· Case Studies · 1 min read
BrushBuddy - Simplifying Oral Care Routines
Explore my inclusive design-driven app that aids neurodivergent individuals in improving oral hygiene through gamification, music, and routines.
Overview
BrushBuddy is a mobile app designed to simplify oral care routines for neurodivergent individuals. By integrating gamification, music, and accessible design principles, the app helps users develop and maintain healthier brushing habits in a fun, stress-free way.
This case study explores my journey designing BrushBuddy, from identifying the challenges of oral hygiene for neurodivergent individuals to delivering a user-centered solution.
| Role | Details |
|---|---|
| Me | UX/UI Designer leading the project end-to-end. |
| Users | Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD. |
| Peers | User testers who provided feedback throughout the design process. |
| Timeframe | August 26 - September 6, 2024. |
| Tools Used | Figma, Google Forms (for surveys), Slack (for interviews and usability testing). |
Designing for a Daily Challenge
Oral care routines may seem simple, but they can be a source of stress for neurodivergent individuals. BrushBuddy transforms brushing into a structured, engaging, and rewarding activity.
Key Challenges Identified
Difficulty Staying Focused
Maintaining focus for the recommended two minutes was a common struggle.
Lack of Motivation
Many users found brushing boring and uninspiring.
Overwhelming Complexity
Existing apps were often cluttered or too complex to use consistently.
What Users Needed Most
The Journey
Building BrushBuddy was guided by the Design Thinking Methodology.
Empathize
- Conducted interviews with neurodivergent individuals to map their challenges.
- Surveyed users to identify pain points and explore habit-forming techniques.
Define
- Created personas like "The Overwhelmed User" to distill diverse user needs.
- Framed problem statements to focus on simplicity, engagement, and accessibility.
Ideate
- Designed gamification features, like streaks and rewards, to motivate users.
- Proposed music playlists to make brushing more enjoyable.
Prototype & Test
- Developed low to high-fidelity wireframes.
- Iteratively tested designs with ADHD community members to refine functionality.
Defining Moments
Key insights that shaped the BrushBuddy experience
Customization for Neurodivergent Users
User feedback emphasized the need for flexibility, leading to personalized reminders, a simplified UI, and adaptable gamification features.
Music as a Motivator
Curated playlists transformed brushing into an engaging activity, with options for calming or upbeat tracks to suit user preferences.
Simplicity Over Complexity
A minimalist design reduced cognitive load, with clear instructions and intuitive navigation replacing cluttered, overwhelming interfaces.
Key Features
Designing for Simplicity and Engagement
Encourage consistency with rewards for regular brushing.
Help users stay on track with personalized notifications.
Add enjoyment with calming or upbeat tracks tailored to brushing.
Minimalist design ensures ease of use for all age groups.
What's Next?
Future Improvements for BrushBuddy
Enhanced Gamification
Adding more badges and social sharing to boost user motivation.
Expanded Playlists
Including more genres and ambient soundscapes.
Family Features
Creating shared progress trackers for families to encourage group participation.
What I Learned
Key takeaways from the BrushBuddy project
What did this project teach you about accessibility?
Simplifying design is critical for reducing barriers and creating inclusive tools.
How did gamification impact user engagement?
Gamification proved to be a powerful motivator, transforming a mundane task into a rewarding experience.
What does empathy mean in this project?
Empathy means understanding users deeply, recognizing their pain points, and delivering meaningful solutions.