A Tufts MSIM startup, Moova is dedicated to addressing the often-overlooked social aspects of recovery for spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors. Our platform is designed to help survivors maintain and strengthen their social connections throughout the lengthy and challenging rehabilitation journey.
Moova
My Role
UX Research &
Design
My Team
1 UX Researcher
1 UX Designer
1 Content Designer
1 Project Manager
Project Type
Senior Capstone
Timeline
Spring 2024
Our Problem Statement
How might we design a platform that both repairs and expands social support networks for individuals who have suffered from traumatic injuries and those within their network?
Our Goals
Validate the user need for psychosocial support in SCI recovery.
Identify key pain points and the dimensions in which SCI affects relationships and daily life.
Craft a high-fidelity prototype that aligns with Moova's mission to facilitate and repair community relationships
Research Methods
I used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). I began with a literature review to establish a solid foundation, then developed user personas to capture diverse perspectives. After that, I conducted a Qualtrics survey to gather broad insights, while journey and empathy maps helped me pinpoint specific pain points. To deepen my understanding, I followed up with discovery interviews and additional surveys in SCI support groups, which allowed me to explore the most pressing challenges these individuals face in greater detail.
Final Concept
Reflection
This project taught me the importance of designing for a niche audience and the complexities involved. I initially underestimated the challenge of recruiting participants outside our sponsor's network, but as we struggled to gather feedback, I learned how crucial creative outreach and ongoing resourcefulness are in niche research. The project also highlighted the need for continuous iteration—not just in design but in research strategies—prompting us to pivot from a video game platform to a social media solution tailored to the unique psychosocial needs of SCI survivors. This shift wasn’t just a response to feedback; it was a lesson in staying flexible and allowing user insights to guide the project’s evolution.