Recreational therapy uses activities to help clients reach their goals in cognitive, emotional, physical and social wellness. Currently, most recreational therapists work in centers, such as senior homes and schools, but many want to start private practices to have more flexibility. On the flip side, many potential clients do not know how to connect with the right rec therapists.
Therapist Network
Website that connects recreational therapists with clients
Context
Recreational therapists who want to start private practices face challenges growing clientele and managing administrative tasks. Clients do not have an efficient way to find the best rec therapists who have the right background, specialization and availability.
Problem Statement
Discovery
Approach
I conducted secondary research on websites and forums to understand the current landscape of rec therapy and the perspectives of therapists and clients. I also talked to 2 therapists and 5 clients as part of primary research.
Therapists' Perspective
Most rec therapists currently work at centers and give sessions for the entire day that range from exercises to art to news/information sharing. Rec therapists sometimes feel constrained by administrative rules and wish they have more freedom planning their schedules and sessions. They tend to enjoy recreational therapy as a career because it is rewarding to connect with clients and help them make progress. The activities themselves also tend to be fun and entertaining. Starting a private practice poses challenges however, such as reaching the right clients, handling payments, coordinating with payers, marketing and growing clientele.
Client’s Perspective
The audience for rec therapy is wide, ranging from people who have suffered from strokes to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Currently, clients need to go through hoops to find the right therapists who have the appropriate knowledge and treatment approach. It can also be challenging to meet therapists outside of the centers and pre-assigned sessions. They aren’t aware of other therapists and sessions to attend. In addition, many people who would benefit from rec therapy are not even aware of it.
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I created the landing page and sign up / onboarding pages for clients to become excited about recreational therapy and its potential to improve their lives holistically through tangible, memorable and fun activities.
Process
Data Synthesis
I created empathy maps for recreational therapists and clients to understand their mindsets, wants and needs. Overall, clients want a simple way to input their conditions, goals and availability, and find the best therapists for them. Therapists want to reach more clients while having flexibility in scheduling and doing as little administrative work as possible.
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Structure and Wireframes
I created an information architecture that described how therapists and clients would interact. Then I created wireframes for the landing page, sign up screens, and introduction pages.
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Testing and Future Ideas
I showed the prototype to recreational therapists and potential clients. Some ideas for the future are integrating insurance claims, creating educational and marketing material about recreational therapy, and contracting apprentice recreational therapists.
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UI and High Fidelity Designs
I chose a pinkish brown as the primary color to represent calm, grounding and warmth. I added an array of pastel colors as photo frames to emphasize the fun in recreational therapy and moments that can be remembered as mental photographs.
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See Prototype
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