Fatherhood: Unfiltered explores postpartum depression in fathers during the first year after childbirth. It examines its prevalence, impact on family well-being, risk factors, and treatment options, including psychotherapy.
The Problem
Paternal Postpartum Depression (PPPD) highlights that postpartum depression isn't limited to women; it can also impact new fathers. Unfortunately, PPPD is frequently ignored and misconstrued, leading to emotions of shame, guilt, and isolation in new dads. Elevating awareness about PPPD is crucial in offering necessary resources and support to both parents during this crucial period.
The Goal
The goal of this research is to examine postpartum depression in fathers during the first year following childbirth. This involves assessing its prevalence, impact on family well-being, and identifying contributing risk and protective factors. Additionally, the study aims to explore potential treatment approaches, including psychotherapy, for fathers experiencing postpartum depression.
By using the Design Thinking Method, I gained insights into fathers' experiences and turned them into actionable solutions. This approach ensured that my research was rooted in empathy, creativity, and support for fathers facing postpartum depression.
Researching the statistics and stories of fathers through medical readings and one on one interviews.
Gathering feedback from fathers who have experienced PPPD to ensure it resonates with the target audience.
Pinpointing and articulating the issues that fathers are facing that needed the most attention.
Brainstorming different approaches to raise awareness, provide support and mitigate risks of PPPD.
Developing mock resources, platforms, and tools aimed at aiding fathers in navigating PPPD.
Research Design Prototyping Testing
Upon interviewing the participants, I noticed common narratives and ideas about life after becoming a father and raising a newborn.
Using Affinity Mapping, I identified recurring motivations, pain points, and behaviors among the three fathers, which aligned with criteria for PPPD. I grouped these insights into common themes and created a Persona based on the interview feedback.
1. Vulnerability
Fathers find it easier to express themselves within a like-minded community.
2. Machismo
Fathers find it easier to express themselves within a like-minded community.
3. Fatigue
Fathers find it easier to express themselves within a like-minded community.
4. Outlet
Fathers find it easier to express themselves within a like-minded community.
Social Decline
Ignored Emotions
Men often find that their mental health concerns and personal struggles receive little attention or care.
Encountering a decline in sexual motivation and involvement due to prevalent stress and fatigue.
Decreased Libido
Encountering a decline in sexual motivation and involvement due to prevalent stress and fatigue.
Fatigue = Anger
Lack of sleep leads to heightened frustration, diminished energy, and persistent feelings of negativity.
Based on the feedback I received from the participants, I was able to create a persona who embodied their frustrations, behaviors and goals.
I then crafted over 20 different User Stories and grouped them into Epics. I chose Connecting with a Community of Fathers as the main Epic and decided to build a task flow around steps that Terrance would take in the process of sharing his daily experiences with fellow fathers dealing with PPPD. Thus, cultivating encouragement, fostering self-expression, and nurturing a sense of community.
Research Design Prototyping Testing
Research Design Prototyping Testing
Over the course of 4 weeks, I took on the role of a Solo UX/UI Designer for a project aimed at addressing postpartum depression in fathers. My responsibilities included research design, empathy building, solution ideation, prototyping, and user testing. Throughout this project, I utilized tools such as Figma, Illustrator, Otter.ai, and Google Workspace to develop and refine the final solution.
Research Design Prototyping Testing
Key Insights:
After finishing the prototype, I carried out usability tests to receive live feedback and enhance my application for a better user experience. The goal of the app is to cultivate a space where fathers who are experiencing PPPD can grow and be a part of a community while encouraging one another through the process.
Positive User Testing Feedback
Generally, testers grasped the process well, and user testing yielded positive feedback.
Smooth Navigation Experience
Testers navigated smoothly due to a familiar post flow to other social media platforms.
Reassessment of Privacy Screen
Privacy screen inclusion needs reassessment, as community solidarity for fathers with PPPD is crucial.
Clear Labels and Sections
Ensuring that labels and sections are clear so the user could better orient themselves in the app.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time out to view my case study on Paternal Postpartum Depression. As a father myself, this study really resonated with me as I too have experienced the symptoms of PPPD during my first daughter and has given me more awareness for my second newborn daughter.
Lessons Learned
Designing a successful app necessitates recognizing the varied ways people engage with technology, ensuring inclusivity. When creating a community platform, like for fathers dealing with PPPD, the balance between privacy and shared solidarity needs careful consideration. Embracing subtle changes acknowledges their significant impact on user experience. Removing assumptions about usability and involving users directly through testing and feedback solidifies a user-centered approach.
Next Steps
Initiating a second round of user testing to refine, followed by iterative improvements on the Hi-Fi prototype; subsequently, handing off to software engineers for the proof of concept phase, while concurrently soliciting user feedback post-download and usage.