Loops
Co-creating an app to improve physical activity for cancer survivors.
Context
Cancer survivors often struggle with long-term side effects beyond treatment. Exercise has been proven to diminish these difficulties and improve their quality of life. However, working out independently can be challenging – even if the intention and desire is there. Survivors often do not have confidence in their physical abilities, especially without guidance or supervision.
Challenge
Develop an intervention in the physiotherapy treatment period and beyond to improve cancer survivors’ transition to independence. How can we motivate them to be active again and adhere to an exercise habit? How do we help physical therapists use cognitive techniques to support behaviour change for survivors?
Approach
The app Loops helps cancer survivors to maintain a certain level of fitness and strengthen their confidence in the body so that they can stay active independently. In the app, they form groups with other individuals who are familiar with the challenges that come after cancer. They reach the collective goal by staying active – visually represented by a loop, which comes from the concept of a relay race.
● Virtual Groups
Group-based exercising to enhance motivation.
Research shows that exercising in a group-setting motivates survivors to stay active. Each week, they set activities they want to accomplish individually, and by completing them they contribute to the group goal – without competition.
Unlike traditional fitness apps, we wanted to ensure a safe and welcoming space, where the focus is on the individual efforts of group members, rather than how well they perform. To accomplish this, we display the individual contributions in the form of percentages and remove specific details of the activity.
● Design System
Scalable Design Elements optimized for elderly
Since our targeted users are aged between 50 and 70, an accessible design system is required to ensure a seamless experience. We designed all touch elements to be at least 62px tall so that navigating through the app is engaging and makes fun.
An intervention that potentially improves the quality of life of cancer survivors.
What has really inspired me throughout the process is the potential impact this solution can bring to people's lives. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work on such a vulnerable topic. Loops has the potential to serve as an engaging tool to enhance recovery and help survivors stay healthy long-term.
