Enhancing Efficiency in Hair Donations and Wig Distribution through digital
technology

Role

User Experience Designer

Duration

9 weeks (November 2023 to January 2024)

Tools

Figma / Miro / Photoshop

MSc HCI - Academic Project

caring strands

A mobile app to facilitate hair donation and wig purchase for cancer care.

This project was done as a part of Msc Human - computer interaction design project.We were grouped into teams to digitally solve a real world problem.Given theme was"Living well with data". The expected outcome of the project was not a finished product but to find a proper solution for a real world problem.

Problem

In Uk cancer patients are finding it hard to find real hair wigs in a short span of time.Also organizations are lacking in real hair donations.Donors are not able to donate hair because of unknown donation process.

Outcomes

The outcome bridges the gap between donor, organisation and cancer patient hair receivers by developing a digital application that will help donors to find and donate hair online and also it facilitate online wig purchase.

Overview

01

Background

04

Solution

02

1

Cancer Patients

Cancer patients prefer online purchase

After covid most of the patient family members prefer not going out to try out and select wigs due to the risk of exposing their kids to quick infection.

2

Cancer Patients

Patients are not able to find the correct suitable wig

Even though they get through organizations, patients suffer from the unavailability of suitable hair types, which makes them search up and down various shops.

3

Cancer Patients

Patients are unaware of were to get real hair wigs

Due to the poor immunity due to chemotherapy.Patients are prone to quick infections.Synthetic wigs are know to create severe scalp rashes and sores, so patient avoid .


4

Organisations

Lots of data are there for organisations.

The organizations have all their data about current services and availability of wigs on their websites. This gives us the opportunity to use this data to help match these organizations with the patients.

5

Hair donors

Donors find it challenging to find organisatons online.

Donors prefer to search online or on social media to find organizations to donate to, but often struggle to find adequate information about donations on the organization's website.

6

Hair donors

Donors have no information on what happened to their hair

Most hair donors did not receive any information about their donation or confirmation of its receipt by the organization. This lack of communication has made them concerned that their hair donations might be wasted.

Here's a direct link to leap to the answer.

User personas

19

Detailed procedure guidance for hair donation

Users have the ability to choose their current wig or try on other available wigs.The option for wig maintenance is provided on the organization page, offering specific maintenance instructions for each particular wig.

Design features

  1. Ability to scroll down to see that step by step guidance with respective images.

  2. The home screen will show save and vertified details to help users have a idea about the organisation before users dive into the organisation page

Enabling patients to enter their preferred hair type .

A feature that allows the patient to enter their preferences during onboarding will enable the app to provide a filtered list of organizations with the specified wig availability.

Design feature

1. Users can choose their preferences on the screen or upload photos to find the suitable hair type.


2. Using an add icon on the images, users can add one or more wig types to confirm their options.

Matching Algorithm

With the details of patient preferences provided, the app will help find the availability of ready-made wigs and the organizations that sell those specific types of wigs. This will assist the patient in choosing the right wig from a set of matched organizations.

Design features

1.Users have the ability to adjust their filters if the matching process is taking too long.


2.The app displays a popup of matches that are found, which can be accessed from the homepage.

Virtual try -on for wigs

The app will provide a virtual try on feature were patients can virtually try the preference wig.This feature is provided to reduce the burden of travel and expose to infections for the cancer patients

Design features

1.Users have the ability to choose their current wig or try on other available wigs.


2.The option for wig maintenance is provided on the organization page, offering specific maintenance instructions for that particular wig.

Thank you for visiting my portfolio!

Do you have a project in mind? Lets Connect!

Lets collaborate and transform your business ideas into best digital solutions.

© 2024 Sherin Arulmaran - All Rights Reserved.

The project idea started here

" If I had the time and money, I definitely would have bought her a wig. The problem is, the synthetic wig started giving her rashes, and she was constantly itching. She's a child; I don't want to tell her to be strong. I just wanted her to not feel different from other people !"


-Parent of a cancer survivor

" If I had the time and money, I definitely would have bought her a wig. The problem is, the synthetic wig started giving her rashes, and she was constantly itching. She's a child; I don't want to tell her to be strong. I just wanted her to not feel different from other people !"


