duration
1 month
Context
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder impacting millions of people globally, yet it continues to be poorly understood and carries social stigma. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with focus, time management, and task organization, highlighting a significant gap that could be bridged through the creation of a specialized and personalized solution. During my exploration of this matter, I found that existing productivity apps on the market do not adequately cater to the distinct requirements of those with ADHD.
Solution
I set out to create a productivity app that prioritizes features specifically tailored to address the unique needs and difficulties associated with ADHD.
Research
The Neurodiverse User
Hurdles + Priorities
Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty with attention, organization, time management, and task completion. Proven strategies to address these challenges include breaking large tasks into smaller steps, setting priorities, and reducing outside distractions.
To fully comprehend the complexities of ADHD and the various approaches individuals with ADHD use to optimize their productivity, I conducted a survey that included a total of 25 respondents aged between 18 and 43. The survey inquired about participants' struggles with ADHD and their approaches to managing its challenges, as well as past experiences with productivity apps.
Examining ADHD Perspectives
Before brainstorming any design solutions, I conducted user interviews with five individuals aged 29-34 who have ADHD. The following outlines the key findings from these interviews:
CONS
Some users find productivity apps to be too complex, while others find gamification features too distracting. Additionally, some users find that productivity apps struggle to maintain their interest.
PROS
Some users stated a regular routine provided them with structure and familiarity, which helped them stay organized and driven.
Analyzing Habit-Tracking Elements
Survey and interview participants emphasized the importance of building consistency over task management. As a result, I narrowed my focus to habit-tracking apps. I concentrated on the features that research participants deemed most valuable, including minimal features, reminders, stats, timers, and motivating, engaging visual design.
Recognizing Varied ADHD Profiles
Using all the knowledge I gained, I developed two personas to steer my design choices in the future. These personas are based on the diverse range of needs and approaches that individuals with ADHD employ to optimize their productivity.
Research Findings
Many users struggle to balance productivity with avoiding feeling overwhelmed, especially when using apps that incorporate gamification or have too many features. While this can be a challenge for anyone, individuals with ADHD may find it particularly challenging due to their difficulty with focusing and prioritizing tasks. Users also often find that focusing on habits and routines, rather than individual tasks, can be beneficial to their success.
Major Insights
Design
Creating an Inclusive Product
Focusing on Impactful Features
During the initial design process, it became clear that a one-size-fits-all solution was not feasible due to the wide variation of symptoms and needs among individuals with ADHD. To ensure that the product I developed would meet the needs of the majority, I implemented a strategic feature selection process by prioritizing the features that would be most beneficial to the widest range of users.
Minimizing Distractions
Initially, I included a resources page with information on ADHD and associated management strategies. However, I realized that this mirrored my competitors' tendency to overload their apps with excessive information and features. I then decided to shift my focus to a select few critical features that would meet users' needs, keep them motivated, focused, and on track with their daily routines.
Optimizing Productivity
While developing task flows, I included an onboarding process to emphasize key features and help users become familiar with the app quickly. The objective was to enhance productivity while reducing feelings of overwhelm and confusion.
Crafting a Simple + Motivating Interface
Branding for Distracted Minds
Delivering Engaging Visual Experiences
After receiving feedback from testers, my mentor, and continuously iterating, I found that the interface was not matching my intended vision. However, I remained determined to creating a more engaging and lively experience.
I looked to other competitors in the market for inspiration and realized that incorporating brighter colors was essential to achieving the cheerful and motivating tone I had envisioned. The final color palette I chose is a blend of vibrant and energetic colors that perfectly embody the app's energy and enthusiasm I was aiming for.
Outcome
I developed an app that optimizes productivity and minimizes distractions for individuals with ADHD by focusing on a limited set of impactful features and offering a motivating, simple, and visually engaging user experience.
Reducing Mental Overload
Habit Creation + Progress Tracking + Self-Timer
The app was designed with careful consideration to not overwhelm individuals with ADHD. Only essential and practical features were included in order to make it easy to use. The app encompasses a habit list creator, a progress tracker, and a timer that can be toggled between a pomodoro or regular timer.
Promoting Engagement
Personalized Color Schemes + Preferences
Interactive features like customization promotes active participation, particularly important for users battling boredom. Users have the freedom to customize their habits, create reminders, and adjust the timer to their liking, including the option to personalize the color schemes.
Inspiring Progress
Rewards, Interactive Animations, Radiant Hues
To account for the fact that individuals with ADHD are often motivated by positive reinforcement and enjoyable experiences, the app includes celebratory animations, streak saver rewards, and bright, vibrant colors. These features provide a sense of inspiration, while also adding an element of fun.
Testing
Achievements
I conducted moderated usability tests with six users aged 23-39, using a Figma prototype. Participants completed three tasks and provided feedback describing their experience
Motiv received praise from participants for being ADHD-friendly, encouraging, and simple: "I really like the onboarding process and how simple it is. I was able to get through the tasks without any confusion.", "I could see how this could really help me make positive changes in my life.", "I like how the app celebrates a completed habit and encourages me to keep going."
Participants also enjoyed the ability to add push-notification reminders, stating, "It's great that I can set a reminder, sometimes I feel so overwhelmed that I become forgetful." Users also appreciated the illustrations, and animation, finding them to be motivating and fun.
User Concern
Participants noted that the dashboard interface appeared cluttered. Having too many options on the status bar could make it difficult to concentrate.
Modification
I removed the status bar and added a filter button. Users can filter habits by status, time of day, and color, allowing them to focus clearly on their current tasks.
User Concern
Participants expressed their desire to be able to edit or delete a habit they had created and pointed out that there was no clear indication of how to do so.
Modification
I incorporated a menu into each habit module that allows users to manage their routines. The menu gives users a clear way to make quick adjustments.
User Concern
Participants wanted the freedom to add new habits without being limited to a specific time of day, allowing them to complete them when convenient.
Modification
I included 'any time' as an option below the question where users select the time they plan to complete their habit, giving them greater flexibility
Final Prototype
Reflection
Key Takeaways
When I first set out to create a productivity app for users with ADHD, my goal was to help them stay organized with a task management app. However, during user research, I found that many participants with ADHD found success by building healthy habits and routines instead of just completing tasks. This input led me to change my strategy and create a habit-tracking app instead. Through this experience, I learned the importance of being receptive to user input and adaptable in shaping my approach. By listening to the needs of my participants, I created a product better suited to addressing their pain points and ultimately more effective in helping them achieve their goals.
Next Steps
After receiving feedback from testers and my mentor on my initial color scheme, I decided to explore new color options. I specifically chose new colors that would be more attention-grabbing and lively. However, if time were not a constraint, I would conduct additional testing to validate the effectiveness of the design updates and ensure that they meet the needs of users with ADHD.
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