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Wecare
Wecare
Wecare
I conducted massive field research, analyzed data, developed the design framework, and tested the prototype, resulting in a digital tool for remote caregivers to monitor elderly individuals.
I conducted massive field research, analyzed data, developed the design framework, and tested the prototype, resulting in a digital tool for remote caregivers to monitor elderly individuals.
I conducted massive field research, analyzed data, developed the design framework, and tested the prototype, resulting in a digital tool for remote caregivers to monitor elderly individuals.
Project Type
Project Type
Project Type
Thesis Project
Thesis Project
Thesis Project
Role
Role
Role
Researcher, UX Designer, Interaction Designer
Researcher, UX Designer, Interaction Designer
Researcher, UX Designer, Interaction Designer
Timeline
Timeline
Timeline
2022-2024
2022-2024
2022-2024
Wecare summarized my two-year thesis research and design journey during my graduate studies at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. The project began with desk research and literature review, followed by field research, and culminated in final interaction design.
Over the past two years, I have clearly identified my passion, focusing on the people and things around me. I care about the community and reflect on what I can contribute as a designer.
Wecare summarized my two-year thesis research and design journey during my graduate studies at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. The project began with desk research and literature review, followed by field research, and culminated in final interaction design.
Over the past two years, I have clearly identified my passion, focusing on the people and things around me. I care about the community and reflect on what I can contribute as a designer.
Wecare summarized my two-year thesis research and design journey during my graduate studies at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. The project began with desk research and literature review, followed by field research, and culminated in final interaction design.
Over the past two years, I have clearly identified my passion, focusing on the people and things around me. I care about the community and reflect on what I can contribute as a designer.
Project Brief
Project Brief
Project Brief
The project seeks to comprehend the mental transformations in elderly individuals and the influence of biological, social and cultural aspects that shape these changes. The objective is to create a digital mental health tool named Wecare for remote caregivers, aiming to address the urgent requirement for proactive support in the mental well-being of the elderly.
The project seeks to comprehend the mental transformations in elderly individuals and the influence of biological, social and cultural aspects that shape these changes. The objective is to create a digital mental health tool named Wecare for remote caregivers, aiming to address the urgent requirement for proactive support in the mental well-being of the elderly.
The project seeks to comprehend the mental transformations in elderly individuals and the influence of biological, social and cultural aspects that shape these changes. The objective is to create a digital mental health tool named Wecare for remote caregivers, aiming to address the urgent requirement for proactive support in the mental well-being of the elderly.
Background
Background
Background
The rapid aging of the global population has escalated the demand for care and support among the elderly. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this situation by highlighting the challenges of remote care, amplifying the elderly's vulnerability, and accentuating their emotional distress stemming from age-related physical decline.
The rapid aging of the global population has escalated the demand for care and support among the elderly. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this situation by highlighting the challenges of remote care, amplifying the elderly's vulnerability, and accentuating their emotional distress stemming from age-related physical decline.
The rapid aging of the global population has escalated the demand for care and support among the elderly. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this situation by highlighting the challenges of remote care, amplifying the elderly's vulnerability, and accentuating their emotional distress stemming from age-related physical decline.
Despite this pressing need for holistic care, the majority of products available on the market predominantly prioritize the physical health and accessibility needs of the elderly, often overlooking the critical aspect of mental health support.
Despite this pressing need for holistic care, the majority of products available on the market predominantly prioritize the physical health and accessibility needs of the elderly, often overlooking the critical aspect of mental health support.
Despite this pressing need for holistic care, the majority of products available on the market predominantly prioritize the physical health and accessibility needs of the elderly, often overlooking the critical aspect of mental health support.
Motivation
Motivation
Motivation
I've observed many people struggle to balance personal preferences with family obligations when their parents live far away, often feeling guilty for not providing adequate care. Concerns also arise about their parents' ability to adapt to a new environment if they are invited to live in another country.
I've observed many people struggle to balance personal preferences with family obligations when their parents live far away, often feeling guilty for not providing adequate care. Concerns also arise about their parents' ability to adapt to a new environment if they are invited to live in another country.
I've observed many people struggle to balance personal preferences with family obligations when their parents live far away, often feeling guilty for not providing adequate care. Concerns also arise about their parents' ability to adapt to a new environment if they are invited to live in another country.