-Parent of a cancer survivor

Background

Approximately 65% of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience hair loss. Many individuals, especially children, are uncomfortable after shaving their heads and prefer using wigs. However, real hair wigs are not easily available despite numerous hair donations.1 in 20 people are donating their hair for cancer patients but still patients are struggling to get real hair.Also people are often unaware of how to access these wigs or where to find them and get a customised one.

Approximately 65% of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience hair loss. Many individuals, especially children, are uncomfortable after shaving their heads and prefer using wigs. However, real hair wigs are not easily available despite numerous hair donations.1 in 20 people are donating their hair for cancer patients but still patients are struggling to get real hair.Also people are often unaware of how to access these wigs or where to find them and get a customised one.

We had a lot of questions

  1. Is there are viable and justifiable opportunity in developing and designing this app?If yes what and how are we going to do?


  1. Why is it hard to get a real hair wig even when so many people donate hair?


  1. Is this the real problem people are facing or is there a different problem we have to identify

  1. Is there are viable and justifiable opportunity in developing and designing this app?If yes what and how are we going to do?


  1. Why is it hard to get a real hair wig even when so many people donate hair?


  1. Is this the real problem people are facing or is there a different problem we have to identify

Challenge

Due to the delay in getting ethical approval to directly involve cancer patients, we were not able to interview or send surveys to cancer survivors during the first 5 weeks of the project.Instead we involved family members of cancer survivors during this 5 week process.

Due to the delay in getting ethical approval to directly involve cancer patients, we were not able to interview or send surveys to cancer survivors during the first 5 weeks of the project.Instead we involved family members of cancer survivors during this 5 week process.

Analysing survey and interview data

06

Analysing the data collected from surveys and interview to find opportunities

Following the initial research, we categorized all data into two main groups: donors and cancer survivors. We then used graphs to the initial research, we categorized all data into two main groups: donors and cancer survivors. We then used graphs to measure the actual problem and its intensity based on their responses to our initial questions.the actual problem and its intensity based on their responses to our initial questions.


Interviews - 7 donors + 8 Cancer survivor family

Survey response - 21 donors + 16 cancer survivor family

Following the initial research, we categorized all data into two main groups: donors and cancer survivors. We then used graphs to the initial research, we categorized all data into two main groups: donors and cancer survivors. We then used graphs to measure the actual problem and its intensity based on their responses to our initial questions.the actual problem and its intensity based on their responses to our initial questions.


Interviews - 7 donors + 8 Cancer survivor family

Survey response - 21 donors + 16 cancer survivor family

07

Analysing data - donation organisation

We reviewed hair donation websites to assess their initial offerings.

After analyzing the data from surveys and initial interviews, we reviewed existing websites to understand the donation process and how cancer survivors purchase wigs. We also assessed whether these websites meet user needs and identified any gaps.

After analyzing the data from surveys and initial interviews, we reviewed existing websites to understand the donation process and how cancer survivors purchase wigs. We also assessed whether these websites meet user needs and identified any gaps.

Donors

Has clear instructions for donating a hair but they did not give nay assurance or tracking on whether they recieved the donated hair.Option of self cut and salon cut was not provided clearly.

Has clear instructions for donating a hair but they did not give nay assurance or tracking on whether they received the donated hair.Option of self cut and salon cut was not provided clearly.

Patients

There is no page to mention what type of wig is required.Availability of real hair wigs are not mentioend.and there is not direct contact to the organisation.

There is no page to mention what type of wig is required.Availability of real hair wigs are not mentioend.and there is not direct contact to the organisation.

Donors

Clear instructions for donating a hair in different ways were provided but they did not give nay assurance or tracking on whether they recieved the donated hair.No way to check that the hair has been used to make wig.

Clear instructions for donating a hair in different ways were provided but they did not give nay assurance or tracking on whether they recieved the donated hair.No way to check that the hair has been used to make wig.

Patients

Customization is available but with one photo verification which is not enough.They have ready made real hair wigs but they were not clear on the website.

Customization is available but with one photo verification which is not enough.They have ready made real hair wigs but they were not clear on the website.

Donors

Different types of donation process and finding the right salon near by was provided clearly.Also assurance of hair recieved was provided clearly but tracking of process is not provided clearly.

