A working tool isn't enough — Global Care Development

A huge challenge within digital psychological tools is the delicate balance between creating effective digital tools and ensuring they remain engaging and enjoyable for users. In this post we explore a unique dilemma: Psychvalue, a performance self-evaluation tool that is incredibly powerful but also extremely challenging to use for most individuals.

While it may be tempting for developers to focus solely on effectiveness without considering user experience, this approach will ultimately hinder a tool’s success in achieving its intended goals. University-based teams often test their tools on students who need to participate in the study to get their course credits. Other teams incentivise participants with cash rewards for completion. Most of these attempts end up dead in the water after launch, often because of compliance reasons (drop-out). In a truly good tool, the reward lies in using the app itself.

Psychvalue v0.1

Allow me to present Psychvalue v0.1, one of the projects from my personal graveyard of ideas, inspired by the world’s top executive coach Marshall Goldsmith. It is one of the most effective (and painful) tools I have ever used.

Spreadsheet prototype of the Psychvalue tool

The Psychvalue operating screen

The effect provided by Psychvalue is an increase of awareness of, and accountability to, your personal goals. The problem is the pain you feel when you notice how poorly you sometimes live up to them. A friend of mine described the tool as digital self-flagellation.

The takeaway

Prioritising engagement and usability in mental-health software development not only leads to more enjoyable experiences for users, but also contributes to better patient outcomes by promoting adherence to treatment plans and making care more approachable. By considering the human aspect of tool design, developers can create digital solutions that are both highly effective and user-friendly — a crucial balance in the realm of mental-health support.

As we continue our mission at Global Care Development, this dilemma serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of striking the right balance of effectiveness and engagement in our software development efforts.