Project Overview:
Let me take you through our exciting journey with the Canadian Institute for Advancements in Mental Health (IAM). We embarked on a mission to blend technology with mental wellness, culminating in the creation of the Goal Clouds App. This wasn't just about building an app; it was about crafting a lifeline for those grappling with mental health challenges.
The Canadian Institute for Advancements in Mental Health (IAM) is a non-profit, solution-driven organization supporting, innovating and driving change for better mental health in Canada. Through its own in-house services, IAM Institute design programs around the needs of their clients - people with complex mental health needs and their support circles.The aim of this project was to do a comprehensive research on IAM Clients and Front-line workers needs and behaviours and come up with creative solutions for IAM in improving the mental health of its clients.)
The Human Touch in Research:
We dived deep into the worlds of IAM clients and front-line workers. Picture this: engaging conversations, heartfelt stories, and eye-opening insights. We weren't just collecting data; we were collecting life experiences. This formed the backbone of our empathetic design strategy.
Research Insights:
- For IAM Clients: We learned they crave more than just resources; they seek guidance and tangible goals. And guess what? In-person interactions are still a big deal. There's something about face-to-face support that just clicks.
- For Front-Line Workers: Customization is key. Each client is unique, and so should be their care plan. And post-pandemic? The need for efficient online interactions and resource management has never been more pressing.
For IAM Clients:
1. Better Education, Goals and Guidance
Young people need more education and awareness about mental health and solutions on how to treat them, including accessible resources that are meant to guide them to navigate through the process Social Face to Face Interactions Although there are tons of online platforms that clients can access, friendly in-person human interactions seem to be the most helpful and desirable form of interaction for clients
For Front-Line Workers:
1. Need for Customization:
The clients are different with different needs and situations and one method might not fits all of them. Therefore, our solution should let the clients choose and personalize the programs, activities and services based on their needs.Pandemic Effects on Resources Since the start of the pandemic IAM had to make their programs mostly virtual. They have a desire to provide better online 1:1 interactions between frontline staff and clients in a more efficient way. Also they need more qualified volunteers, staff, budget and other resources.
.png)
After discovery research and interviews, we organized and analyzed the research data by creating an ‘Empathy Map and ‘User Persona’ for IAM clients. It helped us to better understand their behaviours, main needs and problems and identified areas of opportunities for our design solution.
Design Process
User Persona:
Empathy Map:
User Journey Map:
Opportunity Areas Unveiled:
- Goal Interactive Calendar: We found that commitment wavers. Our solution? A calendar that not only tracks goals but also cheers users on with a rewarding system. Small steps, big leaps!
- Mentorship Magic: Intimidated by mental health programs? Enter our mentorship program, pairing newbies with veterans for a trust-building, engaging journey.
- IAM Community Network: An online hub for connections, interactions, and shared experiences. It's not just about staying in touch; it's about growing together.
- Interactive Virtual Environment: For those who find socializing daunting, we've created a virtual space to practice social skills in a fun, low-pressure setting.
- Community Engagement Program: A tool for families to connect virtually, complete with educational resources and thoughtful virtual gifts. Because sometimes, a little gesture goes a long way.
.png)
Solution Overview:
After brainstorming and discussing pros and cons of each solution with the team, we voted and selected the solution ideas that had the best potential to help IAM Clients and combined the most voted ideas into a final solution: a Goal Interactive Calendar app.
Our App solution ‘Goal Clouds’ is an interactive calendar with to-do-list and reward system features to help, motivate and guide participants set smart goals and take small steps to complete their goals with the help of their IAM staff and coaches.
.png)
Feature Spotlights:
- Creating an Account and Setting Suitable Goals: Starting with a self-assessment, users set goals and tasks, transforming daunting challenges into achievable milestones.
- Check-in Progress: It's not just about setting goals; it's about celebrating progress. Complete tasks, earn rewards, and feel the satisfaction.
- Booking Meetings: Seamlessly book sessions with IAM staff. It's about staying connected, anytime, anywhere.
- Contact IAM: A 24/7 support system, just a click away. Whether it's a query or a crisis, we're here.
- Tracking Progress: For IAM staff, it's about keeping a finger on the pulse of each client's journey.
