CS-4803 Personal Health Informatics Final

The PrezPrep user research process evolved through multiple survey and interview iterations to better understand public speaking anxiety and identify effective design directions for an app-based solution. Early pilot surveys revealed the need to refine question phrasing and reduce free-response fatigue, leading to improved engagement in later rounds. The final survey data showed that most users experience high anxiety before presentations and desire customizable, lighthearted support rather than rigid, device-dependent features. Follow-up interviews with six Georgia Tech students confirmed diverse anxiety triggers—from fear of failure to judgment—and reinforced the importance of personalization, positive reinforcement, and flexible coping strategies.

Insights from two public speaking experts and additional participant feedback guided major design pivots. The team abandoned smartwatch integration and fixed recommendation lists, opting instead for a more inclusive mobile experience that emphasizes user choice and emotional comfort. The resulting low-fidelity prototypes introduced features like customizable reminders, affirmations delivered through a fortune cookie motif, and reflective tools to track calming techniques. Overall, the research underscored that effective anxiety support must feel personal, friendly, and adaptable—insights that directly shaped PrezPrep’s design philosophy and future development.