Fairchild Wheeler Magnet High School

Information Technology and Software Engineering

Principal: Dr. Black

Solace Application

Jasmine Bullen, Sabrina Escalona Ortiz, Lohana Andrade, Mariah Seda, Jada Worthy

June 12, 2017

Capstone I

Instructors: Mrs. Warner & Mrs. Rivera

 Table of Contents:

Abstract.. 3

Problem/Topic Statement. 4

Literature Review. 7

Historical Perspective... 7

Current Perspective.. 9

Potential Impacts..12

Health & Safety.12

Educational....14

Legal...17

Methods..20

Intended Results27

Work Cited.29

Appendix A.....34

Appendix B.35
Abstract

Our Capstone project is about uplifting the spirits and shining a light of hope for those

who are struggling with difficult circumstances. The goal of OurVoice Co. is to use multimedia

and software to open up the door for communication, and while most applications do, we will

solely focus on the advancement and support of others. By building up others and teaching them

to communicate, as well as have confidence in themselves, we build up a stronger, better, and

more influential community and world. Our first stepping stone to accomplish this overall goal,

in a realistic perspective, is to have at least 50% of our focus groups mental and physical health

issues improve as well as their comfort with communication, all within four months of using

Solace. OurVoice will begin this process by using Alakazam Apps to create Solace.

We will create at least 2 versions of the app for students to test. A survey will be created

to gather feedback from the focus group and at least 200 students to see if any changes to the app

need to be made. Once this is completed, we will release our app into the app store. OurVoice

Co. will use different social media tactics to share Solace. It will also be available on the app

stores for both iPhones and Androids. It will be accessible to the public, but our main target is to

reach high school students. Having Solace available to society will help accomplish the purpose

of our entire Capstone project and positively impact the lives of adolescents.
Problem Statement

Think of a time where you wanted to talk to someone or get help without feeling ashamed

or insecure. How successful were you in finding a confidant? Think of a time when you have

searched high and low for effective answers but could just not find what you were looking for.

Throughout life, everyone struggles but not everyone knows where to go to find help, thus

leading to major problems in mental and physical health. Many may feel like they are in their

situation alone but just around the corner are effective answers, support, and encouragement. Are

you ready for a change?

OurVoice Co. will create Solace, an application that provides users with a safe

environment to communicate with others who understand their pain. If we develop an app that

incorporates resources and features that are positive and effective in dealing with mental and

physical issues, then improvements in our users mental and physical health states and confidence

will be present. They will have a tool that will lead and guide them on a better and more

optimistic path of life. Having an app provide a wide variety of sources, such as music, videos,

spoken words, films, and books will help users in the midst of their circumstances. Now, help is

at their fingertips and comfort is one button away.

One huge issue today is depression and loneliness. Not only does it affect the mind but

the body as well. Loneliness is a debilitating disease that is severe and, if untreated, could

increase disability, weight loss, disturbed sleep and thoughts of suicide or actual suicide. It is

associated with chronic changes in the cardiovascular, immune and hormonal systems, which

damage the heart and reduce the resistances of infection, as well as loss of bone and muscle.

Social isolation results in a change in your health as well. Worland (2015) reports that loneliness
increases risk of death by 26%. Also, lack of social opportunities fail to keep the brain in good

condition (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2015).

Another problem that affects our society is the unwillingness to communicate or confide

in others. Studies have shown that those who have become accustomed to holding in the remorse

and pain of a traumatic event are more likely to be susceptible to poor health. The New York

Times (1984) reported that not confiding one's troubles requires a physiological effort that

combines with the normal upheavals of the trauma itself to produce the most stress, and over

time that combined stress can lead to disease. This is known as suppression, the act of

pushing a traumatic thought out of your head. However, Solace will diminish and potentially

eliminate these hazardous health risks. This app will give users the ability to anonymously

confide in others, helping them gain confidence and release any damaging stress.

Solace will have many different features that will help a person cope with whatever is

going on in their lives. Being able to communicate with others and talking about problems will

help in many ways. Whether the issue is big or small, just getting it out of the system can be

alleviating. Bottling all those emotions inside will make things worse and not only affect people

emotionally but physically and mentally as well.

