In Simulator
Scope and opportunity
A product concept to simulate the positive impact of self-isolation during Covid-19 pandemic
The case study can be resumed in three parts: all of then are about creating a calm and positive experience and perspective to the user This concept is explored more deeply in an article, read it here (portuguese only).
Idea
Apply a few persuasive technology strategies
Experience
Showing valuable data since the state 0
Interface
With a calm interface, exploring a signature
Exploring the problem in a concept
The perspective about Covid-19 is not good in Brazil. Surrounded by lots of bad news, I asked my self if there was a way to stimulated self-isolation not by fear, but by reason. Besides that, for a long time, I wanted to apply my studies about Persuasive Technology in a project: the time is now.
First steps
Sketching the idea and drawing the flow
As usual, I went to paper to see if the idea made sense: showing how many lives a person self-isolated saved. After a few sketches, I noticed that "infections prevented" would be a piece of more realistic information to show.
A sign in with social account would be great: we could use the profile image to associate with the impact data. But, it isn’t crucial, the focus is to show the impact. We can ask for sign in again, in the share step.
The Theory in short
Technology can be persuasive in three roles, called the Functional Triad
In this case study, the role of ”Tool 🔧” and ”Media 🎮 ” will stand out. Read the full case study (portuguese only) to know more, here .
Applying in the experience
The experience can be dived in four main interactions
- Data overview: general self-isolation impact;
- Simulating the overview: changing time period and location to see the impact;
- Inserting my data: how long I'm isolated and how many people I stopped to be with every day;
- View my impact: how many infections I probably avoided.
Let’s see how each part matches with the Functional Triad role and its depths.
As a media simulator
Cause and effect simulation
As it abstracts complex data in a material that can be used to incentivize people to stay at home by showing the life savior effect of doing so.
As a Tool
Reduction
See data even with 0 interaction: the effort of doing the math is reduced to a few clicks — even customization by changing the time period and the country is a reduction, In considers all the variations for you.
As a Tool
Tunneling
The interface tunnels the user through the data collection necessary to the customized simulation, guiding them through steps with consistent interaction.
In would use daily mobility data to show an impact number more realistic and customized
To collect these "journey data", In asks for information about the mobility routine, then considers how many people could be infected in each moment of daily life.
As a Tool
Customizing
It shows data about individual impact. The user becomes the protagonist of the impact caused by social isolation, knowing how her efforts of holding a little longer are saving lives.
Extra: the Social Actor
It's not a competition, but a collaboration
Instead of ranking other people’s impact, we could use pop culture to contrast with the users' impact. Besides that, it could be more interesting to sharable this result on social media.
A shot about building the visual
To draw the UI, I needed to think in a few ”branding” guidelines
It should be calm and friendly. I defined a few key words. Also, a logotype to represent the ideia and defined colors and font-family.
Result
Concept overview
Conclusion
It is possible to change the tone about how each one of us impacts the global pandemic to a positive vision. And, in theory, this speech can be persuasive and help people to maintain self-isolation if they can.