Personal project
Role(s): UI/UX & graphic design
The Problem
Repetitive strain injuries, or RSIs, are injuries to the musculoskeletal or nervous systems caused by frequent repetition of physical actions. Common RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration notes that musculoskeletal disorders like RSIs are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time and that they account for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases. Research was conducted in order to better understand how to help workers affected by these conditions.
RESEARCH
Harvard RSI Action points to two key actions one can take in order to prevent RSIs before they happen or reoccur: stretching the affected muscles, and ergonomics (using equipment that minimizes strain on muscles and performing actions with the proper form and technique so as to not cause injury).
A questionnaire was sent to 7 participants in order to determine how adequately prepared the average person is in preventing and managing RSIs, revealing the following:
Nearly all participants were personally affected by RSIs or knew someone who was.
Participants either learned about RSIs from having one themselves, or learned about them secondhand from others with RSIs. Two participants did not know anything about RSIs.
Only half of the participants took steps to prevent or manage RSIs. Of this half, only one performed stretches AND made their work environment more ergonomic as is recommended.
This information, in combination with additional data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-NIOSH, helped to form the following user persona:
DESIGN
Ultimately, an app was decided to be the most convenient solution for the lifestyle of the user persona. The app’s design centered on two main features.
A function that allowed users to find stretches for the muscle groups that they used most frequently. These stretches could be put into a routine for the user to perform regularly.
A feature that educated the user on ergonomics and how they could apply them to their workplace (ergonomic equipment alternatives, guides on how to efficiently use equipment, etc.).
With these in mind, the first low-fidelity prototype was created:
Initial user tests showed that the interface was easily navigable, but users expressed confusion over the meaning of “ergonomics” and took longer to navigate through the app than expected due to unnecessary pages.
A style guide was created before proceeding with the high-fidelity prototype.
Pages were consolidated to shorten user flow. An additional onboarding process helps to clear up confusion about what the various features can do, while also introducing the concepts of RSIs and ergonomics to those who are not as familiar with them. A newly added page for the user’s statistics allows them to keep track of their progress.
NEXT STEPS
Additional pages are being added to the prototype in order to fully flesh it out. In addition, input from medical professionals who treat RSIs would be desired in order to ensure that the information presented is optimal for recovery and prevention.