Everyone struggles but not everyone knows where to go to find help, thus leading to

major problems in mental and physical health. The various tools that our app, Solace, will offer

will benefit many and be an easier way to get help. In doing so, OurVoice Co. hopes to improve

the health, safety, acknowledgement of how serious these struggles are to one's body and mind,

all while abiding by any laws that protect the rights of others.
Literature Review

OurVoice Co. will create Solace, a communications app directed towards struggling

young adults. The youth today suffer from many different problems such as depression, anxiety,

and other insecurities both at home and in school. These issues not only affect their mental states

but also their physical ones. Many lack a middle ground where they can safely talk about

personal issues without being intervened by authority figures. Our app will act as that middle

ground for open communication with the added benefit of anonymity. Through music, spoken

words, books, videos and more, people can seek the encouragement that they need to get through

the day. Therefore, OurVoice Co. seeks to help young teens express their personal issues

through a safe environment, while also remaining open to those of all ages.

Historical Perspective

Blazer (2014) looked at seven case studies with people who suffered from depression late

in their lives. They gathered a large body of data that gave more information about the

phenomenology, diagnosis, biological correlates, molecular mechanism, medical comorbidities

and treatment of late life depression. They found that they lagged far behind in developing a

more effective clinical trial to help elderly people through this illness. With the knowledge that

they gained from this case study, they continued to move forward to provide appropriate care for

depressed elders (Aging and Mental Health, 2014).

Historically, it was thought that depression majorly affected only adults. However,

Moreth and OLawrence (2016) researched depression on a group of 2,199 adolescents and

young adults. Out of the 2,199 adolescents that responded, 1,375 were enrolled in school, and

48.6% of those respondents were male and the other 51.4% was female.
The study also talked about whether gender was a risk factor of depression. It was found that

depression is the result of not one thing but many things such as genetics, biologic, and

environmental factors. The results showed that 10 to 15% of adolescents and young adults are

affected with depression. Girls have a higher tendency to have depression than boys. Depression,

if not treated, has also been known to increase the risk of suicide.

Holden et al. (2015) tested 10,369 Australian women in distinct age groups, ranging from

ages 18-74, to see if there was any correlation in social support and mental health. Their research

was inspired by a variety of previous studies that found that decreasing depressive symptoms

were apparent in subjects with greater levels of social support. In order to test this theory, the

team took various surveys using the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Scale and Mental

Health Inventory (MHI) to measure the subjects current levels of social support, mental, and

physical health. They concluded that any organizations or activities that aid in development

and/or promotion of better social support enhances the futures, well-beings, and unions of

people.

Miller et al. (2014) did a case study from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2010. The

propensity score-matched cohort study was done on 162,625 United States residents, ages 10 to

64, who were diagnosed with depression. These patients were new initiators of selective

serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy who had not been treated with an antidepressant in

the past year. The case study was done to see if there was a relationship between the dosage of an

antidepressant and the risk of deliberate self harm in different age groups. It was found that the

rate of deliberate self harm was twice as high in youth ages 10 to 24 who were taking a high

dosage of antidepressants compared to the adults from ages 25 to 64.

 Higher education can cause anxiety and depression in college students. Medical school is

a stressful environment that often produces a negative effect on academic accomplishments.

Mosley et al. (1994) and his team examined 69 third-year medical students. After analyzing their

results, they had found that out of those 69 students, 23% of them had clinical levels of

depression and 57% endorsed high levels of somatic distress. The results illustrated that students

who used coping strategies lessened the negative consequences associated with stress in medical

students.

Current Perspectives

More recently, Bum and Jeon (2016) did a study on how social support affects ones

self-esteem, depression, and happiness. They surveyed a total of 311 students from four different

universities across South Korea. The two used The Student Social Support Scale, Rosenberg

Self-Esteem scale, and a redesigned Ryffs Scale of Psychological Well-Being to measure the

different levels of students social support, happiness, and self-esteem. They found that there was

a direct association between the three. Not only was higher social support found to increase

self-esteem, but it also decreased depression. This increase in support was overall helpful in

creating positive mindsets in these students, allowing them to be healthier, happier, and more

emotionally stable.

Woolery et al. (2004) and her team researched how yoga techniques help alleviate

symptoms of depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a five week

yoga course on symptoms of depression in mildly depressed young adults. This study used

different forms of yoga such as breathing, meditation etc. None of the volunteers had any yoga

experience and also did not receive any form of treatment or diagnosis of depression.
During the courses, there were specific postures that were particularly effective for alleviating

depression. The subjects that participated demonstrated significant decrease in self-reported

symptoms of depression and anxiety. The effects started showing from the middle to the end of

the course. There were also changes in mood, where the subjects reported decreased levels of

negative mood and fatigue. They concluded that yoga helps alleviate symptoms of depression

and anxiety.

