Mygraine Tracker

Design Problem:

Currently, there are millions of people suffering from migraines in the world and only a few mobile apps available to track their symptoms and progress. These apps offer limited options needed in order to effectively track migraines and their triggers. Similarly, there isn't an app that is a good color for a migraine user to look at while in the process of having an attack or offers the user the ability to set up their phone in a way for it to be used during a migraine attack. These apps are also unable to track specific migraine types despite there being multiple types of migraines. The apps available also lack the ability to store personalized lists of medications and remedies. When tracking a migraine, it is important for migraine sufferers to be able to track the duration, migraine type, location, intensity, triggers, auras, symptoms, and much more.

My solution is to create an app that allows migraine suffers to track the necessary medical information in an easy way with an option to record important aspects quickly. This app will be easy on the eyes  and include features such as how the migraine moves and if it is affecting another part of the body in the longer recording option. Users will be able to see their data in easy to read graphs and charts that show how many days they've had a migraine and their biggest triggers. It also records and stores remedies and medication personalized to the user with options to send reminders to take medication. The app will also include a period tracker, medication list, and personalized relief methods. The app I will be basing my design off of is Migraine Buddy.

24 Design Alternatives:

Competitive Analysis:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yOxYWwjutPrx37N-W4rvL6s69JFitvho5IEvxHpz-eE/edit?usp=sharing

Design Synthesis:

Medication:

• able to enter medication into list
• sends reminders to take medication
• photograph label and saves info to profile
• organized with drop down to select dosage 

Period Tracker:

• monthly tracker available to track hormonal headaches
• fill out when signing up
• can turn on and off depending on users need

Recording:

• notes feature to add additional information
• enter preexisting conditions and select if its a trigger
• auto saves additional triggers, medication, etc. for next attack
• sends reminder if it's been more than 48 hours and attack hasn't been completed
• 3D model of head, neck, and shoulders to select where pain is
• select how pain is moving
• what type of migraine/headache it is
• select how much trigger(s) effect person
• option to view remedies

Miscellaneous:

• option to change background of phone into less eye-straining color
• free sign up via email
• share information with doctor
• list hospital and emergency contacts
• color coded calendar to visually see number of migraines in a month
• can select general location to track weather pressure

These categories show the commonalities from the ideas created in the design alternatives. The majority of the ideas focused on listing and keeping track of medication in an easy to read way, period tracking, and the processes involved in recording a migraine. The ideas surrounding medication were a little redundant because they mainly involved ways to list and organize medicine. It also ties in with the recording process because it should be a step at some point. The ideas with the period tracker were also redundant because there isn't much that can be done with it. It is also somewhat unrelated because, while hormonal changes can cause migraines, they don't effect everyone and tracking periods is a separate and complex process. The most consistent ideas involved recording migraines. These ideas focused on how to record the pain, triggers, migraine types, and other factors involved which is the main focus of the app.

I am choosing to develop the idea of recording a migraine attack because there is plenty of research I can use to develop this idea. As a migraine sufferer, I also know what needs to be included in recording these attacks to make them functional and worthwhile for sufferers. This approach also seems like it is the most realistic to develop because it would not require months of data collection or an entire database of medicine to create. 

Personas:

Design Defense

Problem Statement:

Currently, there are not any apps available that have an all encompassing feature for tracking migraines, triggers, medications, and remedies. These things are important to know in order to effectively diagnose and treat migraines. So, how are migraine sufferers supposed to keep track of this information without adequate resources?

Target Audience:

The target audience is migraine sufferers in general. However, the app is geared specifically for women between the ages of 25-55 due to the fact that they are more prone to migraines, with 85% of migraine sufferers being made up of women. It is also available for children as young as 12 years old because migraines have a tendency to start during adolescence.

Target Solution:

To create an app that is easy to navigate and easy on the eyes with all encompassing features so migraine sufferers can track their migraines, triggers, and remedies more efficiently.

Critical Feature:

Have you ever been told to track your migraines and wondered how? Have you ever wished there was a way to remember how to treat your migraines? Mygraine Tracker is a great solution to these problems and more allowing users to record their migraine days easily. With a design that is easy on the eyes, Mygraine Tracker allows for migraines to be tracked quickly and edited later. By also storing users medication and personalized remedies, this app will be your go to for migraine relief.

Storyboard:

Potential Interactions: 

Final Decision:

I designed Mygraine Tracker to be as simple and easy to use as possible. The majority of the features such as the number of migraine free days, medication list, and remedies list can all be accessed by swiping left or right on the home screen. The options to record an attack and quick record are at the bottom of the home screen as separate icons. A pop up giving the option to quick record would lead to too many potential issues. The icons are large and easy to press. Other options at the bottom of the home screen include a profile, reports, suggestions from professionals, and options to export reports. During the recording process, the icons have symbols that help indicate what they mean and are large so they are easier to press. The overall color scheme is soothing to the eyes. Due to the easy accessibility of mobile phones, I believe this solution will make it easier and more efficient for migraine sufferers to record and track their migraines. 

Paper Prototype:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1knE9HQFqjc74rlfvRZShyfRj4x3SmHZZ/view?usp=sharing

Wireframes:

Final Look: