Overview
We've developed 'Ally'—a harm reduction mobile application designed to stand as a companion of support for those affected by OUD in collaboration with UPMC. It's built on the foundation of empathy, understanding, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to support, care, and a path towards healing on their terms. Each aspect of Ally has been designed with the user's needs, challenges, and journey in mind. Our goal is to provide a supportive, empowering tool that not only addresses the immediate needs of those affected by OUD but also nurtures a community of care, support, and understanding.
Role
UX Researcher Design Lead
Year
2024 4 weeks
Client
UPMC - Dr.Paul J. Joudrey
Tool
Adobe After Effect Adobe Illustrator Figma
COLLABORATORS
1 UX DESIGNER 1 UX RESEARCHER
Our research process included studying existing harm reduction apps, identifying key demographics, and understanding their needs. During exploratory research, we conducted 4 interviews with experts and peer navigators.
We ensured our design system is aligning with our core value, inclusive and accessible, prioritizing clear visual hierarchy, readable typography, and thoughtful color contrast so that the experience can be used comfortably by a diverse range of users.
Working on Ally helped understand how design can support sensitive healthcare challenges. Designing for individuals affected by Opioid Use Disorder required an empathetic and responsible approach. Through interviews with experts and peer navigators, we learned how important trust, accessibility, and non-judgmental language are when creating harm reduction tools. This project reinforced the value of grounding design decisions in real experiences and showed us how thoughtful design can make healthcare resources feel more supportive and approachable.
