Through my portfolio, I invite you to explore my journey as a designer and the projects that reflect my commitment to human-centered design.
Have a question or want to share your thoughts about my work? Feel free to send an email.
Through my portfolio, I invite you to explore my journey as a designer and the projects that reflect my commitment to human-centered design.
Have a question or want to share your thoughts about my work? Feel free to send an email.
IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH WITH A NATIONALLY PROVIDED DIGITAL SERVICE
SERVICE DESIGN
BA THESIS
BRIEF
One in five people experience mental health problems each year. If these problems develop to a long term illness, then it can shorten average life expectancy by 15-20 years. These problems can often develop unnoticed and it can be difficult for people to know when they need to seek help.
Although mental health has become an increasingly common topic of conversation and awareness has increased over the last decades, help often remains out of reach.
In this thesis, I analyzed why people with mental health problems often lack access to professional and scientifically proven help and are therefore forced to cope alone. In addition, I explored how evidence-based help
could be offered to them, especially when they are seeking or waiting for an appointment with a mental health professional, which can take several months.
CONTEXT
As a result, a plethora of apps, alternative therapies, supplements or even direct-to-consumer neurotechnologies promising to improve mental wellbeing have emerged, but not all of these interventions are always evidence-based. People are in a very vulnerable position when they are suffering from mental health problems and seeking help, which is why any promise of a cure can be tempting.
People face a number of challenges when seeking help:
1. social stigma
2. long waiting lists
3. inconsistency in the quality of services
4. the challenge to find a specialist who is also a good match to build trust and share your difficulties.
The aim of the thesis was to investigate how to improve access to professional help for people with mental health problems and how to provide evidence-based support in situations where the waiting list to see a mental health professional could be months.
From the conducted research I developed a user-persona called Mia and represented her patient journey in a typical journey map but also in video form to represent the emotional journey of finding help.
In the process of writing my thesis, I came to the conclusion that creating yet another mental health app will not solve these problems in the Estonian context. The field is fragmented and people often do not have access to proven support materials.
I realised that even evidence-based support programmes will only have an impact if they reach people in a systemic way - a digital app needs to be linked to the national health system. The solution provides support materials for mental health promotion through the Health Portal and support in finding appropriate help.
THE SOLUTION
Clearly and simply formulated basics can reduce fear or uncertainty due to ignorance.
2. SELF-TESTING AND RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THE RESULTS
Living with difficult thoughts can make you feel like this is the norm, but a more objective view can help you understand the situation better.
3. OPTIONS FOR SEEKING HELP
The different ways of getting help are shown in a separate window, to understand the differences in professionals and their competence in dealing with problems.
4. IMMEDIATE HELP
In a very serious condition, it is important to share how and where to seek help or help yourself quickly.
5. SUPPORTIVE MATERIALS
The digitisation of support materials makes it possible to provide information tailored to the user's condition, thus reducing patient overload.
6. HEALTH TIMELINE
These help health professionals to get a comprehensive overview of the patient's condition. Talking to the same specialist over and over again is exhausting for the patient, and detailscan be lost in a stressful situation.
7. MEDICATION SCHEME
The display of the treatment regimen helps both the patient and the professionals involved in the care team to understand the next steps. Displaying the scheme to the patient provides reassurance and an opportunity for them to become more actively involved in their own treatment process.
8. HOW TO HELP SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM
Support and understanding are often key to coping with mental health problems. Providing materials to support loved ones can help reduce the burden on society.
Within the framework of the thesis, a solution proposal was prepared that brings together information on different nationally recognised service providers and counselling services on the Health Portal, which is currently fragmented between different e-channels. The solution provides supportive materials for mental health promotion and support in finding appropriate help, and helps to link fragmented mental health services into a more coherent journey for the individual. The results of the work will help to understand the challenges in the mental health field and offer practical solutions to alleviate these challenges and help people. The proposed solutions can serve as a basis for further developments and actions in the field of mental health.
No one struggling with mental health should have to wait four months for help —
hopefully that is no longer the case in the future.
hopefully that is no longer the case in the future.
READ MORE
To read my full thesis (in Estonian) click here.