Product Experience
Problem Space
Problem Statement
Busy working professionals face challenges securing immediate appointments with manual therapists, leading to prolonged discomfort, fatigue, and potential chronic health issues. Limited accessibility results in a significant impact on well-being and productivity.
Problem Background
The demanding nature of professional life, marked by tight schedules and physical strain, makes it challenging for working professionals to prioritize immediate access to manual therapy. The urgent need for a solution is evident in the potential long-term health implications and the evolving landscape emphasizing employee well-being.
Furthermore, a survey skewed toward the 24-34 age demographic emphasizes the persistent issue. Despite potential bias, the significant agreement from participants solidifies the identification of this problem. These insights are further validated by a correlational study conducted by Kristi Link, Lori Kupczynski, and Sunddip Panesar-Aguilar, revealing a commendable 186% increase in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates since 2010. However, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) estimates a shortage, with over 26,000 jobs remaining unfilled by 2025.
Key Findings
Research, including online surveys and user interviews, identified critical insights:
- 60% of participants attempt immediate appointments.
- 80% are concerned about limited appointment availability.
- 60% prefer online booking systems.
- Anecdotal evidence and healthcare professional interviews validated the issue.
Research Insights
Two User Pain Points
Appointment Accessibility:
- Users express frustration due to the limited availability of immediate appointments.
- Supporting Data: 80% of survey participants cited this as a primary concern.
DIY Solutions During Wait Times:
- Users resort to DIY solutions during waiting periods.
- Supporting Data: 45% of participants express a willingness to endure discomfort while waiting.
Feedback
- Users expressed frustration in securing timely appointments.
- Desire for a user-friendly solution to address health needs.
- Healthcare professionals acknowledged the widespread nature of the issue.
Landing on the Solution
Proposing a Mobile App for On-Demand Physical Therapy:
- User-friendly interface for easy scheduling.
- Real-time therapist availability and telehealth options.
- In-app exercise guides for user engagement between appointments.
Explanation of Solution
The app aims to address pain points by providing a seamless experience for users to access immediate physical therapy. Telehealth options eliminate the need for physical presence, ensuring accessibility.
Mockups: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF0X3FbKOM/-x-ZQ95NXKEGKNwT37PIaw/edit
User Flows/Mockups
Creating a PM User Flow Mockup and Wireframe:
Future Steps
Possible Additional Problems to Address in the Future:
- Integration of additional healthcare services.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity.
- Expansion to cater to a broader demographic and geographical locations.
Product Completion Criteria:
The product is considered complete when:
- The platform allows users to book immediate manual therapy appointments.
- The notification system provides timely reminders.
- User testing shows high satisfaction and usability.
- The product is ready for a pilot launch.
Learnings
Product Manager Learnings:
Abdulwahab Khatib
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
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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
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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:
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Developer Learnings:
Maurquise Williams
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- 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
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All in all this experience was very awesome I learned that in coding with others being transparent is key
Developers Learnings:
Justin Farley
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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.