Passing On Mobile App

I created the Passing On Mobile App to have a guideline for designated proxies to incorporate the topic of death and final wishes into a less uncomfortable and regular conversation with loved ones.

Design Timeline

01.

Discovery/ Empathize

Jan 2023- Mar 2023

02.

Define

Mar 2023

03.

Ideate

Apr 2023

04.

Design

May 2023- Jun 2023

05.

Testing/ Delivery

Jul 2023- Aug 2023

My Role

Product Designer: I used design thinking methodologies to find solutions to my problem which included 5 stages: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and testing. I eventually designed and ended with the fully functioning Passing On Mobile App.

Tools

The Problem

The challenge is to create a platform that enables users to openly discuss death and final wishes in a comfortable setting. Additionally, users require a solution to easily locate and organize important documents related to end-of-life planning, while also providing clarity on who to contact in the event of death or incapacitation.

As I explored the subject, I found that most Americans avoid the subject of death and final wishes. This aspect leaves the responsibility to family members, health care professionals, and other caregivers to complete. The people who handle the plans are partners, children, siblings, doctors, and/or designated caregivers or proxies.

My Thoughts

Secondary Research

My secondary research helped me narrow down the questions I would ask my users about death and final wishes. The topic is personal and difficult but, the topic needs to be discussed, so that caregivers and proxies can be prepared and empowered to make the right decision for their loved ones.

User Experience Research

I found that several users wanted to know more about their loved ones' lives, finances, and where they kept important documents.

Research Plan

See full Research Plan here.

Interview Screener

See full screener here.

User Interviews

Jobs To Be Done

See full statement here.

MVPs

See the User Stories and MVPs here.

Empathy Mapping

(Pictured)

Personas Created

Adults aged 30- 45

Busy Professionals

Potential designated proxy for older loved ones

Nicole Anderson, 40

Goals:

Facilitate Open Communication
Peace of Mind for Her Parents
Ensure Family Unity

Marcus Johnson, 38

Goals:

Ensure Clarity and Comfort
Alleviate Anxiety
Family Harmony

See full personas here

Vision Board

The Color Palette

Design Ideation

Low Fidelity Wireframes

High Fidelity Wireframes

Usability Testing

User insights from the first user testing led me to update the navigation, choose more gentle colors, and add screens with more instructions.

Usability Testing Round 1

C.Watts- Passing On User Testing (2).jpg

Insights from the second user testing led me to review the prototyping for errors, adjust the contrast for accessibility, and create screens that highlighted uploading documents and photos.

Usability Testing Round 2

The Solution

Using design thinking methodology, I developed a comprehensive solution in the form of a fully functional app. This app allows users to complete a questionnaire for an obituary template, input information for legalizing a will or creating a trust, store essential contacts and documents securely, and share this critical information with a chosen proxy. The iterative process involved empathizing with user needs, defining specific functionalities, ideating on features, prototyping the app, and rigorously testing its usability and effectiveness.