SunWise: Crafting an Engaging User Experience for Sun Safety
Role
Project
Duration
Tools
Overview
How might we foster healthier sun protection habits?
The primary objective of this project is to create a user-friendly mobile app that increases sun protection awareness, promotes consistent sunscreen usage, and provides accurate UV Index data.
By leveraging technology and user-centric design principles, the app aims to educate users about the importance of sunscreen application, help them establish regular sunscreen habits, and empower them to make informed decisions about sun protection.
Solution
Location-Based UV Index: Utilize GPS functionality to determine the user's current location and retrieve the corresponding UV Index information from reliable sources.
Educational Content: Provide informative articles, tips, and guidelines about sun protection, UV radiation, and skincare best practices.
User Profiles and History: Enable users to track their sunscreen usage history, monitor UV exposure trends over time, and adjust their sun protection habits accordingly.
Customizable Reminders: Allow users to set personalized reminders for sunscreen application based on their preferences, schedule, and UV intensity levels.
What’s the problem?
Many people are unaware of the harmful effects of UV radiation on their skin and fail to adequately protect themselves from sun damage. Despite the availability of sunscreen products and the knowledge of UV risks, individuals often forget to apply sunscreen or underestimate the UV intensity in their current location, leading to increased risks of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Evaluation Metrics:
User Engagement: Measure the frequency of app usage, interactions with reminder notifications, and engagement with educational content.
Effectiveness of Reminders: Assess the impact of sunscreen reminders on users' compliance with sun protection recommendations.
User Satisfaction: Gather feedback through surveys, ratings, and reviews to evaluate user satisfaction with the app's features, usability, and overall experience.
Goals
Increase Sun Protection Awareness: Educate users about the importance of sunscreen application and the potential dangers of UV exposure.
Promote Consistent Sunscreen Usage: Remind users to apply sunscreen at appropriate times based on their location, activities, and UV intensity.
Provide Accurate UV Index Information: Enable users to easily access real-time UV Index data specific to their current location, empowering them to make informed decisions about sun protection measures.
Research & Analysis
Research indicates a significant need for improved sunscreen habits. Studies reveal that a concerning percentage of people, often men, rarely or neglect sunscreen use altogether. This behavior stems from reasons like forgetfulness, misconceptions about needing protection, and a perception that sunscreen is inconvenient.
These findings highlight the opportunity for an application that addresses these barriers by providing reminders, location-based UV data, and educational resources to promote sun safety and user behavior change.
Gathering User Insights
To ensure our mobile app effectively addresses user needs and promotes better sun protection habits, I conducted a comprehensive user research survey. I gathered insights from 40 respondents, focusing on their current sun protection practices, familiarity with the UV Index, and preferences for receiving information about UV protection. This valuable feedback guided the development of key app features and informed my design decisions, ensuring that the app is both user-friendly and impactful.
Data Talks: Key Insights I Learned
Awareness and Understanding of UV Protection: A significant portion of respondents are aware of the UV Index, but lack detailed understanding and are uncertain about the recommended frequency for reapplying sunscreen.
Sunscreen Reapplication Habits: Many respondents do not consistently reapply sunscreen, indicating a need for reminders and better education on sun protection practices.
Influence of Weather and Activities: Weather conditions and planned outdoor activities are key factors influencing respondents' decisions to apply sunscreen.
Preferred Learning Mediums: Respondents prefer to learn about UV protection through online articles, social media, videos, and advice from healthcare professionals.
Effective Reminder Methods: Mobile app notifications, visual cues, and calendar reminders are considered effective in prompting sunscreen application.
Ideation & Design Strategy
Feature Highlights
Educate on UV Index and Sun Protection: Implement educational content on UV Index and sun protection within the app such as articles, videos, & expert advice.
Enhance Sunscreen Reapplication Reminders: Provide customizable reminders for reapplying sunscreen based on activity and UV exposure.
Promote UV Index Awareness: Provide easy access to real-time UV Index data and emphasize its importance during user onboarding, with customizable alert settings.
Integrate Real-Time Weather and UV Data: Offer real-time weather updates and UV Index information tailored to the user's location.
Utilize Effective Reminder Methods: Provide push notifications, visual cues, and calendar integrations to remind users to apply and reapply sunscreen.
Wireframes & Prototyping
Low-Fidelity Launchpad: Building the Foundation