Period Tracker

Background

A period tracker is exactly what it sounds like

Period Tracker is a mobile application that helps women keep track of and estimate dates for ovulation, menstruation, and all the symptoms that come with it.

Heuristic Evaluation

Personalized experience with a complex presentation

We conducted a heuristic evaluation to identify opportunities for redesigning the app. Currently, the app offers a personalized experience based on user input. However, the design feels crowded and may be difficult to understand. Some of the major issues we found are:

1. Decorative elements overpower useful information and features, making the design feel crowded.
2. Confusing language: For example, the health tab appears to allow users to input health data but is actually a community section.
3. Inconsistent and unclear system status and visual cues: Users may not know where they are when the navigation disappears.

12 User Interviews

Women's relationships with their periods vary greatly depending on age

Through interviews with 12 women in different stages of life, we have discovered that women face unique challenges during various life stages. Below are the common pain points for women of different ages:

1. Young teenagers (10-16 years old) often struggle with knowing where and how to start learning about menstruation.
2. College students (18-26 years old) and young professionals find it difficult to track their periods due to their busy lifestyles.
3. Young mothers (25-34 years old) find it challenging to discuss menstruation with their husbands.
4. Mature women (45-55 years old) may experience a lack of confidence due to changes in their bodies.

4 Personas

Individuals representing women at different stages of their lives

Based on our findings from user interviews, we developed four personas to gain a deeper understanding of user needs. These personas represent women ranging from teenage girls to mature women.

POV & HMW & MVP

Consolidate women's need and brainstorm possible solutions

We then wrote the problem statements(POV) for each of our persona and created how might we(HMW) question to guide us for brainstorming possible solutions.

We then brainstormed over 100 ideas as a group and selected one minimum viable product(MVP) for each persona.

Task Flow & Wireframe

Figure out each step of the task

12 Usability Testing

Iterate wireframe based on user feedback

We conducted 12 moderated usability testing sessions with a total of 12 users (11 female and 1 male) to test our wireframes. This process provided us with valuable insights that we were previously unaware of.

Make educational article easier to skim

Users tend to skim educational content and focus on unfamiliar areas. It's important to keep main titles and make the article engaging with concise text and relevant images.

Click to review additional information to maintain privacy

Users had trouble remembering what the icon meant in the widget. However, they expressed a desire to keep it this way in order to maintain discreetness. We decided to only reveal the icon's meaning when users click on it.

Allow flexibility with data sharing

Users suggested that data can be shared with more than one person, such as close relatives and caregivers, instead of just a spouse.

Provide a personalized experience with a quiz

Users expressed that they would love more personalized content that caters specifically to their needs. As a result, we added a quiz for users when they first enter the forum to understand more about their preferences.

Solutions

Four features designed to help women of different age

Educational Quiz: introduces menstrual education to prepare preteens

Confused preteens need an open space where they can learn comfortably. By completing fun quizzes with our mascot Blobert, they can learn and identify period myths at their own pace.

Widget: allows quick logging in on a phone's home screen

Busy students and professionals expect an app that improves their time management. With a widget that allows quick logging in, they can have a detailed record of their health without going in and out of an app.

Data Sharing: allows women to share their body data with their loved ones

For young mothers who are looking for intimacy and open communication, it allows them to share data with their partner automatically. Their partner would receive notifications through email or message once it is set up.

Community Forum: lets women stay connected and support each other

Women who may feel alone when their bodies are going through drastic change, like menopause, can join a community to feel less alienated. They can relate and gain insights from others going through similar experiences.

Design System

A warm and caring brand

The Period Tracker's visual identity aims to evoke a feeling of safety. The app uses a blend of warm tones to capture a comforting atmosphere.

Outcome

Help women to feel at ease with their periods

This redesign of the period tracker app aims to help women of all ages feel more comfortable with their menstrual cycles. It goes beyond simply tracking periods on a digital device and also provides education, lifestyle advice, communication, and emotional support that women need in relation to the taboo topic of menstrual health.

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What I Learned

Tackle a complex problem through research and empathy

The Period Tracker project helped me develop my skills in user research. Despite being a woman, I was unaware of the challenges faced by my target audience, young mothers. As a result, I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of the design process in breaking down a complex problem into manageable steps. Directly interacting with the users during interviews also allowed me to empathize with their experiences and generate ideas from that perspective.

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Reflection

Ensure that data is shared securely

Upon reflecting on this project, particularly the data sharing features, I have recognized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of the data. To address this concern, I would propose incorporating security questions or identity verification as part of the setup process. This measure would help prevent the accidental sharing of data with unauthorized individuals.