The App !

Week 3

Turning an idea into a functioning app involves a lot of planning, research, and fine-tuning. Previously on week 2, I decided on creating an app for individuals to use to heal their fears and triggers. Here’s a look at how I refined my idea and chose the features for the app.

Step 1: Review of the Concept

Initially, my research focused on using VR Exposure Therapy (VRET) to help manage anxiety, as VR can create safe environments where users can gradually face their fears. As I continued to explore, I realized VR could also be highly effective for PTSD, prompting me to adjust my focus. This shift required additional research to ensure the app would meet the needs of PTSD sufferers.

Step 2: App Features

With the focus refined, I started outlining the key features that would make the app effective and user-friendly. The goal was to provide users with a customizable and supportive tool for managing their PTSD.

1. Settings: This section includes options for:

• Account Management: Manage profiles and personal info.

• Medical Record: Store medical records for easy access by users or doctors, which could be important for emergencies or ongoing updates.

• Aesthetics: Customize visuals, such as colors and sizes, to avoid potential triggers.

• Notifications, Privacy, and Delete: Set reminders, manage privacy settings, and delete accounts if needed.

2. Contact: Designed for communication and support:

• Messages: Chat within the app.

• Friends and Add User/Doctors: Connect with others who have similar experiences or add healthcare providers to maintain contact with doctors.

3. Album: A space where users can organize and access their favorite immersive experiences.

4. Upload: Allows users to upload personal images or videos, which the app can turn into immersive environments. Even if not perfect, this personal touch can make therapy more relatable.

5. Home: The main page where users can explore and download pre-made therapeutic environments.

6. Connect: A feature to select the VR device they’ll use, including options for more affordable DIY VR setups, making the app accessible to users with different budgets.

7. Diary: A digital diary where users can track their progress, write entries, and personalize their experience. It’s also a tool for doctors (if involved) to monitor progress and make adjustments to therapy as needed.

• Sharing Media: For users who wish to share their experiences and progress, this feature allows them to connect with others, raise awareness, and feel accomplished. It includes options to remain anonymous or share openly.

What?

The app includes features like settings for personalizing aesthetics and privacy, a section for medical records, options to connect with doctors and others, a diary for tracking progress, and the ability to upload personal images and videos to create customized therapy environments. The aim is to give users a flexible tool to manage their PTSD in a way that suits their needs.

So What?

Developing this app shows the importance of providing mental health tools that can be customized for each user. By allowing personalization and connections with healthcare providers, the app goes beyond traditional therapy methods. It’s designed to give users more control over their healing process, which can make therapy more effective and engaging. This user-focused approach ensures that the app is adaptable to the specific needs and triggers of each person.

Now What?

The next steps are to build and test the app, making sure it’s easy to use and effective for people with PTSD. Gathering feedback from users and mental health professionals will be key to refining the app’s features. It’s also important to think about accessibility, like finding ways to make the app affordable and available to more people. Ongoing research and improvements will help ensure that the app continues to meet the needs of its users and provides valuable support in their therapy journey.

Overall, this week wasn't too bad and I was able to shape what my main ideas for the app. Hopefully I can patch anything that needs to be fixed for next weeks blog !