Different types of donation process and finding the right salon near by was provided clearly.Also assurance of hair received was provided clearly but tracking of process is not provided clearly.

Patients

Online customization of wig is not available.Also instructions to self The patient has to the organisation to get the wigs measured.Wig delivery timline is not provided

Online customization of wig is not available.Also instructions to self The patient has to the organization to get the wigs measured.Wig delivery timeline is not provided

1

Cancer Patients

Cancer patients prefer online purchase

After covid most of the patient family members prefer not going out to try out and select wigs due to the risk of exposing their kids to quick infection.

After covid most of the patient family members prefer not going out to try out and select wigs due to the risk of exposing their kids to quick infection.

2

Cancer Patients

Patients are not able to find the correct suitable wig

Even though they get through organizations, patients suffer from the unavailability of suitable hair types, which makes them search up and down various shops.

Even though they get through organizations, patients suffer from the unavailability of suitable hair types, which makes them search up and down various shops.

3

Cancer Patients

Patients are unaware of were to get real hair wigs

Due to the poor immunity due to chemotherapy.Patients are prone to quick infectons.Synthetic wigs are know to create severe scalp rashes and sores, so patient avoid


Due to the poor immunity due to chemotherapy.Patients are prone to quick infections.Synthetic wigs are know to create severe scalp rashes and sores, so patient avoid


4

Organisations

Lots of data are there for organisations.

The organizations have all their data about current services and availability of wigs on their websites. This gives us the opportunity to use this data to help match these organizations with the patients.

The organizations have all their data about current services and availability of wigs on their websites. This gives us the opportunity to use this data to help match these organizations with the patients.

5

Hair donors

Donors find it challenging to find organisatons online.

Donors prefer to search online or on social media to find organizations to donate to, but often struggle to find adequate information about donations on the organization's website.

Donors prefer to search online or on social media to find organizations to donate to, but often struggle to find adequate information about donations on the organization's website.

6

Hair donors

Donors have no information on what happened to their hair

Most hair donors did not receive any information about their donation or confirmation of its receipt by the organization. This lack of communication has made them concerned that their hair donations might be wasted.

Most hair donors did not receive any information about their donation or confirmation of its receipt by the organization. This lack of communication has made them concerned that their hair donations might be wasted.

" If I had the time and money, I definitely would have bought her a wig. The problem is, the synthetic wig started giving her rashes, and she was constantly itching. She's a child; I don't want to tell her to be strong. I just wanted her to not feel different from other people !"


-Parent of a cancer survivor

Defining the initial Question

How can we connect hair donors with cancer patients, ensuring patients have the ability to customize and choose their hair type for their wig through matching it with the donors hair type.

How can we connect hair donors with cancer patients, ensuring patients have the ability to customize and choose their hair type for their wig through matching it with the donors hair type.

Constraints and limitations also defined why we scoped down this particular design problem. The following constraints were considered while crafting our design question:

​​1. Limited project timeline led us to focus only on donors and cancer patients.

2. We were not able to directly involve cancer patients in the intial design process due to ethical reasons.


Constraints and limitations also defined why we scoped down this particular design problem. The following constraints were considered while crafting our design question:

​​1. Limited project timeline led us to focus only on donors and cancer patients.

2. We were not able to directly involve cancer patients in the intial design process due to ethical reasons.


Defining initial question

09

Human centered design approach

We decided to use a human-centered design approach, as it allows us to deeply understand the end user's needs. This approach enables us to involve end users in the participatory design process and iterative design, ensuring the project output effectively meets their needs.

We decided to use a human-centered design approach, as it allows us to deeply understand the end user's needs. This approach enables us to involve end users in the participatory design process and iterative design, ensuring the project output effectively meets their needs.

Our approach

10

1

In - depth interviews

In - depth interviews were conducted online and also offline with donors and cancer patient family members to understand their needs and to explore the task to be performed on a digital application.

In - depth interviews were conducted online and also offline with donors and cancer patient family members to understand their needs and to explore the task to be performed on a digital application.

2

Participatory workshop

We involved end users in a co-design workshop to understand their mental models of the digital application. Using the card-sorting method, we created different scenarios and asked users to logically arrange and group them.

