PROJECT OVERVIEW:
A mobile application for those struggling with addiction that would create a safe space and sense of security. With functionality that includes in app messaging, status updates and locations to get help-Run Towards is a social empowerment platform that protects, prevents, educates, supports, and drives the hopes of a perpetually active and clean life. Run Towards is meant to be used by those who are on a road to recovery and are looking for support to keep them motivated.
THE PROBLEM:
Over 25 million people suffer from addiction and substance abuse in the US- 2.5 million of them specific to prescription opioids. The rising issue of opioid addiction is something that consumes the every day lives of those who are addicted and their families.
THE GOAL:
There are four (4) types of opportunities where we could collectively help reverse the opioid epidemic, while offering vulnerable areas of society a platform of empowerment, prevention and support. The addiction could stem from the user not caring to make a change, their support system not caring to help them change, being predisposed or the ease of access to gateway drugs. The goal of Run Towards is to make a safe and accountable place for a support network that leverages available resources and altruistic support of a community.
MY ROLE:
Lead UX Designer. This was a rapid prototype engagement; wireframes were created but we did not conduct user research or testing.
WIREFRAMES
MENU AND PROFILE
When a user open the app, they would see a log in or sign up page. From here, they would be directed to a page regarding their feelings that day. They can choose to select how they are feeling or they can choose to skip this step. If they select a feeling, this feeling would be posted to their feed. Run Towards is meant to be used by those who are on a road to recovery and are looking for support to keep them motivated.
Displayed on the user dashboard, each user sees a preview of their profile that other users of Run Towards would see. It also shows them how many treatments they have checked into with the app. Below the profile information, the user is displayed with 4 tiles that include today’s inspiration, upcoming social activities, people they may know, as well as a calendar.
Notifications
Notifications are native to the phone the user has as well as within the application. Push notifications are used when the users are not currently using Run Towards. When they are within the app, if the user receives a new notification there will be a circle with a number overtop of the bell in the top right corner. Similar to Facebook or Instagram, if the user clicks on a push notification or a notification from within the app, they would be a shown a list of all recent notifications.
Resources
Across the bottom of the application there is a sticky bottom nav. Within the nav are 5 sections, one of which is resources. If the user selects resources, they would be shown 3 tabs of information- tools, inspiration, and treatment. Within the tools tab, if a specific tool is selected an accordion would open where the resource lives and the user can interact with it. The inspiration tab ties back to the dashboard where documents and articles live that can be read for motivation and inspiration. The treatment tab shows a map with nearby treatment locations that users can go to for help at anytime, as well as contact information and a little bit of information about the location.
Calendar
An in-app calendar is used to help users find upcoming social events or keep track of appointments that they have. They can also create their own social events for others to attend- sort of like a meet up.
People and Messaging
When you make connections within Run Towards, a list of those you have connected with appear under “people.” You can join existing groups or create groups yourself for events and group chats. You can also search by name or by location to see folks that are nearby. One of the most important features within Run Towards is in-app messaging. This is a secure way for users to reach out to each other to talk when they are feeling down or feeling like they want to use- but also to cheer up others and make plans to meet to keep their minds occupied.
Support
When someone posts how they are feeling on their feed or dashboard, it populates so that people they are connected with can see. If someone posts that they are feeling anxious, you can reach out to them via private message and make sure everything is ok. It’s also a good way to track progress if someone has been doing well for a long time.
When creating the post, you can decide if you want people to reach out, you are looking for someone to meet, wanting someone to text, or if you want your sponsor to be alerted. Your sponsor is someone that you have assigned to be able to check in on you and your progress throughout your journey.
