SOLUTION:
I created an interactive prototype for a mobile app, focused on moms’ well-being.
CHALLENGE:
New moms often feel disconnected and lonely postpartum.
METHODS: Directed Storytelling | Literature Reviews | Competitor Research | Interactive Prototype
TOOLS: Sketch | Invision
The Challenge
While becoming a mom is a wonderful life transformation, it can also be a difficult, exhausting and sometimes isolating time. Many moms go from having a full-time job, pre-baby with a schedule that allowed for a social life and self-care, to spending their days taking care of baby’s needs. Eventually, the euphoria wares off and you’re left with round-the-clock feedings, crazy hormones, an exhausted body, and you’re alone — a lot.
Many moms feel lonely postpartum. 80% some of the time - 40% almost all the time. Another serious issue is that 1 in 7 women face postpartum depression. It’s estimated 2/3rd don’t get diagnosed and only half of those get treatment. Women are screened at follow-up OB and at pediatric appointments, but those few appointments become infrequent over time. Since postpartum depression can start anytime within the first year, catching it early is important.
The Approach
With this initial research, I interviewed moms on their experiences in early motherhood. I found that many moms felt both happy and disconnected in early motherhood. In fact, one mom used the word “isolating” twice within the first few questions.
With participant data to back up the literature reviews and my own experience, I began exploring the aspects of an app that could positively impact moms.
Recommendations & Prototype
I imagined a mobile app that was easy to use; provides resources for new moms on handling the shifts in hormones, sleep, fitness and a place to connect with other moms who understand. Something that would provide personalized data from feedback questions on sleep, activity, relationships and emotions.
A new mom can easily onboard. We ask for baby’s date of birth because that can inform the messaging related to the Wellness Chart. Clinic and insurance provider information is gathered so mom can have it available in app if wants to reach out to her doctor. She can choose resource channels in the app that provide information on Health and Fitness, Self-care, Relationships, Work & Career, Baby’s well-being, and Mom Chat. Also, a new mom is asked about breastfeeding and if the birth was complicated or traumatic which can effect a mom’s well-being and inform messaging related to the Wellness chart.
Upon first app open, the mom is greeted with a message of affirmation: “Just want you to know you’re doing an awesome job, mama!” Next she is asked about her overall mood lately with emotion icons.
This next question seeks to flag signs of Postpartum depression. We use the 3 question abbreviated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), which is shown to be as good an indicator, if not better than the 10 question version given during a doctor visit.
Once this quick feedback is completed, mom is brought to “MyPage” where she can check out her wellness trends in a chart, connect with other mom’s based on interests she indicated during on-boarding, or get help & support if needed.
This screen shows a Wellness Trends Chart for a month. A mom can see a graph that shows the interplay between these key aspects of health. On this graph, she might notice that the Emotion feedback is trending low. Below the graph she can see a new message from MomSpace regarding the Emotions feedback. “Hey Mama, some of your feedback on your emotions has been trending a bit low lately. Please know that emotional fluctuations are normal 3 months from giving birth, however sustained low emotion can be concerning. If you continue to feel sad and unhappy, please speak with your doctor.”
Over time, a mom can look at all the data and see her personal progress, and use resources in the channels. She can see how her sleep and activity coincides with her breastfeeding struggles or weaning for example.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, I hope MomSpace can be a place where mom’s feel supported and less isolated. I hope the personal wellness data can help to improve health. For women who face postpartum depression, I hope this raises awareness and prompts them to seek out treatment.