mycircle is a mobile app specifically for those experiencing hyperhidrosis or those related to those who experience the condition.
CURRENT FRUSTRATIONS
People dealing with hyperhidrosis constantly face several struggles, limiting them from taking part in things. I can confidiently attest to this as I am someone who has experienced hyperhidrosis and who is currently still dealing with this everyday. Simple activties like shaking someones hand or getting your nails done seems impossible. Years before I had my surgrey, I always felt alone because no one else I knew experienced this, and I wish I had found a community of people earlier in my journey and thats when I got the idea to create a mobile app for people like me.
END DELIVERABLE
mycircle is a mobile app that was designed for people apart of the hyperhidrosis community, whethere you experience it yourself or you know someone who has it, this app will help guide and support you. One of the primary features of the app allows an indiviudal to find and connect with another memeber of this community whether this be people close to you in proximity or similar experiences, you will have someone in your corner.
Palmar Hyperhidrosis
Sweaty palms are the most common form of hyperhidrosis that affects patients in their day-to-day lives with social and or functional activities. This condition affects 1-2% of the world’s population. In about 50% or more of the patients, sweaty palms and hands are genetic. Simple actions like giving someone a handshake or getting your nails done are common fears for those suffering from this.
Planter Hyperhidrosis
Excessive foot sweating is known medically as plantar hyperhidrosis. Most patients who have sweaty hands will also have sweaty feet. Excessive foot sweating can be as severe as hand sweating, sometimes even worse. Shoes can be ruined, sandals cannot be worn, heels can be too difficult to wear, and foot odor or fungal infection can become problematic.
Axillary Hyperhidrosis
Axillary hyperhidrosis is known as excessive armpit sweating. We all experience some sort of armpit sweating, but about 1% of the population has axillary hyperhidrosis. Axillary hyperhidrosis involves extreme sweating from the armpit area. This type of excessive armpit sweating is resistant to all types of deodorants and odor-controlling medications.
Beginning Research on the condition
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that affects people in their day-to-day lives. People with this face a level of barriers that can impact everyday experiences and routines. The emotional impact is significant, often bringing feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, and frustration. A community here is highly valuable, offering connection and understanding.
Brainstorming user concepts
Through this exercise, groups of 2-3 paired off to brainstorm ideas for an interactive prototype our community could use in their daily routines. Ideas that I took away from this brainstorming led me to:
a mobile app where individuals can share their feelings
a space where people can share their stories and testimonials
an option allows you to switch between an experience and support mode
interactive components that prompt you to learn about the condition
videos and images surrounding hyperhidrosis
a community thread where people can connect and support one another
Early Sketching Phase
After our group exercise of coming up with potential ideas, I started sketching concepts that would possibly be implemented into the project. Listed below are versions of mobile apps, interactive signage/components and videography.
User Task Flow
This step walks the user through their process, showing them exactly the steps they are going to take while using the app. Main points that I addressed that I want to emphasize are the onboarding screens, as they are an essential step in the task flow. One other key point is that a user is able to connect with someone who shares similar experiences to them.
User Journey Mapping
“As a young teen dealing with hyperhidrosis, I often feel isolated and haven’t had anyone to relate to. I want a mobile app where I can connect with others who share similar experiences through community groups, while also accessing helpful tips and recommendations.”
Amealia H.
“As a young teen dealing with hyperhidrosis, I often feel isolated and haven’t had anyone to relate to. I want a mobile app where I can connect with others who share similar experiences through community groups, while also accessing helpful tips and recommendations.”
*picture sourced from online*
Digital Wireframing
Once I had an established user journey map, I started developing mid-fi wireframes which demonstrates what a user experiences when using this app. Developed were onboarding screen and the primary screens that a user would interact with.
onboarding screens
personal questions related to their experience with hyperhidrosis
selecting what they are hoping to get out of the app
selecting who they are wanting to connect with
primary screens
three main screens showing the home page, thread page and account page
areas to show people’s experiences, primary sweating areas, encouragement words, recommendations, & more.
open thread concept, ability to share personal experiences and imagery
Finding Inspiration
During this process I started envisioning aspects of my app. I associated blue as a color for hyperhidrosis and I knew I wanted this to be the primary color throughout the app. As noted by color meanings, Blue has a calming and relaxing effect. You can count on it for support and its a very trusting and loyal color. For typography, I envisioned a serif for onboarding titles and headings while paired with a sans serif for the main text. As for elements, rounded corners for buttons and imagery fit alongside my vision.
Putting It Together - A Start to The Visual Design System
Below is a style guide that I put together, which highlights aspects of the app, including imagery used, iconography, navigation + buttons, typography, and color usage. Overall, the visual style of this app is clean, simplified, and informational.
typography
imagery
wordmark + background
color usage
End Deliverable - A mobile app for the hyperhidrosis community
Exciting news! A mobile app has been designed for the hyperhidrosis community allowing people to connect with others, educate themselves and gain beneficial insight with recommendations for various instances. Interested in a walkthrough of mycircle? Check out the video below.