We involved end users in a co-design workshop to understand their mental models of the digital application. Using the card-sorting method, we created different scenarios and asked users to logically arrange and group them.

Before starting our design process we created a approximate timeline of the process

Before starting our design process we created a approximate timeline of the process

The timeline followed the typical user-centered design process, but we faced challenges that led to prolonged design phases. To meet project deadlines, we had to set certain limitations.

The timeline followed the typical user-centered design process, but we faced challenges that led to prolonged design phases. To meet project deadlines, we had to set certain limitations.

Timeline

11

The user centered design process timeline in this project

We conducted our detail interviews along with few online activities

The in- depth interviews were conducted in persona nd online according to the feasibility of the participantsI had to consider the needs and problems identified by donors and patients. Based on this, I framed questions into categories for effective market research on the requirements and challenges. The results were then analyzed accordingly.


9 interviews with patients family members

14 interviews with donors




The in- depth interviews were conducted in persona nd online according to the feasibility of the participantsI had to consider the needs and problems identified by donors and patients. Based on this, I framed questions into categories for effective market research on the requirements and challenges. The results were then analyzed accordingly.


9 interviews with patients family members

14 interviews with donors




In - depth Interviews

12

Before diving into interviews ,Topic mapping was done to frame the right categories of questions.

Imaged showing the online in- depth interview that I conducted with end users

Affinity mapping

13

Created Affinity mapping to find themes and codes.

a

Affinity mapping was conducted to analyze interview information, identify themes, and develop codes. These themes helped us understand the core problem people faced, the pain points and set our final project question and goal.

Final goal and key stakeholders

15

Participatory workshop with end users

16

  1. Some mental model sketches done by users about the task they want to perform in the digital platform.

  1. Participants along with my team members involving in modeling the type of digital platform they want.

  1. Using card sorting method to used to analyse outcomes for different scenarios.

Challenges

We got the cancer survivors involved at this stage of the design due to the delayed ethical approval process. The cancer survivors' mental model of a digital platform for hair donations and purchases had some differences from the family members of the cancer survivors.

Reframing scenarios

17

Re-framing the certain scenarios after the End- user input

Following the participatory workshop, we reevaluated outcomes based on feedback. Inputs from cancer survivors differed significantly from those of families, prompting a reassessment of our decisions.

Finalization of considerations

18

We compared and finalized what should be considered and what should be changed

Post-workshop, we adjusted features and scenarios, facilitating the removal of some and analysis to determine effective implementation.

User personas

19

We finalized the key features in the app

After considering various factors and eliminating options, we finally concluded on using a mobile app due to its easy accessibility and convenience. We finalized eight features that will be used in this app for both donors and patients.

Solution

21

Users have the ability to choose their current wig or try on other available wigs.The option for wig maintenance is provided on the organization page, offering specific maintenance instructions for each particular wig.

Design features

  1. Ability to scroll down to see that step by step guidance with respective images.

  2. The home screen will show save and verified details to help users have a idea about the organisation before users dive into the organisation page

Detailed procedure guidance for hair donation

Enabling patients to enter their preferred hair type

A feature that allows the patient to enter their preferences during on-boarding will enable the app to provide a filtered list of organizations with the specified wig availability.

Design feature

1. Users can choose their preferences on the screen or upload photos to find the suitable hair type.


2. Using an add icon on the images, users can add one or more wig types to confirm their options.

Matching Algorithm

With the details of patient preferences provided, the app will help find the availability of ready-made wigs and the organizations that sell those specific types of wigs. This will assist the patient in choosing the right wig from a set of matched organizations.

Design features

1.Users have the ability to adjust their filters if the matching process is taking too long.


2.The app displays a popup of matches that are found, which can be accessed from the homepage.

The app will provide a virtual try on feature were patients can virtually try the preference wig.This feature is provided to reduce the burden of travel and expose to infections for the cancer patients

Design features

1.Users have the ability to choose their current wig or try on other available wigs.


2.The option for wig maintenance is provided on the organization page, offering specific maintenance instructions for that particular wig.