Art and music have been used for many years as a form of therapy because it helps

people translate their feelings into something and let it out in one form or the other. Starting with

music, there are two forms in which music can help a person with depression. There is the act of

listening to the music and playing a musical instrument itself. Both benefit the person but for

different reasons. When someone listens to music, it stimulates their brain and provides

emotional healing, helping people to develop positive self-image and aids in prioritizing stress

and pain. Music also helps people take their mind off of physical pain, which can help them cope

with a number of ailments (Indigo Medical Training, 2017).

The actual playing of an instrument has the benefit of making the person do some form of

physical exercise and get them moving. Art is also a great form of expressing one's emotions

when words are too hard to say. [Just] because something cannot be heard by the human ear

does not mean that nothing is being said or revealed. (GoodTherapy.org, 2012). Art, like music,

has a physical and brain stimulating aspect to it. Both are beneficial to a person suffering with

depression, anxiety or just bottled up emotions.

 Many American teens are anxious, depressed and overwhelmed. Experts are struggling

over how to help them. Schrobsdorff (2016) discussed ways to help teenagers through these

tough times and included anecdotes as examples of their experience with depression and anxiety

throughout high school and how they wished their parents had known how to help them. Some

ways that parents can help their children is to talk about the real stuff, pay attention without

smothering them, resist anger and seek assistance immediately. It is also important for the entire

family to be part of the process.

Bass et al.(2014) talk about four different forms of therapy that help people with

addictions, compulsive behavior, suicidal behaviors, substance abuse, depression, sexual trauma,

and more. These therapies include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral

Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mode Deactivation Therapy

(MDT). These different forms of therapy can help and impact adolescents. For instance, when

DBT is combined with CBT, negative coping mechanisms are turned into positive ones. When

patients undergo ACT, their mindsets are shifted from denying the issue to accepting it and

changing the way they handle the situation. MDT helps adolescents with aggressive and conduct

behavioral issues by allowing a more accepting and open environment between patients and

therapists which results in the patient being more open minded to the process.

Bass et al. (2014) also compares the four different forms of therapy through their

similarities, differences, and the effectiveness of one over the other. The key similarity between

them is they all have been proven to show an increase in positive change in adolescents and

decrease in treatment resistance and drop-out.

However, there is not a definite way of knowing if these methods are better than traditional CBT

due to the insignificant amount of evidence on ACT, DBT, and MDT. Yet, research has

continued on these new therapies at an exponential rate in order to get more significant evidence

on their effects usefulness.

Potential Impacts

Health & Safety

Robinson et al. (2014), performed a pilot study based on whether an internet-based

intervention could reduce suicidal thoughts, depression, and hopelessness among high school

students. This experiment was done because there is not much evidence on how effective suicide

prevention is for adolescents. The researchers wanted to see if this internet-based intervention

was efficient and effective in preventing these, sometimes fatal, problems among adolescents,

who were born during this technical era. The pilot study illustrated that there was a significant

decrease in suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and hopelessness. The researchers concluded

that these unique forms of intervention might hold promise for reducing the risk of suicide

among adolescents.

Unfortunately, there is a potential for cyber bullying to occur. Ditch the Label (2015),

one of the worlds largest anti-bullying charities, administered The Cyberbullying Survey in 2013

and found statistics about bullying all over the internet. The survey reported that 7 out 10 teens

had been cyberbullied, with 20% experiencing it daily and 37% experiencing it very frequently.

They estimated that nearly 6 million teens in the UK alone have experienced it, with little over 1

million of them receiving it in extreme forms.

 Ditch the Label also reported that cyberbullying and other forms of internet abuse, such as

sexual harassment, racism, and homophobic comments, heavily affect self-esteem in young

adults. Abuse was shown to lead to self harm, as well as young adults trying to change their

appearance. Although public communication can pose a threat, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Larsen et al. (2016) performed a study on how mobile apps are helping those at risk of

suicide, which is the leading cause of death world-wide. After reviewing 123 suicide-related

applications, they found that about 40% contained a suicide prevention feature while most

focused on gaining social support. But, some apps contained features that would be potentially

harmful and worsen thoughts and/or symptoms. Despite the small number tested containing

flaws, the overall conclusion was that there is a definite need for more prevention apps that base

their preventative measures/features on evidence-based practices.

