Client management application
for psychologists
As a professional UX designer, I was tasked with designing an effective solution to address the significant challenges faced by coaches and psychologists due to the absence of an effective client management tool. This lack leads to considerable wasted time, which ultimately affects their productivity and the results they can deliver to their clients. They needed a solution that would improve their performance and streamline their daily operations.
User Research
To ensure a thorough understanding of user needs, I conducted interviews with a freelance psychologist named Laura and a business coach named Cristóbal. The user research focused on comprehending their needs and frustrations through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and task analysis, aimed at better understanding the challenges they faced in their daily practice. Initially, it was assumed that Laura primarily needed improved client data organization, while time management was believed to be Cristóbal’s main concern. However, after the research, it was discovered that both faced multifaceted issues ranging from data management to difficulties in tracking client progress and problems with the billing system. These insights prompted a significant shift in the design approach, prioritizing a comprehensive solution to address various aspects and meet the identified needs.
Insights from research
1. The challenges faced by psychologist Laura
2. The challenges of business coach Cristóbal
Ideate
Once I understood the users’ needs, I quickly began sketching out my ideas on the first piece of paper I had at hand.
First Design Ideas
As I analyzed the research results, I felt a growing empathy for Laura and Cristobal as I discovered the challenges they faced in their daily practice. Not only were they facing data and time management issues, but they were also finding it difficult to track their clients’ progress and encountering certain difficulties with the billing system. These findings made me reflect on the importance of not making premature assumptions and keeping an open mind at all times.
These discoveries led to a significant shift in my design approach. Instead of focusing on specific solutions for individual problems, I realized the need to prioritize a comprehensive solution that addressed various aspects of Laura and Cristóbal’s needs. This change in perspective was a moment of enlightenment for me, reaffirming the importance of user research in the design process.
In summary, the experience was an emotional and cognitive journey that allowed me to deepen my understanding of user needs and frustrations, and helped me guide my design approach towards more effective and holistic solutions.
Thinking process
After sketching numerous ideas on paper to generate multiple concepts, I began creating digital wireframes using Figma. When designing my wireframes, I focused on the key elements that the user needed to see at a glance. I aimed for the design to be as clean and efficient as possible to avoid information overload and ensure a smooth user experience.
Usability studies
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the specific challenges users might face when performing basic actions such as accessing scheduled sessions for the day, reviewing a client’s profile, viewing a client’s profile, and updating a client’s history, I conducted usability studies with the participation of five users from diverse backgrounds.
Main results
Mockups
The usability studies yielded valuable insights across various aspects. Following a thorough examination of the findings, I incorporated user feedback and proceeded to design mockups.
High-fidelity prototypes
Accessibility considerations
Reflections
Each stage of this project has been a valuable learning opportunity that has facilitated the implementation of improvements in the designs. I have observed how user feedback and continuous design iteration have significantly enhanced the usability and, consequently, the effectiveness of the application. This project reaffirms the importance of teamwork and collaboration for the success of any initiative.