Research goal
Research goal
Research goal
The research aims to improve understanding of mental health issues among the elderly and their caregivers. I hope to encourage their connection and identify mental health issues early to prevent problems.
The research aims to improve understanding of mental health issues among the elderly and their caregivers. I hope to encourage their connection and identify mental health issues early to prevent problems.
The research aims to improve understanding of mental health issues among the elderly and their caregivers. I hope to encourage their connection and identify mental health issues early to prevent problems.
How can we design a solution that addresses the factors influencing the mental health of the elderly, particularly in the context of remote caregiving?
How can we design a solution that addresses the factors influencing the mental health of the elderly, particularly in the context of remote caregiving?
Research Scope
Research Scope
Research Scope
Literature review of previous studies
Literature review of previous studies
Literature review of previous studies
- de Mendonça Lima, C. A., & Ivbijaro, G. (2013). Mental health and wellbeing of older people: Opportunities and challenges. Mental Health in Family Medicine, 10(3), 125–127.
- Kang, H., & Kim, H. (2022). Ageism and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 8, 23337214221087023. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214221087023
- The silver economy. (2017, March 7). ISO. https://www.iso.org/cms/render/live/en/sites/isoorg/contents/news/2017/03/Ref2168.html
- de Mendonça Lima, C. A., & Ivbijaro, G. (2013). Mental health and wellbeing of older people: Opportunities and challenges. Mental Health in Family Medicine, 10(3), 125–127.
- Kang, H., & Kim, H. (2022). Ageism and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 8, 23337214221087023. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214221087023
- The silver economy. (2017, March 7). ISO. https://www.iso.org/cms/render/live/en/sites/isoorg/contents/news/2017/03/Ref2168.html
- de Mendonça Lima, C. A., & Ivbijaro, G. (2013). Mental health and wellbeing of older people: Opportunities and challenges. Mental Health in Family Medicine, 10(3), 125–127.
- Kang, H., & Kim, H. (2022). Ageism and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 8, 23337214221087023. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214221087023
- The silver economy. (2017, March 7). ISO. https://www.iso.org/cms/render/live/en/sites/isoorg/contents/news/2017/03/Ref2168.html
Field Research Phase 1
Field Research Phase 1
Field Research Phase 1
Background Investigation
Background Investigation
Background Investigation
In the field research phase 1, I extensively reviewed scholarly articles and journals to understand remote caregiving for elderly mental well-being from different aspects.
In the field research phase 1, I extensively reviewed scholarly articles and journals to understand remote caregiving for elderly mental well-being from different aspects.
In the field research phase 1, I extensively reviewed scholarly articles and journals to understand remote caregiving for elderly mental well-being from different aspects.
Then, I engaged in autoethnographic research, conversing with my grandparents and other family members. I observed and journaled experiences during visits to the community clinic with my grandparents in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China, and explored government policies. I also interviewed a counsellor, a professional caregiver, and five only-child caregivers who live in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Then, I engaged in autoethnographic research, conversing with my grandparents and other family members. I observed and journaled experiences during visits to the community clinic with my grandparents in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China, and explored government policies. I also interviewed a counsellor, a professional caregiver, and five only-child caregivers who live in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Then, I engaged in autoethnographic research, conversing with my grandparents and other family members. I observed and journaled experiences during visits to the community clinic with my grandparents in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China, and explored government policies. I also interviewed a counsellor, a professional caregiver, and five only-child caregivers who live in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Main takeaways
Main takeaways
Elderly Perceptions and Behaviours
Elders often associate emotional events with learning and challenge stereotypes.
They prefer self-reliance, especially in terms of diet, and often hide challenges to avoid burdening their children.
Elders often associate emotional events with learning and challenge stereotypes.
They prefer self-reliance, especially in terms of diet, and often hide challenges to avoid burdening their children.
Caregiver Insights
Major medical procedures can lead to depression and cognitive issues, often unnoticed until experienced.
Common mental illnesses among the elderly include anxiety, depression, and dementia, highlighting the importance of mental well-being
Major medical procedures can lead to depression and cognitive issues, often unnoticed until experienced.
Common mental illnesses among the elderly include anxiety, depression, and dementia, highlighting the importance of mental well-being
Counselling and Support
Few elderly seek counselling independently; they usually attend sessions arranged by their children and focus on family relationships.
Mental health resources and counselling services for the elderly are underutilized.