Carissoli et al. (2015) tested the effectiveness of mobile apps teaching meditation

protocol. Some apps employed mindfulness and meditation protocols, while others used music to

calm the user. Not only were these apps effective in lowering the heart rate of the users, but they

were also found to reduce stress and help the user learn how to cope. Specific techniques

employed from certain apps were also found to aide in the reduction of tension, confusion, and

anxiety. Listening to music was even reported to reduce pain in some participants. Overall, the

research showed that these apps, though not in a shockingly significant way, do indeed help

reduce stress and anxiety in its users. The report even expressed the demand for more self-help

applications of this kind.

Epstein and Bequette (2013) reported that the use of cell phones in various practices has

been widespread among mental health professionals and clinics.

They help patients remember any tasks they are supposed to do as well as track their progress.

Customized mobile apps have even been proven to be beneficial in reducing adolescent patients

depression, as well as the desire to use drugs as a coping method. Since everyone has phones and

they can easily be brought anywhere, these apps are convenient. Also, opening up a customized

app does not attract any unwanted attention nor is it embarrassing for the patient. So, these apps

not only aide in memory, effectiveness of treatment, decrease in depression and want for drugs,

but they also give the user the confidence of not fearing judgement.

Kim et al. (2014) performed a study on how social support impacts young mothers

suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). The research stated that mothers with low support

were at higher levels of risk for depression. This was found to be especially true for adolescents

who are not ready to take on motherhood. With no one to guide them through this process, they

are more likely to fall into PPD. In giving mothers the proper support systems they need, their

life, as well as their childs, will be much better off both mentally and physically. Social support

has apparent effects on youth, as well as adults.

Educational

There are many resources that can educate people on the issue of mental illness.

However, there are issues such as stigma, severity and money that can keep someone from

seeking assistance (Tartakovsky, 2013). Because of these factors, it is highly doubtful that these

individuals will seek help from strangers, especially the internet. However, it is possible that

anonymity might motivate a person to seek help or educate themselves without judgement.
 According to Queensland Government (2014), the reason people become reluctant to talk

about mental illnesses is that they are naive on the topic or they are fearful of what they do not

know. However, being aware and learning more about the effects of mental illnesses, such as

depression or anxiety, impacts the way people treat others with those illnesses. In fact, actions

have the potential to make the condition better or worse. People who have a mental illness not

only have to deal with the symptoms of their illness but also the discrimination from friends,

family, employers, and the community. In addition, they also have to live with the shame that

comes with their illness. All of these factors can be more disabling than the mental illness itself

and can lead to loss of hope and a relapse of their condition.

As reported by Queensland Government (2014), the only way to make a real difference in

their lives, so that conditions do not get worse, is to be more understanding and aware of what

they go through mentally and socially. Moreover, being understanding and compassionate with

people with mental illness could open the door for one to be a confidant for them. Indeed, people

who have mental illness can find it difficult, and sometimes risky, to talk about their situation or

problem. Being there for them and listening to their issues when they are willing to open up is

important for their recovery process. This opportunity opens a door for that confidant to share

different sources for help; sources including professional help, speaking to other people,

self-help strategies, and coping methods.

King et al. (2010) performed an experiment in Cincinnati schools by identifying which

suicide prevention and behavior programs were most effective in increasing students

self-efficacy, self-help, and help-seeking behaviors.

 To measure effectiveness of these programs, the team had students take an awareness and

prevention survey and collected data from a three month timespan. They performed an initial

pretest survey, a posttest, and a follow up at the end of the three months. In doing so, the

researchers found that students were substantially less likely to feel suicidal, hopeless, and

depressed after the allotted three months. Also, their self-efficacy increased as well as their

help-seeking tendencies. Overall, this study found that 9/10 students had a desire for more

programs like this in their schools, as well as the effectiveness of such programs.

Over 800,000 people die due to suicide every year. It is the second largest cause of death

among 15-29 year olds. By talking about mental health, awareness is raised. And by raising

awareness, those who are suffering will gain confidence and this will help them talk about how

they feel. That in itself is a huge help to all those who are suffering from mental health illnesses

(Paw, 2016).

