ADHD is largely characterized by an impairment of executive functions — the cognitive processes necessary for self management. Individuals with impaired executive functions often struggle with the daily tasks needed to maintain their jobs, relationships, and general well-being. How can we use design and technology to fill in for a deficit in executive function?
Research, prototyping, visual design
Spring 2017 (Revised 2021)
ID course work at RISD
*This case study was revised as personal work with a focus on the interface and experience design.
Because executive function controls a wide variety of day-to-day activities it is important to narrow the scope of the project.
I conducted a broad survey to assess demand and get an idea of how users view time management.
Part of this survey included asking the participants the following questions:
What techniques do you use to help manage your time effectively?
What is your biggest struggle when it comes to time management?
What would help you better manage your time?
What techniques do you use to help manage your time effectively?
What is your biggest struggle when it comes to time management?
What would help you better manage your time?
I sorted out emerging patterns and highlighted notable insights. This process allowed me to recognize consistent pain points as well as potential solutions.
Getting distracted while executing tasks without reminders to stay on topic
Estimating time and looking at due dates as a way to manage time
Using checkpoints and detailed schedules; breaking down tasks into small easy goals
Using alarms and timers to manage time
Failure to recognize time passing
While conducting competitor analysis I found that many apps exist with the intention of minimizing distractions and focusing on work. Most offerings related to timeliness are designed with a neurotypical user in mind and rarely feature it as the main goal of the product. Combining this opening in the market with my previous learnings I was able to clarify the issue I wanted to address.
In order to design a solution with a human-centered approach I combined information from my survey, academic papers, and informal interviews with people diagnosed with ADHD. With this information I was able to craft a persona that reflects the struggles of real users.
Where is Thalia going wrong? Let's take a closer look at her morning routine.
Thalia has been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD. Despite the name, ADHD is far more than just a deficit in attention because people with ADHD suffer from poor executive function.
For Thalia, and others with ADHD, compensating for poor executive function is a debilitating task with serious consequences. By creating a system that fills in for executive function we can ease the struggle of individuals with ADHD.
After brainstorming potential solutions I came up with the idea of 4Thought. For individuals struggling with executive function conceptualizing the time it takes to complete a task can be incredibly difficult. 4Thought takes this into account with the introduction of a backwards timer.
Thumbnail sketches allow for quick ideation and exploring concepts. With the idea of a backwards timer in mind I started to form an idea of how an app would use this concept and apply it to a routine-building system.
I created a high-level flow in order to get a better understanding of how the user might navigate 4Thought.
Further prototyping helped me gain a clearer understanding of the user experience and prepare for user testing.
After completing the initial wireframes I began user testing. During this process I also went back to my research to see how my designs compared to the information I gathered and adjusted them accordingly.
Allow multiple times for a routine so it works for inconsistent schedules like part time jobs.
Having both graphic and numerical representations of time allows users who struggle with recognizing time passing to have more clues as to how long things are taking.
App should signal when to move on to the next task and then gently remind the user at set intervals to help the user stay on task.
After refining my wireframes I moved on to a high fidelity prototype and visual design. My primary concern while designing was to keep the user in mind with every decision. Looking at the research I came to the following conclusions about the user:
Create an accurate routine for getting ready before recurring or important events.
I can use this routine to make sure I budget the correct amount of time before leaving and avoid tardiness.
Save money on late fees, maintain attendance to class, and avoid frustrations in my relationships from frequently being late.
Avoid using colors associated with errors or panic to indicate that time has run out.
I sketched designs for the timer then combined them with my wireframe to come up with the final design.
The color and font were both chosen to appear approachable and engaging to the user.
Users name their routine and add the steps they need to complete to reach their goal.
Users select a finish time and then select a specific day or weekly repeat.
If needed, users can add an alternate time for the routine before saving the routine and beginning training.
Training helps 4Thought learn how long each task takes. Users go through each task with the app. If travel is necessary there is an option to input the starting and ending destination as well as the means of transportation.
Once the user completes training a routine will be generated and an alarm will be automatically set. When it is time to complete the routine the alarm will notify the user.
If a user goes over the time allotted for a certain task it will start calculating overtime. When the routine is complete the user can choose to accept or reject suggested changes. Changes are calculated based on all previous performances allowing for improved accuracy with more use.
Being able to edit and delete routines is essential to making sure they remain effective. Users can reorder tasks directly on the home screen or open up the editing feature for more options.
While there are many things I would like to improve on in future iterations of this project there are two that I find particularly notable.
Further A.I. Integration With the ability for 4Thought to suggest tasks and time durations the process of building new routines would become even easier. This kind of integration would also allow for a library of common tasks that you could use as temporary additions to existing routines such as getting gas or picking a package up.
Platform Expansion While phones are widely used and allow for mobility and advanced features, smart watch integration can allow for further mobility and ease of use especially when executing existing routines on the go.
Feedback is essential. While I tried my best to focus on the user while designing there were moments where I would just create without reaching out to anyone else. It was during these times that I often found myself stuck or uninspired. It is important to remember that by getting new perspectives the creative process can be greatly improved.
Use your resources wisely. In early phases of the design process there is no need to reinvent the wheel. If the goal of a wireframe is to demonstrate function and allow for user testing creating each individual component yourself will not improve the results. Using external resources while prototyping can speed up the process and allow the focus to be on better meeting the users needs.
Learn to let go. Revisiting projects outside of school has led me to face new challenges with self imposed deadlines. No matter how many ideas you have sometimes it’s important not to get bogged down in the details and never finish.