Contemplating over a decade’s involvement in the digital mental health space

Describe how you have found designing apps for the mental health sector?

With a strong passion for mental health, I’ve discovered designing apps for the mental health sector to be intriguing and profoundly fulfilling. With the increase in mental health conditions, it’s gratifying to contribute to something that will significantly impact numerous lives. I love that I’ve watched this space grow to provide accessible, affordable mental health resources to underserved communities, this aligns with our values at Spark.

How has your journey been so far in this space? Can you share some key design features or strategies implemented, what developments have you seen?

As I embarked on my journey in developing mental health apps, they were initially regarded as mere supplements to traditional therapy, primarily focusing on daily mood tracking. However, I’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in these apps, which now offer comprehensive features such as mental health journals, psycho-education, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. These advancements empower users to learn and apply CBT skills through reminder notifications, aiding in skill retention and practice.

Mental health is a sensitive and complex area. How do you incorporate empathy and user-centered design principles into your work to address the diverse needs of users?

At its core, user-centered design involves empathising with users throughout the design process. By co-designing with the vulnerable population and collaborating with researchers and experts in the field, I can comprehensively understand user needs, objectives, and behaviours and design accordingly. In addition, by partnering with renowned institutions, we ensure that the apps we develop undergo rigorous testing by those seeking help, often through Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), to assess their impact and efficacy in providing the required mental health support.

Have you received positive feedback from users or professionals in the industry?

Researchers and psychologists are often impressed by our ability to transform substantial psychoeducational content into easily digestible, interactive elements. Users typically provide positive feedback on how the calming colors used in the design and the relatable yet non-judgmental imagery contribute to their positive experience of the app.

What challenges have you faced in designing mental health apps, and how have you overcome them to deliver successful outcomes for users and clients?

Occasionally, the technology requires further refinement before it can be effectively included in our apps. We’ve explored incorporating wearable technology into one of our apps however despite the promise of wearable tech for stress monitoring, it encounters hurdles concerning data privacy, sensor precision, and user adherence.

Technology is constantly evolving. How do you stay updated with the latest design trends and advancements in mental health technology to enhance the user experience and app functionality?

To stay current with the latest advancements in this field, I actively connect with prominent figures in both the mental health and emerging app technology sectors through social media, blogs, and podcasts. I also frequent art galleries and museums for inspiration and explore new app tools and technologies to assess their potential applicability in the mental health sector.