Few elderly seek counselling independently; they usually attend sessions arranged by their children and focus on family relationships.
Mental health resources and counselling services for the elderly are underutilized.
Community Services and Facilities
Senior activity centres and community clinics often lack appropriate amenities and services tailored to elderly needs.
Disparities in government policies and service standardization affect the quality of care available to the elderly.
Senior activity centres and community clinics often lack appropriate amenities and services tailored to elderly needs.
Disparities in government policies and service standardization affect the quality of care available to the elderly.
Field Research Phase 2
Field Research Phase 2
Field Research Phase 2
User Behaviour Research
User Behaviour Research
User Behaviour Research
In the second phase, I aimed to research user behaviours. This involved analyzing current mental health apps and health education websites for elders in the market. Additionally, I participated in a digital literacy workshop for elders in Coquitlam, BC, Canada, where I volunteered for four weeks, assisting them in learning how to use applications for about 35 participants alongside the instructor.
In the second phase, I aimed to research user behaviours. This involved analyzing current mental health apps and health education websites for elders in the market. Additionally, I participated in a digital literacy workshop for elders in Coquitlam, BC, Canada, where I volunteered for four weeks, assisting them in learning how to use applications for about 35 participants alongside the instructor.
In the second phase, I aimed to research user behaviours. This involved analyzing current mental health apps and health education websites for elders in the market. Additionally, I participated in a digital literacy workshop for elders in Coquitlam, BC, Canada, where I volunteered for four weeks, assisting them in learning how to use applications for about 35 participants alongside the instructor.
Benefits for Caregivers
Caregivers find mobile apps helpful for skill-building and web tools for training and education on well-being.
There's a gap in digital tools specifically tailored for elder care.
Caregivers find mobile apps helpful for skill-building and web tools for training and education on well-being.
There's a gap in digital tools specifically tailored for elder care.
Main takeaways
Main takeaways
Main takeaways
Mental Health Apps Focus
Most apps, like Headspace, MindShift, and BetterMe, emphasize emotional relief and meditation but lack information on understanding and managing emotions.
Most apps, like Headspace, MindShift, and BetterMe, emphasize emotional relief and meditation but lack information on understanding and managing emotions.
User Experience for Elders
Text-heavy websites can overwhelm elderly readers.
Elders use phones and tablets as primary learning devices but struggle with complex registration and secondary confirmation processes, highlighting the need for simpler user interfaces.
Text-heavy websites can overwhelm elderly readers.
Elders use phones and tablets as primary learning devices but struggle with complex registration and secondary confirmation processes, highlighting the need for simpler user interfaces.
Digital Literacy Workshop Insights
Elders face challenges with digital tools, needing clearer instructions and more intuitive designs.
Elders face challenges with digital tools, needing clearer instructions and more intuitive designs.
Design Goal
Design Goal
Design Goal
Bridge the gap in mental health literacy by raising awareness of several critical aspects:
a.) The correlation between the physical decline of the elderly and its potential impact on their mental health.
b.) It Is important for caregivers to recognize and manage their mental health amidst their responsibilities.
Bridge the gap in mental health literacy by raising awareness of several critical aspects:
a.) The correlation between the physical decline of the elderly and its potential impact on their mental health.
b.) It Is important for caregivers to recognize and manage their mental health amidst their responsibilities.
Bridge the gap in mental health literacy by raising awareness of several critical aspects:
a.) The correlation between the physical decline of the elderly and its potential impact on their mental health.
b.) It Is important for caregivers to recognize and manage their mental health amidst their responsibilities.
Wecare is a digital health tool for distant caregivers, who often find themselves under the immense pressure of looking after the elderly. It addresses the critical need to proactively understand and address potential mental well-being issues that can arise in elderly individuals. The product will be presented as a responsive web application suitable for websites, tablets, and phones.
Wecare is a digital health tool for distant caregivers, who often find themselves under the immense pressure of looking after the elderly. It addresses the critical need to proactively understand and address potential mental well-being issues that can arise in elderly individuals. The product will be presented as a responsive web application suitable for websites, tablets, and phones.
Wecare is a digital health tool for distant caregivers, who often find themselves under the immense pressure of looking after the elderly. It addresses the critical need to proactively understand and address potential mental well-being issues that can arise in elderly individuals. The product will be presented as a responsive web application suitable for websites, tablets, and phones.
