Shared Diaries : A User-Centered Design and Requirements Engineering Approach for a Couples’ Well-Being Solution
Prykhodko, Olesia (2026)
2026
Bioteknologian ja biolääketieteen tekniikan maisteriohjelma - Master's Programme in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
Lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekunta - Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology
Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2026-05-21
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202605206002
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202605206002
Tiivistelmä
The work covered in this thesis develops an initial list of requirements for a digital solution named “Shared Diaries,” designed for long-distance and newly formed couples using user-centered design principles. The study explores the broader realm of digital well-being applica-tions tailored to these demographics The proposed solution aims to facilitate the adoption of essential communication and relationship skills to mitigate relational distress. While traditional couples therapy is effective, logistical and financial barriers often leave these demographics underserved, creating a need for accessible digital alternatives. Furthermore, a significant re-search gap exists within the current digital landscape: while evidence-based online programs often struggle with high dropout rates even with the coach support, popular commercial appli-cations typically lack rigorous scientific validation.
The theoretical component involves selecting specific psychological frameworks, namely the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), to be incorporated into the de-sign of the well-being solution. Methodologically, this thesis employs multiple techniques, in-cluding persona creation, user story writing, wireframe prototyping, and requirements engi-neering. These requirements were then validated through interviews with real users (N=6) to gather their specific needs and suggestions.
Findings indicate that users are cautious about data usage and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), frequently raising concerns about privacy and relational autonomy. While us-ers highly value journaling as a personal tool, they also respond positively to features that fos-ter connection through dialogue and shared activities, such as gamified exercises, quizzes, and date suggestions. The next steps are to enhance the prototype according to these new us-er requirements, validate the improved solution with domain experts, and then conduct real-world testing to assess additional influencing factors. These factors include cultural back-grounds, attitudes toward AI, and overall relationship satisfaction.
The theoretical component involves selecting specific psychological frameworks, namely the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), to be incorporated into the de-sign of the well-being solution. Methodologically, this thesis employs multiple techniques, in-cluding persona creation, user story writing, wireframe prototyping, and requirements engi-neering. These requirements were then validated through interviews with real users (N=6) to gather their specific needs and suggestions.
Findings indicate that users are cautious about data usage and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), frequently raising concerns about privacy and relational autonomy. While us-ers highly value journaling as a personal tool, they also respond positively to features that fos-ter connection through dialogue and shared activities, such as gamified exercises, quizzes, and date suggestions. The next steps are to enhance the prototype according to these new us-er requirements, validate the improved solution with domain experts, and then conduct real-world testing to assess additional influencing factors. These factors include cultural back-grounds, attitudes toward AI, and overall relationship satisfaction.