High - Fidelity Prototype

22

Key Features

20


  1. Cancer survivor wig purchase process.

  1. Cancer survivor entering preferences

  1. Cancer survivor matching with organisations according to their wig preference

  1. Hair donation process by the donors

Reflections

23

User - testing of prototype

More understanding or user testing can be done with the low-fidelity prototype to assess the feasibility of using the mobile feature in the design.

Team work

Initially, teamwork was challenging due to clashes in ideas and processes. However, understanding team preferences, discussing how individuals process information, and recognizing each person's capabilities can facilitate successful project execution within a given timeframe.

Wig organization study

The organization and salon processes should have explored more than just data collection. This could have helped us understand more about how successful this app would be.

Limitation in Synthetic wig

Studying access to synthetic wigs without a timeline allowed us to discover that people might opt for synthetic wigs as a temporary second option during the process.


“This project is close to my heart because my team members and I have witnessed our own family members battle cancer. The loss of hair was one of the most emotionally challenging experiences they faced.”
- Sherin Arulmaran

Thank you for visiting my portfolio!

Do you have a project in mind? Lets Connect!

Lets collaborate and transform your business ideas into best digital solutions.

© 2024 Sherin Arulmaran - All Rights Reserved.

A mobile app to facilitate hair donation and wig purchase for cancer care.

This project was done as a part of Msc Human - computer interaction design project.We were grouped into teams to digitally solve a real world problem.Given theme was"Living well with data".The expected outcome of the project was not a finished product but to find a proper solution for a real world problem.

Problem

In Uk cancer patients are finding it hard to find real hair wigs in a short span of time.Also organizations are lacking in real hair donations.Donors are not able to donate hair because of unknown donation process.

Outcomes

The outcome bridges the gap between donor, organisation and cancer patient hair receivers by developing a digital application that will help donors to find and donate hair online and also it facilitate online wig purchase.

Overview

01

My Contributions

03

What did I contribute in this project?
01
Research and Data collection
I have been involved in the project since its inception, starting with gaining context, exploring, and collecting data. I conducted in-person interviews with donors, parents of patients, and hair salon professionals to gather insights.
02
Ideation
Ideation was a game-changing phase in our project. Based on the ideas generated during brainstorming sessions, I designed ideation cards featuring various scenarios and potential outcomes. I then conducted workshops to gather insights into users' perspectives
on these outcomes.
03
Feature Prioritization & Prototype
Based on discussions and feedback from the ideation phase, I created a set of requirements and defined the tasks users will perform on the app. Additionally, I developed a low-fidelity prototype for iterative testing.

Background

04

The project idea started here

" If I had the time and money, I definitely would have bought her a wig. The problem is, the synthetic wig started giving her rashes, and she was constantly itching. She's a child; I don't want to tell her to be strong. I just wanted her to not feel different from other people !"

-Parent of a cancer survivor

Background

Approximately 65% of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience hair loss. Many individuals, especially children, are uncomfortable after shaving their heads and prefer using wigs. However, real hair wigs are not easily available despite numerous hair donations.1 in 20 people are donating their hair for cancer patients but still patients are struggling to get real hair.Also people are often unaware of how to access these wigs or where to find them and get a customised one.

We had a lot of questions

Is there are viable and justifiable opportunity

in developing and designing this app?If yes what and how are we going to do?


Why is it hard to get a real hair wig even when so many people donate hair?


Is this the real problem people are facing or is there

a different problem we have to identify

Initial research process

05

What did we do to answer the above questions

We did three types of initial search to understand the users pain points and to see whether we have a viable opportunity in developing this project.

1

Literature reviews

Donors and patient family

I conducted online research on existing websites used for hair donations and wig purchases.We looked into how the donation and wig making industry works.

2

Surveys

Donors and patient family

Analyzed demographics, age groups affected by chemotherapy-related hair loss, problem severity, hair accessibility, donation frequency, and purchasing timelines.

3

Informal interviews

Donors and patient family


I interviewed people with "open end questions" on social media, friends, family members who donate hair, and caretakers of cancer survivors to understand their donation process.

Challenge

Due to the delay in getting ethical approval to directly involve cancer patients, we were not able to interview or send surveys to cancer survivors during the first 5 weeks of the project.Instead we involved family members of cancer survivors during this 5 week process.