Definition of Audiences
Definition of Audiences
Definition of Audiences
Wecare is a digital health tool for distant caregivers, who often find themselves under the immense pressure of looking after the elderly. It addresses the critical need to proactively understand and address potential mental well-being issues that can arise in elderly individuals. The product will be presented as a responsive web application suitable for websites, tablets, and phones.
Wecare is a digital health tool for distant caregivers, who often find themselves under the immense pressure of looking after the elderly. It addresses the critical need to proactively understand and address potential mental well-being issues that can arise in elderly individuals. The product will be presented as a responsive web application suitable for websites, tablets, and phones.
Wecare is a digital health tool for distant caregivers, who often find themselves under the immense pressure of looking after the elderly. It addresses the critical need to proactively understand and address potential mental well-being issues that can arise in elderly individuals. The product will be presented as a responsive web application suitable for websites, tablets, and phones.
Design Framework
Design Framework
Design Framework
In the design framework, the four factors in the middle - biological, medications, social engagement, and lifestyles - are key elements impacting daily mental wellness. The four factors form the four parameters - physical changes, emotional changes, connection, and environmental changes - which shape the content of Wecare. The assessment questionnaire will extensively focus on the elements highlighted in blue on the left half of the square; only some basic questions will be asked in the red area on the right.
In the design framework, the four factors in the middle - biological, medications, social engagement, and lifestyles - are key elements impacting daily mental wellness. The four factors form the four parameters - physical changes, emotional changes, connection, and environmental changes - which shape the content of Wecare. The assessment questionnaire will extensively focus on the elements highlighted in blue on the left half of the square; only some basic questions will be asked in the red area on the right.
In the design framework, the four factors in the middle - biological, medications, social engagement, and lifestyles - are key elements impacting daily mental wellness. The four factors form the four parameters - physical changes, emotional changes, connection, and environmental changes - which shape the content of Wecare. The assessment questionnaire will extensively focus on the elements highlighted in blue on the left half of the square; only some basic questions will be asked in the red area on the right.
It is important to note that responses indicating concerns in the red areas may raise a red flag, suggesting the need for further advice and consultation. In such cases, seeking help from professional experts is strongly advised.
It is important to note that responses indicating concerns in the red areas may raise a red flag, suggesting the need for further advice and consultation. In such cases, seeking help from professional experts is strongly advised.
It is important to note that responses indicating concerns in the red areas may raise a red flag, suggesting the need for further advice and consultation. In such cases, seeking help from professional experts is strongly advised.
Persona Spectrum
Persona Spectrum
Persona Spectrum
I have identified six distinct personas in mapping through the spectrum of caregiving. Recognizing the intricate nature of caregiving, I have expanded the spectrum to encompass many potential stakeholders within this framework. Adult children, particularly only-child, assume primary caregiver roles due to their inherent responsibilities. Moreover, secondary, tertiary, or even quaternary caregivers include relatives, professional caregivers, children’s friends, elderly acquaintances, social workers, and volunteers.
I have identified six distinct personas in mapping through the spectrum of caregiving. Recognizing the intricate nature of caregiving, I have expanded the spectrum to encompass many potential stakeholders within this framework. Adult children, particularly only-child, assume primary caregiver roles due to their inherent responsibilities. Moreover, secondary, tertiary, or even quaternary caregivers include relatives, professional caregivers, children’s friends, elderly acquaintances, social workers, and volunteers.
I have identified six distinct personas in mapping through the spectrum of caregiving. Recognizing the intricate nature of caregiving, I have expanded the spectrum to encompass many potential stakeholders within this framework. Adult children, particularly only-child, assume primary caregiver roles due to their inherent responsibilities. Moreover, secondary, tertiary, or even quaternary caregivers include relatives, professional caregivers, children’s friends, elderly acquaintances, social workers, and volunteers.
To better understand the caregiving landscape, I have conducted an analysis that involves scenario assessment, needs identification, and the meticulous highlighting of pain points. This approach has enabled a comprehensive ranking of caregiving relevance, offering insights into the nuanced needs and challenges experienced across these personas.
To better understand the caregiving landscape, I have conducted an analysis that involves scenario assessment, needs identification, and the meticulous highlighting of pain points. This approach has enabled a comprehensive ranking of caregiving relevance, offering insights into the nuanced needs and challenges experienced across these personas.
