Elpis
Elpis is an app with a simple interface designed to help users struggling with ADHD by reminding them about various tasks and goals and assisting in the ability to eliminate distractions so that users can achieve their tasks/goals in a more timely and stress-free manner.
Problem Space
Problem Statement
People with ADHD and other attention-related issues need faster and less frustrating ways to accomplish their goals because they are struggling to get various things done in a timely manner. How might we provide a solution to this?
Problem Background
With the increase of social media, streaming platforms, and various smartphone apps comes the increase of overstimulation and distractions for many individuals.
The prevalence of ADHD has been increasing over the years and is becoming a significant problem for many individuals, families, and society as a whole. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the estimated number of children with ADHD in the United States has increased by 42% over the past decade. ADHD can significantly impact an individual’s ability to focus, learn, and succeed in school, work, and personal relationships.
Elpis conducted user research and found that the biggest challenge for 53.3% of people dealing with ADHD symptoms biggest distraction was their phone/internet. With constant reminders and an easy-to-use interface, Elpis helps keep you on track and minimize distractions. No more complex features or confusing interfaces that add to the problem instead of solving it.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that the prevalence of ADHD in adults in the United States increased from 4.4% in 2008-2009 to 7.6% in 2016-2018. The journal PLOS ONE also found that internet addiction was associated with increased attention problems in young adults.
Many apps aim to help people who find it hard to focus stay on track, but users reported that many interfaces are too complex and have too many features. With Elpis, you’ll have a powerful tool to help you combat ADHD symptoms and stay on track with your goals.
Research Insights
User Pain Points
After conducting 15 user surveys and 2 user interview surveys of various people struggling with ADHD. We found that the phone/internet is one of the biggest distractors for people dealing with ADHD. Of the users surveyed, 46.7% of them stated that one of the main benefits they would receive from an App aimed to help users struggling with ADHD would be receiving reminders of when to perform various tasks. Users reported that most ADHD-focused apps’ user interfaces are too complex and have too many features.
Supporting Data
46.7% of the people we surveyed said the hardest part about dealing with ADHD is the difficulty to complete simple tasks.
Feedback
Our research showed us that the main pain points users with ADHD were dealing with were difficulty remembering tasks, and difficulty staying on track while working towards tasks/goals.
Landing on the Solution
Based on our target users’ pain points, we knew we wanted to create a simple interface and implement 3 main features within the app.
Explanation of Solution
Elpis is a mobile productivity app designed with 3 key features:
- Remind users of various tasks/goals at set times
- Eliminate mobile distractions by locking features on the phone and turning the screen into a visual timer.
- Keep track of the time/days the user has put in work towards larger goals.
Future Steps
- Figure out how to measure positive results created by the app.
- Conduct research to see if users would like a way to turn the app timer off.
- Possibly create a desktop version of the app that filters out certain websites.
Images –
Learnings
Product Manager Learnings:
Jennifer Abrams
When signing up for CoLab I was looking to gain new insights into different career paths. I expected to learn about product management, which I did, but I also learned so much more.
Almost every business idea is started by solving a problem, and I learned how to take a step back from various problems to see them in a different light and get insights into solving these problems that may not be so obvious on the surface.
When doing research into solving problems, I learned that there are way more problems that need solutions that need to be solved, and therefore many more opportunities to start various businesses aiming to solve these problems.
I was also able to learn about building in public, something that I was apprehensive about. CoLab taught me the importance of leveraging building in public as an opportunity to gain trust from various potential users, and to help gain an audience.
I gained much more than I could have hoped for when signing up for CoLab.
Designer Learnings:
Designer Learnings:
Jo Sturdivant
- Adapting to an Established Team: Joining the team in week 6 of 8 was challenging, as I had to quickly adapt to existing workflows, dynamics, and goals. This mirrors real-world situations where you often integrate into teams mid-project, and flexibility is essential.
- Work-Blocking for Efficiency: With only two weeks to complete the project, I learned the importance of a structured work-blocking system. This approach allowed me to manage my time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Making Data-Driven Design Decisions: Unlike my past projects, I had to rely on research conducted by others. This was a valuable experience in using pre-existing data to guide design decisions, helping me focus on the core insights without starting from scratch.
Developer Learnings:
Developer Learnings:
Vanady Beard
&
As the back-end developer, I learned how important it is to create efficient and reliable systems that support the entire application. This experience also taught me the importance of optimising the database and ensuring the backend is scalable and easy to maintain.
Developer Learnings:
Stephen Asiedu
&
As a back-end developer, I've come to understand the importance of being familiar with various database systems and modules. This knowledge enables me to build diverse applications and maintain versatility in my work. I've also learned that the responsibility for making the right choices rests on my shoulders, guided by my best judgement.
Developer Learnings:
&
Developer Learnings:
Maurquise Williams
&
- Process of Creating an MVP: Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) taught me how to focus on delivering core functionalities balancing between essential features and avoiding scope creep.
- Collaboration in a Real-World Tech Setting: This experience taught me how to collaborate efficiently in a fast-paced tech environment, keeping the team aligned and productive, even while working remotely across time zones.
- Sharpening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: This experience honed my ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently. By tackling challenges and finding quick solutions, I sharpened my decision-making and troubleshooting skills in a dynamic, real-world setting.
Developer Learnings:
Jeremiah Williams
&
All in all this experience was very awesome I learned that in coding with others being transparent is key
Developers Learnings:
Justin Farley
&
I learned how important communication is when working with a team. Communication provides understanding, advice, ideas, and much more. While working with the product team, I’ve found that communication keeps everything flowing smoothly. Working with a team also showed me that every member brings something different to the table and we all have to work together in order to align and meet our end goal.