I have not written here in a few days so I figured this is a good opportunity to sum up what has been going on. For starters, this App is DONE (with the first steps...). But how did we get here?
I began designing the app using the powerpoint tool-kit last week. While this took some getting used to, Powerpoint gave me a lot more autonomy than Codiqa allowing me to format each screenshot exactly how I would like it to look. Hyperlinking different objects on the page made a seemingly functioning app. What we have now only lacks the back-end for data collection...
This process of creating the app reminded me of my Freshman year writing seminar. My days were full of drafting and re-drafting. Creating something I liked and then working on improvements. Before I was satisfied with a screenshot, I first made four to five alternate versions so I could compare different options. Finally, once satisfied, I would get feedback on the current version and scrap slides as I started again. Hard work does pay-off and I am very happy with how the app looks now. In addition to producing an app, I picked up an immense amount of knowledge in creating powerpoints; a skill that I know will be invaluable for the future. For example, today I taught myself how to create the square icon buttons that are present on the iphone home screen. Manipulating different tools that powerpoint offers allows anything to be created and though this was probably an excessive challenge for myself (I did use these for the "more" section which may be better named "resources") it gave a great sense of accomplishment when I succeeded.
This process of creating the app reminded me of my Freshman year writing seminar. My days were full of drafting and re-drafting. Creating something I liked and then working on improvements. Before I was satisfied with a screenshot, I first made four to five alternate versions so I could compare different options. Finally, once satisfied, I would get feedback on the current version and scrap slides as I started again. Hard work does pay-off and I am very happy with how the app looks now. In addition to producing an app, I picked up an immense amount of knowledge in creating powerpoints; a skill that I know will be invaluable for the future. For example, today I taught myself how to create the square icon buttons that are present on the iphone home screen. Manipulating different tools that powerpoint offers allows anything to be created and though this was probably an excessive challenge for myself (I did use these for the "more" section which may be better named "resources") it gave a great sense of accomplishment when I succeeded.
So looking back, what have I accomplished for the app?
It is more than just design. While I have definitely come up with some intuitive screenshots working with my team, I am sure when we send this to a professional there will be major changes. I embrace these changes and am happy that design that I have put together will serve as the backbone. I have made decisions on how a patient should be interacting with the app. What functions are important and what should be left out. How should different sections of the app work together to give an overall picture of health. What is the logic flow of each part of the app. Working meticulously on designing this app I was forced to concentrate and critique each feature. With the knowledge of what we are attempting to accomplish, I was in a position to focus the design towards the overall functionality. So I think I have added great value to the app and now have a vested interest in its success. I really believe the app is a first step in making a difference and will have to practice great patience until the results of the clinical trial are completed!
It is more than just design. While I have definitely come up with some intuitive screenshots working with my team, I am sure when we send this to a professional there will be major changes. I embrace these changes and am happy that design that I have put together will serve as the backbone. I have made decisions on how a patient should be interacting with the app. What functions are important and what should be left out. How should different sections of the app work together to give an overall picture of health. What is the logic flow of each part of the app. Working meticulously on designing this app I was forced to concentrate and critique each feature. With the knowledge of what we are attempting to accomplish, I was in a position to focus the design towards the overall functionality. So I think I have added great value to the app and now have a vested interest in its success. I really believe the app is a first step in making a difference and will have to practice great patience until the results of the clinical trial are completed!
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