To better understand the caregiving landscape, I have conducted an analysis that involves scenario assessment, needs identification, and the meticulous highlighting of pain points. This approach has enabled a comprehensive ranking of caregiving relevance, offering insights into the nuanced needs and challenges experienced across these personas.
Main Features
Main Features
Main Features
User Flow
User Flow
User Flow
Prototype Examples
Prototype Examples
Prototype Examples
Wecare – a digital health tool that is based on the design solution
Wecare – a digital health tool that is based on the design solution
Wecare – a digital health tool that is based on the design solution
Wecare is a digital health tool designed to improve remote caregiving for the mental well-being of our elders. It offers general online assessments, monitoring aids, caregiving tips, mental health literacy blogs, and integrated public resources. Caregivers and elders can easily onboard Wecare and access all features for free. Our mission is to advocate for the importance of mental health in elderly care, facilitating better connections between caregivers and elders while addressing potential psychological issues positively and effectively.
Wecare is a digital health tool designed to improve remote caregiving for the mental well-being of our elders. It offers general online assessments, monitoring aids, caregiving tips, mental health literacy blogs, and integrated public resources. Caregivers and elders can easily onboard Wecare and access all features for free. Our mission is to advocate for the importance of mental health in elderly care, facilitating better connections between caregivers and elders while addressing potential psychological issues positively and effectively.
Wecare is a digital health tool designed to improve remote caregiving for the mental well-being of our elders. It offers general online assessments, monitoring aids, caregiving tips, mental health literacy blogs, and integrated public resources. Caregivers and elders can easily onboard Wecare and access all features for free. Our mission is to advocate for the importance of mental health in elderly care, facilitating better connections between caregivers and elders while addressing potential psychological issues positively and effectively.
Prototypes
Prototypes
Prototypes
Limitations and Reflections
Limitations and Reflections
Limitations and Reflections
The research's limitation was that lots of research acknowledges the complex connection between physical changes, specifically post-surgery recovery, and mental health in elderly individuals. Because of the topic's vastness and various perspectives from fields such as medicine, neurology, and psychology, it is challenging to cover all aspects comprehensively. Although the primary focus of the research and Wecare is to ease the burden for caregivers, understanding elders’ perspectives is still an area that can be improved and strengthen its integrity.
The research's limitation was that lots of research acknowledges the complex connection between physical changes, specifically post-surgery recovery, and mental health in elderly individuals. Because of the topic's vastness and various perspectives from fields such as medicine, neurology, and psychology, it is challenging to cover all aspects comprehensively. Although the primary focus of the research and Wecare is to ease the burden for caregivers, understanding elders’ perspectives is still an area that can be improved and strengthen its integrity.
The research's limitation was that lots of research acknowledges the complex connection between physical changes, specifically post-surgery recovery, and mental health in elderly individuals. Because of the topic's vastness and various perspectives from fields such as medicine, neurology, and psychology, it is challenging to cover all aspects comprehensively. Although the primary focus of the research and Wecare is to ease the burden for caregivers, understanding elders’ perspectives is still an area that can be improved and strengthen its integrity.
Future Opportunities
Future Opportunities
Future Opportunities
Wecare has the opportunity to enhance the current assessment tool by integrating robust backend data support and transforming it into a professional clinical diagnostic tool for initial assessments.
Wecare has the opportunity to enhance the current assessment tool by integrating robust backend data support and transforming it into a professional clinical diagnostic tool for initial assessments.
Wecare has the opportunity to enhance the current assessment tool by integrating robust backend data support and transforming it into a professional clinical diagnostic tool for initial assessments.
Additionally, there is potential to expand the system into a comprehensive care platform, allowing for features like onboarding counsellors, facilitating consultations, and aiding long-term care home experts. The existing research forms the foundation for Wecare, with future studies, data-driven, and even machine-learning approaches promising its further development and application across various professional fields.
Additionally, there is potential to expand the system into a comprehensive care platform, allowing for features like onboarding counsellors, facilitating consultations, and aiding long-term care home experts. The existing research forms the foundation for Wecare, with future studies, data-driven, and even machine-learning approaches promising its further development and application across various professional fields.
Additionally, there is potential to expand the system into a comprehensive care platform, allowing for features like onboarding counsellors, facilitating consultations, and aiding long-term care home experts. The existing research forms the foundation for Wecare, with future studies, data-driven, and even machine-learning approaches promising its further development and application across various professional fields.