Púrpura App – Domestic Violence Support Solution
As the Product Designer and Front-End Developer, I led the design and implementation of a user-centered mobile app aimed at empowering women affected by gender violence. From creating intuitive wireframes and interactive prototypes to coding the app’s front end, every step was focused on making sure the app was accessible, discreet, and easy to use in even the most challenging situations.
At its core, the app was designed to provide real-time support while also educating users about their rights and connecting them to critical resources. My aim was to create a space that felt safe, reliable, and empowering for those who needed it most.
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Context
Púrpura App was developed as an academic project focused on addressing domestic violence through a practical, user-centered solution. It aimed to showcase how digital tools can create a meaningful social impact.
The main challenges included the difficulty victims face in accessing immediate help or information about domestic violence, often due to control by their abuser or lack of awareness. Additionally, the absence of a safe support network further isolates victims. The app needed to provide real-time, effective support while ensuring it remained discreet to avoid alerting the abuser or causing further harm.
Research Methods
Secondary Research: Analyzed Bogotá Women’s Secretariat studies on domestic violence.
Guerrilla Interviews: Asked women on the street about resource awareness and challenges.
Professional Insights: Interviewed social workers on essential features.
Key Research Findings
Research revealed that survivors highly value anonymity and discretion when accessing support, as fear of being discovered by their abuser is a significant barrier.
Many victims are unaware of their rights and the resources available to them, highlighting a critical need for accessible, educational tools. Additionally, while real-time emergency resources are essential, they are often underutilized due to fear, complexity, or lack of guidance.
Notably, many women reported knowing someone affected by domestic violence but felt unprepared to offer help, underscoring the importance of features that empower bystanders to provide informed support safely.
Process
Research: Investigated domestic violence, identifying user pain points and barriers to seeking help. Secondary research and interviews with experts helped shape the app’s features and ensure it addressed real needs. Focused on discreet, real-time support mechanisms.
Information Architecture: Designed a clear, intuitive app structure for easy access to critical resources and emergency support. Added an educational branch to teach users about gender violence, helping them identify abuse, understand their rights, and prevent future harm. Focused on providing both immediate help and long-term awareness through simple, streamlined navigation.
Wireframes: Created detailed wireframes that mapped out the app’s interface and user interactions. Focused on ensuring accessibility and simplicity, with an emphasis on guiding users to the most important resources quickly. The design was optimized for both functionality and ease of use.
Development: Worked on the app’s front-end development using HTML5 and CSS, ensuring it was responsive and accessible across devices. Collaborated closely with the team to implement design decisions and optimize user experience. Focused on performance and making the app seamless to navigate.
Testing: Conducted extensive usability testing with real users, including victims of domestic violence, to gather feedback on the app’s usability and effectiveness. Iterated on the design based on insights, ensuring the app met the needs of the target audience while maintaining discretion and ease of use.
Results
The results of the Púrpura App demonstrated significant strides in usability and accessibility, critical for supporting its vulnerable users. Usability testing, which involved 30 rounds with real users and social service experts, resulted in a 100% feature completion rate and positive feedback regarding the app’s ease of use, discreet navigation, and effective resource delivery.
These metrics highlight the app’s success in offering an intuitive, user-centered experience that ensured both safety and practicality for those in need.
30
Testing Rounds
100%
Feature Completion
Conclusion
This project underscores the importance of thoughtful, user-centered design in addressing real-world issues. We were able to deliver an app that not only provides immediate support but also builds a community of informed helpers, empowering women and fostering safety. Púrpura App is a vital tool for those affected by domestic violence, offering a discreet, accessible lifeline.
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