Researcher(s)
- Victoria Nikolaeva, Computer Science, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Matthew Louis Mauriello, Computer Science and Information Systems, University of Delaware
Abstract
The DoveChat Project, led by the Sensify Lab at the University of Delaware, explored how emerging technologies can support individuals with lesser-known or underrepresented mental health conditions, such as ADHD, a condition that, in 2023, 15.3 million adults were diagnosed with. While mainstream tools often overlooked these communities, the research focused on designing digital solutions grounded in empathy, clinical insight, and user-centered design.
Over the summer, the team continued the development of an AI-powered chatbot designed to guide users through self-assessments such as the Adult ADHD Quality-of-Life Scale (AAQOL) and supported forms of interventions. I built an interactive user flow prototype to support a structured yet conversational experience, aiming to bridge assessment with day-to-day self-understanding. The tool was designed to help users explore their symptoms and engage with coping strategies in a non-clinical, affirming way.
Prior phases of the project included literature reviews, analysis of 200k mental health app reviews, and user needs assessments to better understand the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals. This summer’s work transitioned the project from ideation to interaction by focusing on prototype design, as well as semi-structured interviews and usability testing to evaluate user experience in conjunction with the current build of the application.
This research remains important as it sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, psychology, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). By grounding development in real-world feedback, the project demonstrates how thoughtful, empathetic design can enhance digital mental health tools and make support more accessible for underserved communities. Continued iteration based on user testing and HCI methodologies will be essential to improving the chatbot’s functionality and overall impact.