There are three major ways to raise awareness for mental health. Bringing up mental

health illnesses in a conversation or over social media is a great way to get people talking about

it and shows the seriousness of the issue. Also, donating to a mental health charity will help

people raise awareness and do what they do best when it comes to supporting mental health

illnesses. Lastly, anyone who has experienced a mental health problem should share their story.

It is a great way to raise awareness because it shows that mental health illnesses are

common and will also give hope to those that are experiencing it (Paw,2016).
 Advertising a mental health app to adolescents going through different struggles has

become easier since the majority of them are on different forms of social media, however,

advertising a mental health app for psychologists and therapists may not be as easy as it is for

adolescents. This specific target market may be essential to ones company developing this type

of app because mental health professionals could potentially share this type of app with patients

who are going through different mental health issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts, etc.

However, getting mental health professionals to recommend the app to their patients may be

difficult.

When developing an app that provides health advice, one must take into consideration

credibility and if the proper credentials are not valid, professionals may not take your app as a

practical benefit to their patients, preventing one from reaching the medical field. Moreover,

some health professionals may take into consideration the lack of reliable security and

confidentiality of apps. Since apps are not secure resources and information people provide to an

app can be given to identified and unidentified third-party sites, adolescents and mental health

professionals may be reluctant to sharing their personal or having their patients share personal

information online.

Giota et al (2014) argued that there is a possibility that apps can send unencrypted

personal information to insecure ad networks that track users. They claim that despite these

flaws in apps, a simply solution of keeping the users anonymous can be implemented. This will

allow users to refrain from putting in sensitive information that could be great value for

cyber-criminals.
 Piko et al. (2009) studied the influence that parents, schools, and self have in young

peoples lives and in finding any potential characteristics of depression. In surveying 881

Hungarian high school students, they found that social support from parents and teachers, as well

as being an optimistic person, were big factors in what made a student depressed. Having a close

relationship, eating dinner, and having open communication with parents turned out to reduce the

likelihood of the student being depressed. The team later deduced that more programs should be

molded around promoting these factors and teaching families the steps they can take that will

help protect their child.

Legal

Stanford University Libraries found that there is a legal procedure to use a publication (in

the form of photos, text, music, etc) that is not owed by the person who is posting it. There are

five steps: determine if permission is needed, identify the owner, identify the rights needed, plan

ahead for permission, contact the owner, negotiate whether payment is required and get

permission agreement in writing. Following these steps will give legal consent of publishing

media that is not your own (Stim, n.d).

Youtube (2017), one of the biggest video sharing websites, has a certain protocol to use

copyrighted material from their site. This protocol is called fair use, which is a legal doctrine that

says you can reuse copyright-protected material under certain circumstances without getting

permission from the copyright owner. In the United States, a judge analyzes how each of the

factors of fair use applies to a specific case. However, in different countries there are different

guidelines that are followed in court.

 There are 4 guidelines a company must follow in order for a U.S. judge to consider this

doctrine. They must know the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of

commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes. They must also know the nature of

the copyrighted work and the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the

copyrighted work as a whole. Lastly, they need to know the effect of the use upon the potential

market for, or value of the copyrighted work. If the company follows these guidelines in their

proposal to the judge, the company will be able to use youtube videos without infringing the law.

The Model School District Policy (2017) on suicide prevention is to help school staff

become knowledgeable on how to see students at-risk of suicide, intervene and prevent it.

Suicide can be prevented by looking out for the physical, behavioral and emotional health of a

student. There are certain students that are at-risk for having suicidal thoughts, such as students

who have a disorder, disability, LGBTQ, etc. There are measures one can receive in order to

prevent suicide or suicidal thoughts. These include: receiving effective mental health care,

positive social connections, and the skill and ability to solve problems.

There are also risk factors that increase the chances of suicide in teens such as major

depression, bullying, problems with alcohol or drugs, etc. It is still important to keep in mind that

people with mental disorders or other suicide risk factors do not engage in suicidal behavior.

So it is vital to notice the little signs that a student may show in school so that an intervention can

be initiated. If a student were to attempt suicide, there are certain procedures that the school must

follow to ensure the safety of everyone else in the school and to try to get that student immediate

help. The student must also follow a re-entry procedure when coming back to school so that

they do not attempt it again.

