Outcome
With early intervention and structured support, Spark aims to improve carer mental health, enhance patient-carer communication, and strengthen community support networks.
Continuous user feedback and healthcare partnerships ensure Spark evolves to meet community needs.
Solution
Spark is a wellness platform built to address core challenges faced by Parkinson’s patients and carers.
Based on insights around isolation, role strain, and shared resources, Spark provides tailored exercises, communication tools, and community support to boost resilience.
Progressive information and social proof empower carers to confidently manage the Parkinson’s journey.
Context
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition affecting motor and non-motor functions, causing symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and sleep issues. This strain impacts not just patients but also their carers, who often lack adequate support.
As carers take on greater responsibilities, they face high risks of isolation, emotional fatigue, and burnout. Without structured support, carers struggle to maintain their own well-being, which threatens their ability to provide balanced, effective care and impacts the health of their relationship.
What we uncovered in the research
1. Early Support Reduces Burden:
Limited support increases carer stress now. Proactive resources are needed so carers can build resilience and manage caregiving better.
2. Couple-Centric Tools Foster Connection:
Isolation impacts couples as roles shift. Shared tools can help couples face Parkinson’s together, reducing isolation and strengthening bonds.
3. Community Knowledge Enhances Wellbeing:
Lack of community resources leaves carers unsupported. Integrating community insights can boost carers’ emotional strength and connectedness.
4. Progressive Learning Eases Information Overload:
Overload burdens new carers. Progressive information allows carers to learn at their pace, empowering them in their role.
5. Multi-Format Access Increases Inclusivity:
Digital-only formats exclude some users. Multi-format resources ensure carers of all abilities can access support
Our process
1. Research and Discovery
Through interviews and empathy mapping, we mapped the Parkinson’s support ecosystem, uncovering key needs, emotional challenges, and relational gaps.
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2. Service Vision and Definition
Collaborative ideation and journey mapping helped define Spark’s vision around accessibility, resilience, and community, focusing on emotional and relational support.
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3. Prototyping and Core Feature Testing
We took a user-centred, iterative approach, developing prototypes for communication tools and progressive learning. Usability tests and co-design refined accessibility and engagement.
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4. Strategic Planning and Scoping
Due to funding limits, we planned a phased rollout, starting with an MVP focused on progressive learning, with future partnerships and feature expansion planned.
Tools
Stakeholder Mapping
Journey Mapping
Personas
Co-Design Workshops
Empathy Mapping
Qualitative Interviews
Systems Mapping
Service Blueprinting
Prototyping and Usability
Roadmapping
Our Strategy
Vision: To establish an empathetic, shared support system for Parkinson’s couples, emphasising resilience, relationship strength, and proactive care.
Approach:
Foster Early Support: Provide resources to reduce stress and build resilience early on.
Enhance Relationship Resilience: Offer couple-oriented tools that maintain relational health and mutual support.
Integrate Community Knowledge: Connect carers with community-driven resources to strengthen collective support from peers and professionals.
Measurement: Track impact through metrics in couple communication improvements, user engagement in activities, and reductions in self-reported isolation.
Prototypes
We created 3 storyboard animated videos, embedded in a TypeForm↗ - to allow for rapid qualitative prototyping at scale. We tested:
1. Engagement and Service Adoption
Spark was developed as a shared service for PwPs and carers, with an emphasis on engagement. Users suggested adding more guided onboarding steps.
Feedback: High engagement potential, with requests for enhanced onboarding.
2. Effectiveness of Service Delivery
Various media formats, like video-based exercises, were tested. Users enjoyed tailored exercises, prompting us to expand the activity range.
Feedback: Positive response to video exercises, with suggestions for expanded activity options.
3. Testing Real-Life Parkinson’s Challenges
Addressed issues like balance, sleep, and facial masking. Tailored exercises and community support improved early-stage balance, while progressive disclosure supported confidence.
Feedback: Effective for emotional and relational health, with requests for ongoing guidance.
Project Tags
+ Social Impact
+ Healthcare
+ Community Development
+ Carer Support
+ Wellness Innovation
+ App
Services
+ Service Design
+ Journey Mapping
+ Research & Insights
+ Prototyping
+ Strategic Research
+ Product Strategy
+ New Service Development
Partners
New service concept, developed in partnership with Parkinson's Disease professionals
Year
2024
Summary
Spark provides comprehensive support within Parkinson’s care, focusing on the relationship between patients and their familial carers.
The app aims to build resilience, reduce isolation, and enhance mutual understanding by addressing Parkinson’s-specific challenges.
Spark empowers users with essential resources, community access, and shared wellness practices through a collaborative support environment.
Who the project is for
People with Parkinson’s (PwPs), informal carers, healthcare professionals, and support communities focused on enhancing relational and emotional well-being.
My Role
Service Designer, Strategic Researcher, and Co-creator. Leading role in end-to-end design, research, stakeholder workshops, user testing, and co-creation the wellness-focused solution model for Spark.