hope
Suicide is a complex and challenging problem, with heartbreaking consequences. While suicide statistics in New Zealand are alarming there are some public health initiatives focused on this area and offering hope.
Counties Manakau Health (CMH) asked us to create an app that would enable New Zealanders suffering from Suicidal thoughts to create a Personalised Suicide Safety Plan that is available at any point in time.
One third of New Zealanders suffer with mental health issues and distress, with 78% of people reporting themselves or someone they know as suffering. Around 150,000 of those people, will experience suicidal thoughts each year.
Many of those people who are at risk, may have completed a paper copy of a Personalised Suicide Safety Plan. A paper copy however, is unlikely to be carried on their person at the point in time when they need it. But they are likely to have a smartphone.
The brief, from Counties Manukau Health was to create an app that would enable anyone to customise a plan to help them through their struggle with suicidal thoughts.
The app takes users through a plan that follows the theory of cognitive behavioural therapy, recognising the connections between thoughts, emotions, behaviours and their influence on one-another. Throughout the process the app also offers a number of suggestions to help them as they personalise their plan.
The name of the app is based on the Māori motif and the existing print materials by the name Manawa. The Manawa design was created by Boydie Te Nahu. The design/motif symbolises strengths, power, freedom and reconnecting with source.
The literal meaning: ‘Manawa’ symbolises having hope in your heart. It’s the driving force behind why you are putting this plan together.
This project aligns with Counties Manukau Health’s strategic goal of trying to reduce the inequity in the suicide rate for Māori compared to non-Māori.
Importantly the app’s content has been developed with people in New Zealand who have lived through suicidal thoughts and experiences. It also utilises content from the Mental Health Foundation Booklet “Having suicidal thoughts and finding a way back”.
The process started with simple sketches and wireframes outlining the basic functions of the app and user flows. Then through a number of design iterations. The styling (in particular the colours and imagery) was based on existing print materials for those suffering with Suicidal thoughts, provided to us by CMH.
The onboarding screens introduce the app to the user and the main points about the app.
The app design and colouring is kept simple throughout, which allows for the bottom nav and the 111 button at the top of the screen to stand out.