Analysing survey and interview data

06

Following the initial research, we categorized all data into two main groups: donors and cancer survivors. We then used graphs to the initial research, we categorized all data into two main groups: donors and cancer survivors. We then used graphs to measure the actual problem and its intensity based on their responses to our initial questions.the actual problem and its intensity based on their responses to our initial questions.


Interviews - 7 donors + 8 Cancer survivor family

Survey response - 21 donors + 16 cancer survivor family

Analysing the data collected from surveys and interview to find opportunities

Analysing the data got from the intial research to find opportunities and frame the initial problem statement

Analysing data from existing donation organisation

07

We reviewed hair donation websites to assess their initial offerings.

After analyzing the data from surveys and initial interviews, we reviewed existing websites to understand the donation process and how cancer survivors purchase wigs. We also assessed whether these websites meet user needs and identified any gaps.

Donors

Has clear instructions for donating a hair but they did not give nay assurance or tracking on whether they received the donated hair.Option of self cut and salon cut was not provided clearly.

Patients

There is no page to mention what type of wig is required.Availability of real hair wigs are not mentioned.and there is not direct contact to the organisation.

Donors

Clear instructions for donating a hair in different ways were provided but they did not give nay assurance or tracking on whether they recieved the donated hair.No way to check that the hair has been used to make wig.

Patients

Customization is available but with one photo verification which is not enough.They have ready made real hair wigs but they were not clear on the website.

Donors

Different types of donation process and finding the right salon near by was provided clearly.Also assurance of hair recieved was provided clearly but tracking of process is not provided clearly.

Patients

Online customization of wig is not available.Also instructions to self The patient has to the organisation to get the wigs measured.Wig delivery timline is not provided

Outcomes of the intial research

08

Pain points were
opportunities

The pain points and expectations of end-users provided us with a viable opportunity to develop a digital application that addresses issues related to hair donation and receiving wigs.

" If I had the time and money, I definitely would have bought her a wig. The problem is, the synthetic wig started giving her rashes, and she was constantly itching. She's a child; I don't want to tell her to be strong. I just wanted her to not feel different from other people !"


-Parent of a cancer survivor

Defining the initial Question

How can we connect hair donors with cancer patients, ensuring patients have the ability to customize and choose their hair type for their wig through matching it with the donors hair type.

Constraints and limitations also defined why we scoped down this particular design problem. The following constraints were considered while crafting our design question:


​​1. Limited project timeline led us to focus only on donors and cancer patients.

2. We were not able to directly involve cancer patients in the initial design process due to ethical reasons.


Defining initial question

09

Human centered
design approach

We decided to use a human-centered design approach, as it allows us to deeply understand the end user's needs. This approach enables us to involve end users in the participatory design process and iterative design, ensuring the project output effectively meets their needs.

Our approach

10

1

In - depth interviews

In - depth interviews were conducted online and also offline with donors and cancer patient family members to understand their needs and to explore the task to be performed on a digital application.

2

Participatory workshop

We involved end users in a co-design workshop to understand their mental models of the digital application. Using the card-sorting method, we created different scenarios and asked users to logically arrange and group them.

Before we began our design approach, an estimated process timeline was formulated

The timeline followed the typical user-centered design process, but we faced challenges that led to prolonged design phases. To meet project deadlines, we had to set certain limitations.

Timeline

11

The user centered design process timeline in this project

In - depth Interviews

12

We conducted our detail interviews along with few online activities

The in- depth interviews were conducted in persona nd online according to the feasibility of the participantsI had to consider the needs and problems identified by donors and patients. Based on this, I framed questions into categories for effective market research on the requirements and challenges. The results were then analyzed accordingly.


9 interviews with patients family members

14 interviews with donors




Before diving into interviews ,Topic mapping was done to frame the right categories of questions.

Imaged showing the online in- depth interview that I conducted with end users

Created Affinity mapping to find themes and codes.
a

Affinity mapping was conducted to analyze interview information, identify themes, and develop codes. These themes helped us understand the core problem people faced, the pain points and set our final project question and goal.

Affinity mapping

13

Final question

14

How might we design an inclusive digital application that efficiently matches hair donations with cancer survivors, ensures a secure and easy donation process, and fosters lasting connections between donors and recipients?

