The Village
2024
Challenge
We partnered with Sun Life Financial for our 4th year Global Business and Digital Arts capstone design where we were tasked to design a solution to help close the gender gap in mental health care.
Outcome
High-fidelity prototype of Village, a platform to help women battling substance use disorder that offers personalized and accessible care throughout every step of the recovery journey
Corporate Entrepreneurship Proposal
Team
Samantha Bedard, Project Manager
Maria Bitsikakis, UX Designer
Heather Ecobichon, Head of Research
Sophie Lake, UX Designer & Brand Manager
Graeme Tooley, Business Expert
Skills Used
Figma, Research, Summative Writing, Communication, Collaboration, Ideation
Stage 1: Empathize
Since 2012, there has been a significant increase in mental health disorders, particularly among women. We started out by conducting research on Canada's current mental healthcare system and reflecting on our own personal experiences to find existing gaps.
Stage 2: Define
We discovered the link between substance abuse and anxiety disorders presents numerous challenges to Canada's healthcare system due to their interconnected nature and the existing inequalities and stigmas surrounding them. Therefore, we made our focus to explore how societal, psychological, and systemic factors contribute to women being less open about and seeking assistance for substance abuse. Using research on internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) and intersectionality, our goal was to enhance support systems through informed strategies and interventions.
Stage 3: Ideate
Each group member pitched 1-2 ideas relating to the problem statement provided by Sun Life and we refined them into one big idea to be pitched to our professors and industry advisor.
Big idea brainstorm session
2024
User journey map
2024
Stage 4: Prototype
After many group meetings, prototyping sessions, and consultations with our professors and advisors, we moved on to create a medium-fidelity prototype for our minimum viable product (MVP), a digital product that provides a holistic solution for pregnant and parenting women struggling with substance use disorder.
Our platform offers a personalized care journey, adapting to users' daily emotional needs through tailored prompts and questions. By addressing triggers, anxiety, and celebrating successes, we guide users effectively, ensuring they receive relevant resources and support at the right time. It features expert articles and videos curated by mental healthcare professionals, along with a resource hub for easy access to information. Peer support groups and community building foster continuous support. With options for anonymous usage, we create a safe and encouraging space for women to seek help and embark on their recovery journey with confidence.
More information can be found in our MVP Report
Assumptions activity and design requirement brainstorming session
2024
Early product visualization and product visualization
2024
Stage 5: Test
We conducted internal and external user testing on our MVP prototype to refine our product and create a high-fidelity prototype. A summary of improvements can be found in our High Fidelity Prototype Report as well as our process and insights.
Business Artifacts
The other aspect of our capstone project is the business and feasibility. See our Business Model Canvas below and Porter's Five Forces analysis. Our Corporate Entrepreneurship Proposal outlines our company background, structure, strategies, market analysis and more.
Business Model Canvas
2024