 The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191

was put into action on August 21 1996. Part of this law addresses privacy regulations that

concern individual health information. The law stipulates that an individual's past, present or

future physical or mental health condition (Pg. 6) must be protected. Additionally, any

information that is sent out electronically, on paper or oral must also be protected. It could

possibly be an issue to Solace because Solace will allow individuals to talk about their mental

conditions with each other. It will also be made public so that even though individuals remain

anonymous, it will be open for anyone to view. Any app or website could be in conflict with the

HIPAA Act and may be a issue that must be dealt with later on.

During the investigation of how our app, Solace, could potentially affect others, it has

been discovered just how beneficial and risky our app could be to society. Solace will be

beneficial because it has the potential to raise awareness, teach people how to treat others with

mental illness, and the seriousness of these problems. Furthermore, Solace has the potential to

act as a suicide prevention and behavior program since it will teach users self-efficacy, self-help,

and help-seeking behaviors. However, it may be difficult to reach mental health professionals,

who deal with adolescents that struggle with these issues; this is why OurVoice Co. will keep

users anonymous.

Solace will also impact the health and safety of our society by using internet intervention,

various methods and resources, and creating an environment of social support.. However, there is

a potential risk of cyberbullying because of our open communication feature. Solace will take

into consideration the legal issues of copyright, legal consent, proper conduct of suicidal users,

and user privacy.

 Despite these problems, OurVoice Co. will make sure that all laws are obeyed, copyright

protocols are followed, and that there is legitimate suicide prevention. Solace has a great

potential to affect the education, health, and safety of society. Nevertheless, to make sure that

OurVoice Co. is legally impacting our users in those areas we will take the necessary precautions

and procedure to insure that users are safe, informed, and healthy.

Methods

Material Purpose Use for data Caution Statement

collection

Alakazam Apps To create the app for It will be used to It is not anticipated
our Capstone collect data in the that this material will
controlled cause harm.
investigation and
design investigation
of the Capstone
Project.

Survey (Google To collect data on the It will be used to It is not anticipated

Form) apps performance collect data on users that this material will
opinions on the cause harm.
design, performance,
and other aspects of
the app.

Contract (Google To get permission to It will be used to It is not anticipated

Form) use the users as test create a contract for that this material will
subjects all 200 test subjects cause harm.
who will be testing
out the app, this
serves as a
permission slip and
liability contract.
Also if the user is
under the age of 18
then they will need
parents permission
before taking part in
 the experiment. This
will be ensured by a
parents signature.

Resources (These To provide our users It will be used to It is not anticipated

need to be separate with resources that collect data on that this material will
for each problem) will help them cope improvement of cause harm.
(Capstone 2) with their overall wellness.
problems/issues.

Initial Survey To see if people It will be used to It is not anticipated

(Google Forms) would actually use collect data on the that this material will
Solace if it was on the number of intended cause harm.
market or available to users.
the public.