The wig making organizations serve as the primary connection between donors and patients.

Final goal and key stakeholders

15

Participatory design workshop with end users

Some mental model sketches done by users about the task they want to perform in the digital platform.

Participants along with my team members involving in modeling the type of digital platform they want.

Using card sorting method to used to analyse outcomes for different scenarios.

Challenges

We got the cancer survivors involved at this stage of the design due to the delayed ethical approval process. The cancer survivors' mental model of a digital platform for hair donations and purchases had some differences from the family members of the cancer survivors.

Reframing scenarios

17

Reframing the certain scenarios after the End- user input

Following the participatory workshop, we re-evaluated outcomes based on feedback. Inputs from cancer survivors differed significantly from those of families, prompting a reassessment of our decisions.

Finalization of considerations

18

We compared and finalized what should be considered and what should be changed

Post-workshop, we adjusted features and scenarios, facilitating the removal of some and analysis to determine effective implementation.

Key Features

20

We finalized the key features in the app

After considering various factors and eliminating options, we finally concluded on using a mobile app due to its easy accessibility and convenience. We finalized eight features that will be used in this app for both donors and patients.

Solution

21

High-fidelity prototype were developed for both donors and cancer patients.

Due to limitations in the project, we focused mainly on the process of donor selection and the purchase of wigs by cancer patients.

High Fidelity prototype

22

High-fidelity prototype were developed for both donors and cancer patients.

Due to limitations in the project, we focused mainly on the process of donor selection and the purchase of wigs by cancer patients.

Enhancing Efficiency in Hair Donations and Wig Distribution through digital technology

Role

User Experience Designer

Duration

9 weeks (November 2023 to January 2024)

Tools

Figma / Miro / Photoshop

MSc HCI - Academic Project

caring strands

My Contributions

03

What did I contribute in this project?
01
Research and Data collection
I have been involved in the project since its inception, starting with gaining context, exploring, and collecting data. I conducted in-person interviews with donors, parents of patients, and hair salon professionals to gather insights.
02
Ideation
Ideation was a game-changing phase in our project. Based on the ideas generated during brainstorming sessions, I designed ideation cards featuring various scenarios and potential outcomes. I then conducted workshops to gather insights into users' perspectives on these outcomes.
03
Feature Prioritization & Prototype
Based on discussions and feedback from the ideation phase, I created a set of requirements and defined the tasks users will perform on the app. Additionally, I developed a low-fidelity prototype for iterative testing.

1

Literature reviews

Donors and patient family

I conducted online research on existing websites used for hair donations and wig purchases.We looked into how the donation and wig making industry works.

2

Surveys

Donors and patient family

Analyzed demographics, age groups affected by chemotherapy-related hair loss, problem severity, hair accessibility, donation frequency, and purchasing timelines.

3

Informal interviews

Donors and patient family


I interviewed people with "open end questions" on social media, friends, family members who donate hair, and caretakers of cancer survivors to understand their donation process.

Initial research process

05

What did we do to answer the above questions

We did three types of initial search to understand the users pain points and to see whether we have a viable opportunity in developing this project

Analysing the data got from the initial research to find opportunities and frame the initial problem statement

Outcomes of the intial research

08

Pain points were opportunities

The pain points and expectations of end-users provided us with a viable opportunity to develop a digital application that addresses issues related to hair donation and receiving wigs.

Virtual try-on

1

2

3

4

  1. Cancer survivor wig purchase process.

  1. Cancer survivors entering preferences

  1. Cancer survivor matching with organisations according to their wig preference

  1. Hair donation process by the donors

Reflection

23

User - testing of prototype


More understanding or user testing can be done with the low-fidelity prototype to assess the feasibility of using the mobile feature in the design.

Team work


Initially, teamwork was challenging due to clashes in ideas and processes. However, understanding team preferences, discussing how individuals process information, and recognizing each person's capabilities can facilitate successful project execution within a given time frame.

Wig organization study


The organization and salon processes should have explored more than just data collection. This could have helped us understand more about how successful this app would be.


Limitation in Synthetic wig


Studying access to synthetic wigs without a timeline allowed us to discover that people might opt for synthetic wigs as a temporary second option during the process.