As there are already several similar apps on the market, I needed to reflect on how my own product could stand out in a meaningful way. Rather than simply replicating existing solutions, I want to explore how thoughtful design choices could improve the overall user experience.
In my initial thinking, I explored whether the product could be more effectively designed for general hospital environments such as the Ulster Hospital, where experiences often feel less personalised compared to specialist children’s hospitals. This led me to consider how the experience could be made more child-friendly through thoughtful design choices while still remaining appropriate for adult users sharing the same space.
I also liked the idea of designing with neurodivergent users in mind, ensuring the interface is inclusive, calming, and accessible or blending the digital experience with in person interactions could help the app feel more supportive and human. As well as this, I have reflected on the importance of placing greater emphasis on parents, recognising their emotional and practical role in the experience and designing features that support them as well as the child.
In terms of additional features, I explored the idea of introducing a consistent character that children can engage with, allowing them to watch the character experience procedures they may be going through themselves. This could be used to help explain procedures in a more reassuring and age-appropriate way. I also believe that incorporating rewards or small incentives could encourage engagement and help make the overall experience more positive and distinctive.
Through conducting competitor analysis, I was able to identify key weaknesses in existing apps as well as opportunities for features that could meaningfully enhance my own design. One recurring gap was the lack of a narrative and immersive experience, which led me to consider creating a clear journey that begins with preparation at home and continues through to the hospital appointment. This sense of progression could help children and parents feel a sense of achievement upon completion. This could be done by introducing rewards, avatars or badges linked to milestones, helping to motivate engagement and reinforce positive experiences.
Another important consideration was the need for better guidance and emotional support for parents and carers, ensuring their thoughts, feelings and anxieties are acknowledged rather than overlooked. This also links in well with the need for improved communication between the patient and the hospitals. Strengthening accessibility options across the app would also ensure the experience is inclusive and usable for a wider range of users Personalisation also emerged as a key area for improvement across competitor apps. This could include tailoring the experience based on procedure type, age or adapting content to suit neurodiversity, trauma history or different learning styles. Further personalisation could involve simple but meaningful details, such as using the child’s name or shaping the journey around their interests.
Reflecting on the survey findings, it became clear that many of the challenges children and parents face during hospital visits stem from fear of unfamiliar environments, uncertainty around procedures, long waiting times and a lack of engaging distractions.
As 44% of children experiencing anxiety around unfamiliar people, spaces, or treatments and one third fearing separation from their parent or carer, I think it is important to create an experience that prioritises reassurance, familiarity and clarity for both children and their parents.
While the survey showed that hospital staff play a significant role in easing children’s worries, it also highlighted opportunities to better support this through clearer explanations and more child friendly environments.
From these survey findings, I would like to create a product which aims to prepare children before their visit, guide them through each stage of the hospital journey from front door to going into the procedure and transform waiting into an engaging, story-led experience.