CHECKLOCK: Smart Door Lock for ADHD Users

  • Individual Project | 2 Month
  • 2024

Overview

For individuals with ADHD, executive function deficits often result in forgetfulness and heightened stress, especially when leaving home. CHECKLOCK is an innovative smart door lock designed to reduce cognitive load and promote independence. It provides a personalised checklist displayed on a touchscreen when users interact with the door handle, offering timely reminders to help them feel confident and prepared, promoting independence and reducing anxiety.

Challenge

ADHD-related challenges, such as memory inhibition and nonverbal working memory deficits, make daily routines more stressful. Forgetting essential items can lead to embarrassment, inconvenience, and increased cognitive load. Existing tools often fail to provide immediate, context-sensitive support. The challenge was to design a solution that delivers assistance at the critical moment before leaving home.

Solution

CHECKLOCK is a smart lock that combines a mobile app and AI-powered learning to provide proactive, personalized support:

  • Mobile App: Enables registration, and checklist creation.
  • Touchscreen Smart Lock: Displays the checklist at the door handle when users are about to leave.
  • AI and Adaptation: Tracks user behaviour over two weeks to suggest frequently used items for the checklist.

This approach minimises stress, fosters independence, and provides a reliable daily routine for users with ADHD.

● Research Insights

Literature Review:
  • ADHD impacts nonverbal working memory, planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation (Barkley, 2010).
  • Individuals with ADHD report higher levels of forgetfulness and attentional issues (Salomone et al., 2020).
  • Memory inhibition deficits exacerbate daily frustrations (Storm & White, 2010).

User Interviews:

  • Conducted structured interviews with 12 individuals aged 16–25 with ADHD.
  • Key Findings:
    • 75% reported frequent forgetfulness, often leading to stress and embarrassment.
    • Forgetfulness increased cognitive load and negatively impacted self-esteem.
    • Users expressed a desire for simple, non-intrusive solutions to support memory.
Research Questions:
  1. How to develop a checklist for managing daily tasks more effectively, promoting independence and reducing anxiety among ADHD people?
  2. How can touchscreen interfaces be optimised to enhance cognitive recall and ease of use for individuals with executive function deficits?
User Persona:
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User Journey Maps
Current State:
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Future State:
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Competitor Analysis:
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SWOT Analysis:
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User Flow:
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Low-Fidelity Wireframes

The app's low-fidelity wireframe.

The smart lock's low-fidelity wireframe.

Expert Evaluation

I gave the low-fidelity wireframes to 3 UX/UI designer experts to provide feedback on the prototype and how to improve it. Here is the summary:

  • The main page could be simplified, because it looks like a calander rather than a checklist app.
  • The pop-up hint on the monthly review screen is small and does not have enough spacing around items, the fonts are a bit small and in terms of hierachy it is better to keep the rectangles on the left.
  • On the main lock screen, it is better to keep the time and date on the top, as users are used to it. It was suggested to have more spacing between each item and a include a more friendly message for the user.
  • It is better to show the unchecked items on the alert message, so that users can check they have made the right decision.

Component

High-Fidelity Prototypes

The mobile application's prototype was designed in Figma. Click here to access the complete prototype.

The smart lock's High-Fidelity.

Future Scope:

First of all I need to test the Check-lock with real target market. It needs to be quantitatively tested (usability test) with many users and then have a qualitative post test interview with a selected number of participants. And the next possible steps for developing this product could be:

  1. Voice Activation: Hands-free checklist management for enhanced accessibility.
  2. Community Platform: Shared insights and feedback among users.
  3. Expanded Applications: Adapt technology for other demographics, such as individuals with dementia.

Reflections

CHECKLOCK showcases the importance of designing for inclusivity and personalisation. By addressing ADHD-specific challenges with technology, the project empowers users and enhances daily routines. It helps them to be more confident in society by assuring them, they have not left anything at home. This forgetfulness could also be found in people without ADHD and this product will be helpful for them as well. For presenting and marketing this product, we would focus on forgetfulness, not ADHD.