Scientific Variables Methods to collect data. Data Collected in Chart Form

Investigation Addressed

Controlled I.V: App 1. The Company is formalized. Overall opinion on the design of the
Content & 2. The C ompany figured out the Solace App. (ratings)
App Features problem going to be addressed.
3. The Company brainstormed The demographics of the high school
D.V.: together and performed research students testing the app (200)
Improvements to compose the Literature Review.
in symptoms 4. The company presented the Overall improvement of wellness and
of their Literature Review. confidence of each high school student
person mental 5. The company composed the testing the app (effectiveness)
illness or Methods portion of the Capstone.
problem 6. The Company developed and sent Number of high school students with
out surveys on if Solace was parents permission
available would they actually use
it.
7. The Company collected the data
from the survey.
8. The company presented the
Methods to an audience.
9. The Solace app will be created
using the Alakazam Apps
application creator.
10. The Company will develop a
liability contract for the test
subjects.
11. The company will state in the
contract that the test subject will
need to agree to download the
app, use the app to help their
specific problem area for 6 month
by addressing at least one
personal issue they deal with and
would like to see improvement in,
and at the end of the six months
document how the app helped
them.
12. The Company will also mention in
the contract that the test subjects
will remain anonymous.
13. The Alpha version will be tested
by the individual members of our
company to determine
effectiveness and rule out any
errors.
14. If any errors are present they will
be corrected through the re-design
of the application.
15. The Beta version of the app will
be tested by the individual
members of the company to
determine its effectiveness.
16. The company will select 200
students to be part of a focus
group that will regularly use the
app over a span of six months.
17. The focus group will give
feedback after the set time span on
the overall effectiveness of the
app in helping their personal
issues over time. Their feedback
will also aid in how we design the
app and what content should or
should not be included.
18. The Director of P.R. and COO
will explain the purpose and
benefits of the app to various
students in the three branches of
our high school to have a test
group of at least 200 students use
 the app to show how effective the
app can be..
19. The 200 students will give
feedback on the design,
performance, and overall
effectiveness of the app in aiding
with personal issues and boosting
confidence, happiness, and overall
wellness.
20. The feedback from students will
determine if a redesign of the app
is needed.
21. The COO and Dir. Of P.R. will
contact ten teachers to explain the
purpose and benefits of the app to
help them communicate with
others about their problems and
agree to recommend the app.
22. Each teacher will provide
feedback on the effectiveness of
the app in aiding with personal
issues and boosting confidence,
happiness, and overall wellness.
23. Feedback from the ten teachers
will determine if a redesign of the
app is needed.
24. The COO and Dir. Of P.R. will
contact four high school guidance
counselors to explain the purpose
and benefits of the app to help
students boost confidence,
happiness, and overall wellness.
25. Feedback from the guidance
counselors will determine if a
redesign of the app is needed and
whether or not this app should be
implemented in the schools.
26. Each branch of the school will
provide at least 75 students to use
the app to communicate with
others about their problems to
boost confidence, happiness and
overall wellness over the course of
2 months
 27. The COO and Dir. of Finance will
monitor the apps usage and
communicate with the school
administrators on the high school
students data.
28. The amount of students that use
the app will be recorded.
29. All data will be taken into
consideration to redesign the app
and potentially implement it in the
school or be suggested to students
by counselors, teachers, or peers.

Design Alakazam Explain how you will design your project Alakazam Apps will allow us to
Jada Worthy & Apps [in detail] step by step, and include how redesign and improve Solace
Mariah Seda you intend to test, analyze the data from according to the performance and
the test, quality data.

1. The Company will use the

Alakazam Apps application
creator to develop Solace.
2. The Company will design the
Solace by implementing the
available plugins, various
multimedia, Professional FAQ,
crisis hotlines, and development
team feedback into the app.
3. The Company will implement a
placement test to generate a list of
useful resources for the specific
user.
4. The Company will design a tab
bar where the user will be able to
access their specific resources to
help them with their problems.
5. The Companys member test out
all the features and fix any bugs
noticed before the Director of
Public Relations send it out to the
development team to give more
feedback.
6. After the Company, gets feedback
from from the professional
 development team the Company
members will discuss and
implement their feedback into the
Beta version of Solace.
7. After the Beta design process is
completed, the Company will
acquire the feedback of 200
Fairchild Wheeler high school
students about Solace.
8. After we receive all 200 responses
we will modify and update the
Beta version of Solace.
9. Then we will have a focus group
of 25 middle school and 25 high
school students
10. Each student who is under 18 will
sign a contract and get a parent
signature, making them aware of
the terms and conditions and
giving them permission to partake
in the test.
11. Each student will use Solace for 2
months.
12. After the 2 months is over, the
students will take a survey where
they have the opportunity to share
the overall effectiveness and
performance, user friendliness,
and possible modifications and
additions of the app.
13. Our company will take the focus
groups feedback and update it to
the Alpha version and then sent to
the marketing team to be sent out
to the public.
Field Gender, Survey questions will be placed on a State the number of respondents each
Lohana Grade, Google Form to be conducted through the variable you address in the survey.
Andrade, Age, internet via Edmodo, guidance
Sabrina App counselors, and teachers. Males: 100 | Females: 123
Escalona, Performance,
Jasmine Bullen App Design, Questions: 9th: 50 | 10th: 50 | 11th: 5100 | 12th:
App Content, 1. Select your gender Male / 50
Effectiveness, Female
14:20 | 15: 50 | 16: 70 | 17: 30 | 18:30
Additional 2. What school are you in?...Multiple
App Features, Choice Design:
App 3. What grade are you in?....Multiple
Modifications Choice (1 = boring; 5 = intriguing)
; & 4. How old are you?... Multiple
App Choice 1: 5 | 2: 10 | 3: 20 | 4: 75 |5: 90
Continuation 5. How would you rate design of the Performance:
app (appearance, aesthetics,
etc)?...1-5 rating (1 = terrible; 5 = excellent)
6. Why?.....Open response
7. How would you rate the 1: 5 | 2: 10 | 3: 20 | 4: 75 |5: 90
performance of the app?
(functionality, is it easy to use, Content:
etc)....1-5 rating (1 = not relevant; 5 = very relevant)
8. Why?....Open response
9. How would you rate the content 1: 5 | 2: 10 | 3: 20 | 4: 75 |5: 90
on the app? (Is it relevant?)....1-5
rating Effectiveness:
10. Why?.....Open response
11. How would you rate the overall (1 = not effective; 5 = very effective)
app in its ability to help you with 1: 5 | 2: 10 | 3: 20 | 4: 75 |5: 90
personal issues, boosting
confidence, happiness, and overall Continuation: Yes: 180 | No: 20
wellness?.....1-5 rating
12. Why?......Open response Change In Symptoms:
13. Is there anything you think Yes: 150| No: 50
should be added to the
app?.....Open response Effectiveness of Anonymity:
14. If there was one thing you would Yes: 160 | No: 40
change about the app what would
it be?...Open response Therapists Opinions:
FOCUS GROUP: Yes: 120 | No: 80
 15. Even though the trial is over, will
you continue to use the app?...
Yes/No
16. Did you or do you notice any
change in symptoms?....Yes/ No
17. Did the anonymous feature help
you feel more comfortable with
sharing your feelings problem?....
Yes/No

