This comprehensive document focuses on creating an online platform for anxiety management, driven by the rise in mental health challenges during COVID-19.
My role involves consolidating information, services, and self-help resources into a well-organized, user-friendly platform. Key responsibilities include domain modeling, designing user journeys, creating sitemaps, and developing wireframes, all with an emphasis on simplicity and accessibility.
My Mind & Me
Human-Computer Information Architecture Project
Context
Here’s a more condensed version of your overview based on that style:
This project focuses on developing an anxiety support platform that consolidates essential mental health information, including symptoms, treatments, and resources.
The platform provides self-help tools, therapy options, and a self-assessment quiz, designed to guide users through managing their anxiety. With a user-friendly interface, it includes accessibility features, emergency contact services, and progress-tracking tools to ensure an inclusive and supportive experience.
📋 Overview
Throughout this project, I collaborated with key stakeholders to ensure the platform’s effectiveness and accuracy.
Regular input was gathered from mental health professionals to verify content and terminology. I engaged with peers and course instructors during design critiques to refine the user experience and interface.
Additionally, I worked with web developers to address technical challenges, focusing on implementing accessibility features and ensuring seamless interaction for users.
👩💻 Stakeholders
Problem
⚡️ The Challenge: How did the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to the increased demand for mental health services?
⚡️ The Challenge: Why do individuals seeking mental health support find navigating multiple online sources discouraging?
⚡️ The Challenge: What challenges do longer waiting times for mental health services pose for those struggling with anxiety?
Design Process
📚 Research
Simplicity and Specificity: The necessity for simplicity and specificity in the domain. Understanding terminology was emphasized as it encouraged users to comprehend their issues better; by breaking down anxiety into important entities (types, effects, symptoms, causes, and treatments) with relatable examples.
Authentication and User Differences: Importance of information authentication from trusted sources like the NHS. Acknowledging the individual differences among users was crucial. The model categorized anxiety treatments based on common groups like general, students, and children, suggesting different approaches for each subgroup.
Formal Language for Clarity: Considering the sensitive nature of mental health topics, the domain model maintained a respectful and formal language. Technical terms were simplified and clarified, with acronyms presented in full alongside their abbreviations for user comprehension.
By conducting research into mental health anxiety websites to understand what types of information generally is displayed.
The following insights were found:
D E S I G N
Sitemap
Testing and Validation:
The draft sitemap was tested using both open and closed card sorting methods with 12 participants, which validated the hierarchy and content organization.
Global Navigation and Utility:
Key global navigation elements, such as ‘About Anxiety’ and ‘Access to Help & Therapy,’ were defined to provide clear content and ensure consistent accessibility across all pages.
Based on interview feedback, the inclusion of fixed options like the 'emergency number' and 'accessibility' features was prioritized for quick access to critical information on every page.
Navigation Design and Depth:
The global navigation directs users to main pages, which then branch into local navigation, establishing a clear hierarchy that expands as users delve deeper into the site.
Local navigation provides access to databases with filtering options, including faceted browsing, search, and sorting, enabling quick and efficient content retrieval.
Consistency in Navigation:
Hyperlinks were strategically used across all pages to ensure consistency, enhancing the user’s navigation experience throughout the sitemap.
D E S I G N
User Jouney
User Goal:
The user aims to complete an anxiety self-assessment quiz and gain a better understanding of their symptoms.
Three Possible Paths:
Direct Search: The user can search for the self-assessment quiz directly through the global search bar for quick access.
Global Navigation: The quiz is accessible via the "Access to Help & Therapy" option in the global navigation, leading the user to the self-assessment section.
Local Navigation: The user can find the quiz through related content in the “About Anxiety” section, where it's presented as part of local navigation options.
Navigation Flexibility:
The self-assessment quiz is strategically placed in both global and local navigation menus to provide flexibility and ensure users can find it from multiple entry points.
User Feedback Influence:
Placement and design of the self-assessment were influenced by user feedback, ensuring easy access and visibility based on common user behaviors.
Outcome-Driven Navigation:
After completing the quiz, the platform guides users based on their results, either directing them to seek mental health services or providing more information to help them understand their symptoms.
Loop for Satisfaction:
The final decision point offers users the chance to assess their satisfaction with the outcome, with suggestions to revisit results or explore additional options if they’re not fully satisfied.
Task:
You relocated to London three months ago and are now working full-time. Recently, you've noticed anxiety symptoms emerging due to your busy lifestyle. You’re looking to take a self-assessment to determine if you need to seek professional help and to gain a better understanding of your symptoms.
D E S I G N
Wireframe
Outcomes
😊 Navigation Flexibility
Multiple pathways to the self-assessment quiz through global and local navigation made it easier for users to find resources, improving overall accessibility and user satisfaction.
👁️ Clear User Guidance
The outcome-driven design ensured users were provided with clear next steps after completing the quiz, guiding them towards either mental health services or additional resources for better understanding.
Takeaways
🔑 Navigation Flexibility Improves Accessibility
Offering multiple navigation paths enhanced user accessibility, ensuring that key resources like the self-assessment quiz were easy to locate and use.
🔑 Outcome-Driven Design Elevates User Experience
Providing clear, actionable steps based on quiz results ensured users felt supported and confident in managing their anxiety, making the platform more effective.