Alexander Zwerner

Cub ADHD

 
 

Cub

Timeline • Role

April 2023 - Present • Offbeat Media (Mark Cuban-backed startup)

ProbleM

ADHD impacts over 5% of all adults worldwide; however, there isn’t a centralized app or website helping this growing population manage their ADHD and live a more productive life.

Solution

With Cub we aim to create a comprehensive one-stop platform for ADHD management, offering tailored support, evidence-based strategies, and expert guidance to improve the quality of life for individuals with ADHD across all age groups.

Part 1: Understanding the problem

ADHD is extremely prevalent in the US. It would be hard to find someone in the US who doesn’t have a friend or relative with ADHD. However, since ADHD affects all ages, we had to first figure out which market to attack and address first. Due to Offbeat Media’s expertise in Gen Z marketing and my knowledge of college-aged kids, we decided to tackle the 12-25 year old market first.

To better familiarize myself with the market, I talked to relatives and college students with ADHD. Based on my interviews, I learned that many students used either a variety of online and paper-based tools to help them manage their ADHD. These responses were motivating to hear and made us feel like a one-stop shop app was the right way to go forward here. These are some of the questions I asked:

  1. How do you manage your ADHD right now?

  2. What ways do you keep productive?

  3. How much have you researched on ADHD?

Part 2: Coming up with ideas and solutions

In the ideation phase, we brainstormed various features and solutions that could address the specific needs of the 12-25 year old ADHD population. We wanted to create a user-friendly platform that not only helped manage ADHD symptoms but also fostered a sense of community and support. Some of the key ideas that emerged were:

  1. Personalized Goal Setting: Users could set short-term and long-term goals, and the app would help break them down into manageable tasks. This feature aimed to enhance productivity and a sense of accomplishment.

  2. Task Management and Reminders: Implementing a task management system with customizable reminders and notifications to assist users in staying organized and on top of their responsibilities.

  3. Time Blocking and Scheduling: Introducing time-blocking techniques to help users allocate specific time slots for different tasks, improving time management and focus.

  4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporating guided mindfulness exercises and meditation sessions tailored to help users manage distractions, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being.

  5. Learning Modules: Developing educational modules about ADHD, including its causes, effects, and coping strategies. These modules would serve to increase users' understanding of their condition and empower them with knowledge.

  6. Community Support: Creating a social platform within the app for users to connect, share experiences, exchange tips, and offer emotional support to one another.

Part 3: DECIDING + PROTOTYPING

With the ideas in place, we narrowed down the features based on their feasibility, potential impact, and user preferences. We began prototyping the app's interface, focusing on its intuitive design, seamless navigation, and user-friendly interactions. Throughout this phase, we also incorporated visual elements that would resonate with the target audience, eventually decided to base the whole app around a fun, supportive panda cub.

Part 4: ROUND OF TESTING AND IMPROVEMENTS

After developing the initial prototype, we conducted a series of user testing sessions. This involved collaborating with the people I initially interviewed. Their feedback was invaluable in identifying usability issues, refining the user experience, and making necessary adjustments to ensure the app effectively catered to their needs.

After much iteration and development, I eventually came to a couple of key design choices for the final version:

  1. Gamified Progress Tracking: To make the app engaging, we decided to gamify the progress tracking process. Users would earn rewards, badges, and points for completing tasks and achieving goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

  2. Daily Focus Challenges: We integrated a feature that would present users with daily challenges designed to enhance their focus and attention. These challenges ranged from simple tasks to more involved activities, all aimed at improving cognitive control.

  3. Expert Insights and Resources: Partnering with ADHD experts, therapists, and educators, we included a section that provided evidence-based insights, strategies, and resources. This ensured that users had access to reliable information and advice.

By blending user feedback with creative solutions, we created a comprehensive app that addresses the unique challenges faced by young individuals with ADHD. Our aim was not only to help them manage their symptoms but also empower them to lead more productive, fulfilling lives.

More

Feel free to check out the app here - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cub-daily-adhd-planner/id6450726111 & if you would like to see more of the designs behind the app please shoot me a LinkedIn message or email.