PLACEMENT TEST:
1. What range does your age fall
into?
2. What problems do you struggle
with the most? ( Check all that
apply: depression, anxiety,
loneliness, insecurity/confidence,
bullying, motivation, stress, fear,
faith, LGBTQ )
3. What type of multimedia
resources are you interested in?
(Check all that apply: songs,
spoken word videos, poetry,
videos, books, movies)
4. Would you want to receive daily
uplifting quotes?

SOW will be created and completed in

order to reach out to individuals and
organizations both in school and in the
outside community by October 15, 2017
- For the developmental stages we
will be in contact with Jack Nilan,
The Crisis Call Center & Eliot
Brenner
- For the marketing stages we will
be in contact with Marcella
Sanchez, Maria Rivera, and
Aretha Johnson (Bridgeport Board
of Education Superintendent)

Scientific Investigation Constraints

Controlled The freshman class will not be part of the focus group that will use the app nor
will all of the teachers and guidance counselors participate.

Design Alakazam App is only compatible with iPhone and Android phones.

Field The survey was only used at Fairchild Wheeler High school.

Possible Criticism Address of the Criticism with potential solution.

Respondents in survey The format of the survey was only presented as a Google Form. We can create a
were less than 200 in hardcopy version and present the survey to the students in class to make sure it is
number. completed.

Students in focus To ensure that the focus group is using the app, we can contact them regularly to
group may lie or not check if they are or are not using the app. Also, the potential lack of usage may be
actually use the app used as data in reference to the effectiveness of our app.
for all two months.

Surveys can be To ensure authentic opinions is by having a disclaimer, at the beginning of the
inaccurate because the survey, stating to take the survey seriously because the feedback that is given back
focus group might not will affect the impact we can make in peoples lives both mentally and physically and
produce authentic both of those areas of someones health shouldnt be taken lightly.
opinions/feedback

Intended Results

Our intended results will be to collect feedback on the overall effectiveness of the Solace

app in aiding with a persons personal issues and improving their mental and physical states.

After our initial survey is released, data is collected, and our app is developed, we are

expecting to get about 200 responses for our second survey on the performance and quality

of the developed app. The age range we want to gain the majority of the responses from are

15-19 year olds and professional adults (guidance counselors, teachers, etc).
 We expect the ethnicity, gender and grade level to vary in range because the issue we are

trying to solve is not limited to a certain category. In addition, fifty students will take part of a

focus group to test the app for 2 months. After the given time, we predict that 50% of the focus

group will have improved in comparison to their original set goal, rate of overall wellness and

confidence. The 200 surveyed students will also confirm that our app is effective. The need to

make minor changes to the app is also expected.

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Appendix A: Timeline
Appendix B: Initial Survey Results