Berry App
RESEARCHER / DESIGNER • APP / HEALTHCARE
How Can We Empower Opioid Users to Self Navigate Accessible Health Resources?
CONTRIBUTION
Researcher
Designer
SKILLS
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Product Design
TOOLS
Figma
TIMELINE
3/2024 - 4/2024
1 month
OVERVIEW
Berry offers a compassionate approach to those navigating their recovery from opioid use, focusing on harm reduction and personalized support.
At its core, Berry champions inclusivity and a judgment-free journey towards wellness. We were dedicated to providing an accessible platform that respects the diversity of recovery experiences, equipped with tools and resources that empower users every step of the way.
DELIVERABLES
Berry App
Berry App focuses on the easy on-boarding process and quick access to needed resources. We connect users to peer navigators and focus on improving the walk-in experience by giving intuitive guide and useful information on Berry.
CONTEXT
Support Opioid Recovery
The opioid crisis remains a severe public health issue, with a significant number of individuals struggling with addiction and its consequences. Traditional recovery paths often present barriers such as stigma, lack of accessibility, and insufficient personalized care, which can deter individuals from seeking the help they need. In response, we developed Berry, an app designed to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals navigating their recovery from opioid use.
A Compassionate Tech Approach
Berry leverages a harm reduction approach, emphasizing non-judgmental support and accessibility. Recognizing the diversity of recovery journeys, the app offers customized tools and resources tailored to meet the unique needs of each user. This includes real-time information about treatment centers, peer navigator support, and a community platform to share experiences and encouragement.
By focusing on user-friendly technology and a compassionate approach, Berry aims to empower users, offering them control over their recovery process in a respectful and supportive manner. Our goal is to create a reliable resource that not only assists individuals in managing their recovery but also integrates the broader community in the process, ultimately reducing the stigma associated with addiction.
PROBLEM
Individuals grappling with opioid addiction face numerous obstacles that impede recovery, including sparse essential services (resource deserts), limited knowledge of available support, and fragmented healthcare services. Additional challenges include a deep-seated mistrust in the healthcare system, unreliable information, communication barriers, and physical access issues to treatment centers. The widespread stigma associated with addiction further discourages individuals from seeking help, and decision-making difficulties complicate the choice of effective treatment options. Our app, Berry, directly addresses these issues by offering a supportive, integrated platform designed to facilitate easier and more effective recovery paths.
Resource Deserts
Limited Resource Awareness Fragmented Services
Lack of Trust
Trustworthiness Concern
Communication Barriers
Hurdles to Anatomy
Stigma and Reluctance
Decision Making Hurdles
OUR APPROACH
The Berry app takes a user-centric approach to simplify recovery for individuals facing opioid addiction. We offer easy access to a wide range of services through a quick search bar and a customized referral process that tailors suggestions to individual needs, enhancing the relevance and impact of our recommendations. Our platform is built on trust, detailed with comprehensive service listings, keywords for clarity, and community reviews for shared insights. Berry empowers users with tools for personal goal setting and tracking, along with personalized recommendations, enabling effective and personalized recovery journeys.
Easy Access
Quick Search Bar
Customized Referral Process
Trustworthy
Center Details with keywords
Community Reviews
Self-Empowerment
Personalized Recommendation
Personal Goal Setting & Tracker
RESEARCH
Evaluative Research
After interviews with the stakeholders and peer navigators, we prioritized the two important information for app users:
1. Connect to peer navigators
2. Get to know things to bring to the service
3. Direction to the service
So we can optimize the walk-in experience.
User Journey
After conducting come cognitive walkthrough with both peer navigators and initial users, we made the user journey maps for the 3 user groups: the patients, the family and friends of the patients, and the peer navigators.
In this phase, we focused on the engagement phase of the patients and how to improve their walk-in experience using our app design.
DESIGN
Information Architecture
Based on the values of easy access, trustworthy information, and self empowerment, we created our secret Berry sauce: to include service information, search feature, and goal setting in Berry.
Wireframe Iteration
We built the clickable wire-flows and made sure every interaction and information is intuitive and seamless for the users without overwhelming them. Most importantly, we tested and iterated them based on our 3 main features: service information, search feature, and goal setting.
Visual Benchmark
We brainstormed together and came up with several UI visuals that would fit Berry’s goal and values, and eventually settling on the style of calm/unbiased illustration style that could best represent us.
FINAL
SOLUTION
Onboarding: User Anonymity
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Start with Login or Anonymously
Users can either log in to save personal information or start the service anonymously without registering. -
Input Name
As the first step of personalized onboarding, users can input their names.
Onboarding: Customization
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Understand Service Usage Goals
By understanding the purpose for which users want to use the service, personalized information is provided. -
Identify Interest Services
By selecting the services users are interested in, personalized service information is supported.
Home Page: Quick Access
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Peer Navigator Recommendation
Peer Navigators info is provided to aid service navigation and easier access, enhancing trust. -
Personalized Service Information
The homepage suggests tailored service centers based on user input during onboarding. Users view service centers in card format and can click for more details. -
Chat/Text Buttons
Users can swiftly access chat for inquiries and emergencies via a floating button.
Search: Accessible Search
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Voice Input
To enhance the search experience, we've added a voice input button to the search bar. -
Service Categories
We've designed distinct color blocks and illustrations to help users easily identify the services they are seeking. -
Search Histories
Providing access to recent searches allows users to efficiently retrieve information they have looked for previously.
Center Details: Prioritized Information
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Provide What’s Needed
Based on feedback, we've identified the most important information for users, such as directions and items to bring before visiting. -
Flexible Navigation
As users scroll down the page, a compact navigation bar appears at the top, allowing users to switch between center information and reviews using tabs.
Center Details: Reliable Reviews
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Center Review
We offer reviews from clients and supporters to provide a deeper understanding of the center. -
Keyword Highlights
Commonly mentioned keywords are highlighted, enabling users to find the information they need more efficiently and with less cognitive load.
Programs: Diversity and Accessible
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Program Exploration
We have program keywords for users to quickly browse what they may like in our various program options. -
For each program, we set different colors so that users can more efficiently locate the resources.
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Program Feedback
Once you enter a program, we provide an overview of what past participants think of the program, and what the program can provide you with.
Goal Setting: Unbiased and Self Empowerment
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Understand your goal
We understand everyone is in their different journey and phase and has different goals. Therefore we provide various goals for users to set without single perspective. -
Program Feedback
Everyone has their own consideration and priority as well, so we include this into the goal setting process to provide a more customized and self-empowered experience.
Goal Setting: Personal Growth
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Tracking
After setting the goal, you can see the progress tracking in your profile as a reminder. -
Goal Journal
We provide users with self empowerment by having them jot down their feelings and thoughts along the way.
Prototype
Below is the interactive Figma prototype of Berry.
KEY
TAKEAWAYS
Sensitive Group & Careful Approach
Since the groups we are designing for are sensitive, we dedicated to keep the privacy of the users and only ask their information when needed.
Importance of Usability Testing & Interview
After several interviews and usability testings with stakeholders and potential users, we received a lot of useful feedback for iteration. This is a key step in any design process to make sure flows are intuitive and useful.