DoulaConnect
Improving Service Delivery time by 90+%
The Iowa Black Doula Collective (IBDC)
Maternal Health Care
1 Designer, 3 Developers
4 Months
Overview
The Challenge
The IBDC faced several significant challenges:
- Manual Matching Process: Pairing doulas with families was time-consuming and inefficient, often taking up to 48 hours or more, leading to delays and potential mismatches.
- Inefficient Communication: Keeping in touch with families required considerable effort, resulting in slow response times and missed connections.
- Inconsistent Educational Material Delivery: Reliance on doulas to manually deliver educational materials meant there was no guarantee that families received essential information.
- Lack of Technical Resources: The IBDC needed guidance and partnership to navigate the digital transformation without an in-house tech team.
Our Approach
Methodology
We adopted an Agile development methodology with 2-week sprints, allowing for flexibility and iterative progress. This approach facilitated regular client feedback and ensured alignment with the IBDC’s evolving needs. Recognizing the IBDC’s lack of a tech team, we committed to working alongside them every step, providing technical expertise and strategic guidance.
Services Provided
- Design & Discovery
- UI/UX Design
- Web App Development
Design & Discovery
Objective:
To thoroughly understand the needs of both the IBDC and the families they serve, ensuring that the final product would effectively address their challenges.
Stakeholder Workshops:
- Engaged with IBDC founders, doulas, and administrative staff to discuss current processes, pain points, and desired outcomes.
- Facilitated sessions to bridge the gap between their vision and technological possibilities.
User Persona Development:
- Identified key user groups: expectant mothers, doulas, and administrators.
- Created detailed personas for each group, outlining their needs, motivations, and challenges.
User Journey Mapping:
- Mapped out the end-to-end experience for each user persona.
- Identified key touchpoints, decision-making moments, and potential barriers.
Feature Brainstorming and Prioritization:
- Generated a comprehensive list of potential features.
- Prioritized features based on their impact and feasibility to ensure the most critical needs were addressed first.
Throughout this phase, we maintained close collaboration with the IBDC team, ensuring they were actively involved despite not having a technical background.
UI/UX Design
Objective:
To create an intuitive and engaging user interface that provides a seamless experience for both doulas and families.
Wireframing:
- Developed basic layouts for key screens to establish the structure and flow of the application.
- Shared wireframes with the IBDC team for feedback, making adjustments based on their insights.
Prototyping:
- Created interactive prototypes to simulate the user experience.
- Conducted virtual walkthroughs with the IBDC team and selected users to gather feedback.
Visual Design and Branding:
- Developed a visual style that reflects the IBDC’s mission and resonates with the target audience.
- Created a style guide encompassing color schemes, typography, and imagery.
Accessibility Considerations:
- Ensured the design was accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
- Incorporated features like easy-to-read fonts and intuitive navigation.
Our team ensured that the IBDC was involved in every design decision, providing explanations and education to empower them in the process.
Web App Development
Objective: To build a user-friendly and reliable web application that delivers the desired functionalities effectively.
User-Centric Development:
- Focused on creating an application that is easy to navigate and meets the needs of its users.
- Ensured that features like profile creation, search functionality, and communication tools were straightforward and intuitive.
Regular Communication:
- Held bi-weekly meetings with the IBDC team to present progress, gather feedback, and make collaborative decisions.
- Provided non-technical explanations to keep the IBDC team informed and engaged.
Quality Assurance:
- Conducted thorough testing to ensure the application was free of bugs and performed smoothly.
- Tested the application across different devices and browsers to ensure compatibility.
Security and Privacy:
- Prioritised the protection of user data.
- Implemented measures to ensure that personal information remained confidential and secure.
Launch and Support:
- Provided training and support to the IBDC team to ensure they could effectively use and manage the application.
- Offered post-launch assistance to address any issues and implement future enhancements.
By working closely with the IBDC, we ensured that despite their lack of a tech team, they felt supported and confident throughout the development process.
The Solution: Doula Connect Web App
Doula Connect revolutionizes the way parents access doula support through a user-friendly web application. Our team at Norus Technologies developed a platform that seamlessly connects parents with professional doulas, ensuring personalized support throughout the pregnancy journey.
Profile Creation and Search Functionality
- Users can create detailed profiles.
- Advanced search options allow families to find doulas that match specific criteria.
Custom Matching System
- Families are paired with the most suitable doulas based on their preferences and needs.
- Significantly reduced matching time from 48 hours to less than 30 minutes.
Custom Forms & Form Submissions
- Simplified data collection from families through easy-to-use forms.
- Streamlined processing enhances efficiency.
Automated Email Alerts & Communication Management
- Automated notifications keep both doulas and families informed.
- Centralized communication channels improve response times.
User Management
- Administrators have tools to manage user access and permissions.
- Enhanced security features protect user data.
Reporting
Provides insights into service usage and performance metrics.
Badge Assignment
Recognition badges are assigned to doulas for achievements and certifications, building trust with families.
Key Successes
Dramatic Reduction in Response Times
- Reduced from 48 hours to less than 30 minutes (90+% Increase In Efficiency), vastly improving user satisfaction and engagement.
- Enabled immediate support for families, which is critical during the pregnancy journey.
Seamless Collaboration with a Non-Technical Team
- Worked closely with the IBDC, guiding them through each phase despite their lack of a tech team.
- Empowered the IBDC staff with knowledge and tools to manage the platform effectively.
Streamlined Submission Workflow Implementation
- Automated processes reduced manual workload and errors.
- Allowed doulas to focus more on providing care rather than administrative tasks.
Enhanced Data Organization and Accessibility
- Centralized data storage made information readily available to authorized users.
- Improved data accuracy and ease of access for the IBDC team.
100% Educational Content Delivery via Email
- Ensured all families received essential educational materials promptly.
- Provided a consistent and reliable method for information dissemination.
Results
The implementation of Doula Connect has had a transformative impact on the IBDC and the families they serve:
Increased Engagement:
- The user-friendly platform has attracted more families seeking doula support.
- The efficient system has allowed the IBDC to expand its reach without overextending resources.
Improved Matching Accuracy and Speed:
- Families are now paired with doulas that closely match their preferences in less than 30 minutes.
- Immediate matching enhances the overall experience and satisfaction for both families and doulas.
Efficient Operations:
- The IBDC can handle a higher volume of clients without additional administrative burden.
- Staff can focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual processes.
Empowered Families:
- Easy access to educational resources empowers families with knowledge and confidence.
- Prompt support contributes to better health outcomes and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Norus Technologies is proud to have partnered with the Iowa Black Doula Collective to develop Doula Connect. By leveraging technology to solve real-world challenges, we have significantly reduced service delivery times and enhanced the IBDC’s ability to support families during one of the most critical times in their lives. Our collaborative approach ensured that, despite not having a tech team, the IBDC was supported every step of the way. This project exemplifies our commitment to delivering solutions that have a meaningful impact on communities.
