Aura was a class project that focused on assisting certified nurses in their daily work. The project involved a comprehensive design process that included user research, prototyping, and interviews. The end goal was to create helpful tool that would make the work of certified nurses easier and more efficient.

In the Intro to User-Centered Design class, a team of four individuals with no design experience collaborated to address the prompt, "Design a product for a group of people." The focus shifted to professional caregivers, revealing the challenging environment they face daily. This review centers on our using User Interviews, Personas, Wireframes, and Hi-Fidelity Prototypes, along with a reflection on the entire process.

To initiate the user design process, I conducted two semi-structured interviews with CNAs, seeking insights into how we could assist them and understand their pain points. Key takeaways highlighted the absence of digital support tools, unfair compensation, and challenges related to mental and emotional well-being.

Post-interviews, these personas were crafted based on the discussions with Certified Nurses, focusing on their personal aspects, future goals, everyday struggles, and routines.

In response to ideation, basic paper prototypes were sketched to gather user feedback on different platform features, such as automatic scheduling, digital record access, and nurse messaging. The emphasis was on usability and page flow rather than detailed design aspects.

Building upon usability tests, wireframes were refined, considering feedback on hierarchy and visual organization.

Final UI design for Aüra emerged after incorporating feedback, featuring cool blues transitioning into light green to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for nurses.

As I look back on our journey through the User-Centered Design class, it hits me that design isn't a finish line; it's a constant evolution. Even with our high-fidelity mockups, it's clear – design is a living, breathing thing. The report brings out the idea that we're on a dynamic ride, always open to tweaking and refining.

Getting feedback during the paper prototype phase was gold, but there's a feeling that involving even more users, especially those in the thick of it, could take our design to the next level. We get it; a 10-week class has its limits. The report nods to this, hinting at the need to keep exploring and refining, not just within academic deadlines.

We're not oblivious to the fact that fixing mental health for caregivers is no small feat, especially as undergrads. Yet, there's a hopeful note that what we've done is a step – a small, but meaningful one – towards a bigger change.

The commitment to making things better shines through in the plan for more rounds of evaluations, especially with those snazzy high-fidelity mockups. It's not just about a class project; it's about making sure our platform is a real solution for Certified Nurses. The report sees change as a team effort, and there's a genuine belief that our design can become a reality with a bit more polish.

The experience with Aüra marked the first comprehensive understanding of the User-Centered Design cycle. Despite the initial overwhelming feeling, the excitement stemmed from being immersed in the "wilderness" of the design process. The opportunity provided valuable lessons in usability, interviewing, and prototyping, fostering enthusiasm for further engagement in the User-Centered Design field.