A Solution for all Aspects Around
Alzheimer's Disease

Mobile Application for Alzheimer Patients and their Caretakers

Through this new app, Alzheimer patients in the early stages and caretakers of Alzheimer patients in all stages will be better equipped, to find a way to help strengthen their memory while preserving their past in anticipation of a future in which those memories might no longer be accessible. Our solution is MemoryMaker. As a result of thorough research, we found ways to strengthen memory by cognitive exercises made for Alzheimer patients. Memories will be preserved with reminiscence therapy from collecting photos and retelling the patient’s lives through the app. Caretakers will be supported through a resource center that includes assistance in relief from caretaking, physical aid, transportation, daily tips and reminders to keep track of daily living and emotional support by centered forums. This was a group project with Sarah Kouch.

Responsibility: UX/UI Designer, Art Director, & UX Researcher

overview

This was a semester-long project where we had to provide research, art direction, provide UI design as well as a working prototype. In
the span of 3 months, a working prototype based on research was created, and a brand was established for the MemoryMaker Application.

process

What combination of products and services will help strengthen Alzheimer patient’s memory, preserve memories, and help caretakers?

problem statement

memory frustrations

relationship with technology

“There wasn't much technology involved with them at all because they're elderly and
they don't really understand technology and like with Alzheimer's and dementia "they don't really "[understand where they are]”

“with Alzheimer's patients as they get super angry a lot- they'll get frustrated if they don't
know what they're doing or if they're trying to do something so I tried to just speak with
them calmly, or remind them of things that they like- food was a good deterrent ”

importance of caretaking support

“it's very important to have someone that will come on a regular basis to relieve you so
that you can make your plans”

&
survey

current tools used

resources limited

who

&
survey

who

resources limited

current tools used

Understanding challenges the patient and their caretaker may face, a competitive analysis was made in order to provide strategic insights into features, functions, flows, and feelings evoked by design solutions of competitors . See the chart here

users defined

The Helper

28 years, Full-time Freelancer

Sally Parker

Newly Diagnosed Alzheimer Patient

64 Years, Retired Real Estate Agent

Lynda Stone

The Caretaker

38 Years, Former Software Engineer

Zach Johnson

The application should be simple, have clear navigation, and large easy buttons. Looking at current tools for Alzheimer patients were designed with accessibility in mind and had less buttons than more complex applications do.

There needs to be a focus on caretaking support where they can have access to resources

Structure and consistent activity for someone with Alzheimers is important. One of them being reminiscence therapy for effective well-being.

the discovery

a centralized communication platform between caretaker and helper for additional help

1

solution approach: 3 different modes

3

2

Helper

Provide an all in one experience in supporting an Alzheimer patient. There will be three user modes, the patient, caretaker, and helper. This way we can streamline the connection between the three, monitor the Alzheimer patient’s progress, and create communication with the Alzheimer's community for the caretaker.

resources, planner, and monitoring patient tabs

Caretaker

scrapbooking tab, simple to do tasks, favorite activities

Patient

It was crucial to understand the happy trail path a user would encounter when using the memory maker application. Because we had different types of user modes ( patient, caretaker, and helper ) , having a specified user journey for each one would guide the the information architecture of the product and the UX road map. If this would be handed to development we can prioritize goals for every sprint.

Where can I address problem spaces within the designs?

opportunity spaces

The caretaker mode will be used by caretakers to manage the patients’ needs, access to resources and to schedule helpers. Patient needs include coginitive progress, medication, and mental health checks.

problem space 2: Caretaker needs access to resources and organization.

The helper mode will be used by people who periodically help caretakers with patient care. The app will help with finding caretakers, getting scheduled, and payment if they caretakers are able to pay the helpers.

problem space 3: There was no resource to connect helpers and caretakers.

The patient mode will be used by patients to help improve memory through coginitive exercises, reminiscence therapy by the ‘mylife tab’.

problem space 1: Patient wants to remember their life and identity

Accumulating all research , inspiration from other applications solutions for cognitive patients, and focusing on the user’s perspective , low-fidelity wireframes were created. An extensive and expansive amount of frames were designed since we had the approach of different user modes. In other words, we had to create three different homepages and that had different focuses yet centered around the person diagnosed with Early Alzheimers. In addition , different scenarios of wireframes that highlight the features for patient, caretaker, and helper mode.

Now it’s time to dive into the UI portion and create high-fidelity wireframes. As art director and a past caretaker, I understood that creating a simple and welcoming design would be important. Research and survey showed that patients and caretakers would be older and not as technology inept, In addition caretakers are in a position of burnt-out overwhelmed with responsibility. The focus of the memory maker brand was to be fun , light, and breathable.

Alzheimer-focused Care and Delivery

Memory will be maintained through cognitive exercises, reminiscence therapy by the my life tab and access to their favorite music. The caretaker would be monitoring and guiding the loved one when handling the device.

A Wholistic Approach to Caretaker's Needs

Caretakers will manage the patients’
needs, have access to resources, and
schedule helpers.

Patient needs include:

• checking cognitive progress
• medication management
• mental health checks

Volunteering made easy

People who periodically help caretakers with patient care. They will use the app to: