Mobile App Design & Dev: NeuroMap

Week 4 This week, I focused on exploring academic literature to further validate the cognitive value of the app I’m developing. Research on cognitive engagement shows that interactive and visual activities, such as puzzle-solving, are not only beneficial in maintaining cognitive function but also help slow the progression of memory decline to a certain extent. Neurological studies have demonstrated that puzzle-solving activates multiple areas of the brain, promoting neural connectivity and communication, thereby enhancing overall brain function. Academic Reference: Fissler, P., Küster, O. C., Laptinskaya, D., Loy, L. S., Von Arnim, C. A., & Kolassa, I. T. (2018). Jigsaw puzzling taps multiple cognitive abilities and is a potential protective factor for cognitive aging. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 10, 408085. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2018.00299 Next Steps: Begin planning and producing a promotional video for NeuroMap , aimed at visually presenting the core features...

Week 3 This week, my main task was to start designing the user interface (UI) for the app based on the core concept and target users established in the previous two weeks. To create a more structured and user-friendly flow, I used Figma to complete the initial wireframe of the app interface. UI Design Goals and Philosophy: In the UI design process, I focused on the following key aspects: Simple and intuitive layout : The interface features large icons, large font sizes, and high-contrast colors to ensure Alzheimer’s patients don’t feel confused during use. Warm and friendly aesthetic : The color palette includes soft pinks, blues, and yellows combined with visual elements of puzzles and memory, creating a comforting and emotional experience. Clear module separation and ease of use : The core functions are organized into five main pages: Start Page, Login Page, Home Page, Memory Map Page, and Achievements Page. This ensures that each step in the user journey is logical and e...

Week 2 After receiving feedback from my instructor, I began to rethink the significance and purpose of this app. The core question was: Why would users want to play this puzzle game? Since not everyone would play a puzzle game for no reason, the app must offer more value than just entertainment. Therefore, I redefined the app’s target audience as elderly users with Alzheimer's disease , and repositioned the project as a memory-aid tool . Clarifying the Purpose and Audience: This week, I conducted further research on the cognitive needs of Alzheimer’s patients. I learned that patients often struggle with memory loss, emotional detachment, and difficulty recalling everyday experiences. Compared to ordinary puzzle games, a tool that aids in memory recall and emotional connection would be more meaningful to this group. Thus, my app, which combines jigsaw puzzles with personal photo memories and map-based location cues , could serve as a way to both stimulate cognitive functions ...

Week 1 I showed my mentor the design concept of my app, and he thought the general direction was OK, but he asked: Under what circumstances would users play this puzzle? Because not everyone would play puzzles for no reason, and there are already many puzzle games on the market, so the app I made would have no value, so the mentor asked me to think of a reason to make this app more meaningful and purposeful.

Week 1 This week, the instructor gave us a brief introduction to the assignment, and based on the brief, I began to conceive a mobile app that combines a jigsaw puzzle game with map positioning functions, hoping to enhance users’ memory experience of photos and places through fun and interactive methods. Initial Project Idea: Allow users to upload photos and turn them into jigsaw puzzles, adding an element of fun and engagement. Integrate a map feature to record the location where the photo was taken, making the puzzle game more than just entertainment—it becomes a way to relive memories tied to specific places. Progress This Week: Researched different methods for implementing jigsaw puzzles, exploring cutting and drag-and-drop interactions. Discussed how to incorporate the map feature in a way that enhances user recall rather than just marking locations. Analyzed existing puzzle and map-based apps to study their interaction designs and user experiences. Next Steps:  Design ...