Aurora
The app is dedicated to night shift workers and is accessible via a company-provided badge with a scannable QR code. The app allows users to express their interests and find activities or events in their city that match their interests and work schedules. We also designed a social section of the app where users can chat with colleagues, share interests, and engage in activities together.
Associated with
University of Siena
Working period
Nov 2022 - Jan 2023
Challenge
The Aurora project aimed to address the unique challenges faced by night workers who struggle to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Night shifts impact their physical well-being, social life, and personal development, often leading to sleep issues, increased stress, and a sense of isolation from family and friends.
Aurora's primary challenge was to create an application that would enable these workers to manage their shifts, engage in personal interests, and foster meaningful connections with colleagues and loved ones, all while promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Results
Aurora's final prototype offers a comprehensive app with two distinct sections: a work-focused area for managing shift schedules and a personal area that suggests nearby activities and connects users with colleagues who share similar interests.
User testing showed high levels of appreciation for the app’s intuitiveness and functionality.
Night workers found value in the app’s ability to support both their work and personal lives, providing tools to connect with others and engage in recreational activities, which is expected to contribute to improved overall well-being.
48,8%
Poor work-life balance harms family ties
77%
Full-time employees experience burnout
60%
Employees cite supervisors as a barrier to balance
Process
Empathize: Conducted surveys and interviews with night workers to understand their needs and pain points, revealing the desire for improved work-life balance and social engagement.
Define: Created a clear problem statement focusing on the need for an app that addresses night workers’ challenges, specifically their desire for social connection, personal growth, and healthier work patterns.
Ideate: Brainstormed potential solutions, leading to the concept of an app that combines shift management with social and recreational features.
Prototype: Developed wireframes and an interactive prototype of the Aurora app, integrating work-life balance features such as shift customization and activity suggestions.
Test: Received user feedback on functionality and usability, with suggestions for privacy controls and enhanced shift management options. Insights from testing refined the final design, making it more user-centered and adaptable.
Conclusion
The Aurora project highlighted the crucial need for digital tools that enhance work-life balance for night workers.
By addressing common issues like social isolation and lack of personal time, Aurora successfully offers a user-friendly solution that fosters a sense of control over work schedules and enables engaging in personal interests.
With a design that emphasizes social connection and well-being, the app promises to be a valuable resource for night workers seeking a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.