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This research works to develop "interpersonal informatics" tools where data collection and sensemaking practices may be influenced by social factors, carried out collaboratively, or go beyond the conventional assumptions of individual-oriented self-tracking tools. Further recognizing that graphical metaphors can be more intuitive, relatable, and meaningful to users as well as provide privacy-sensitive abstractions of data, we are also designing novel visualizations for personal and public informatics displays to explore questions around flexible interpretation, social connectedness, and data ephemerality.

Sprout

Mental health is a serious issue that affects people of all ages, but is especially prevalent amongst college age youth. In the 2020-2021 school year, researchers found that around 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health condition, such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Many digital interventions have been innovated in order to help address this issue. These range in type and functionality from teletherapy to medication tracking applications. Some of these digital interventions include social features that allow users to interact with other users, friends, family, or doctors; however, having social features in a mental health application inherently requires
some form of disclosure of having a condition, creating, what we call, _the dilemma of disclosure_. This project uses a mood tracking mobile app that supports privacy and incentivizes use by rewarding tracking behaviors with growth of a garden visualization. By keeping users in touch with their current emotional state, the approach aims to increase emotional intelligence and broader mental health.

Dilemma of disclosure (Sprout extension)

Overprescription is a significant concern in the United States and across the globe. Studies indicate that approximately 20% of prescription medications are considered medically “unnecessary” by physicians themselves ([Lyu et al., 2017](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0181970)). The dramatic increase in medication usage is notably prominent in certain subfields of medicine such as psychiatry. Despite the widespread use of psychopharmaceuticals in clinical care, recent research underscores the importance of exercising greater caution in the initiation and continuation of these treatments ([Damiano Soares, 2022](https://www.scielo.br/j/rbp/a/m3gkYBvtNGgS953HdTb7d8k/?lang=en)). For many patients, psychiatric medications not only lead to unbearable side effects, but also bring about intense and prolonged physical and psychological symptoms upon dosage reduction or discontinuation. Adverse effects and the withdrawal experience, however, have long been downplayed in medical practice and understudied in research. Navigating a complex web of systemic issues in healthcare, patients frequently encounter skepticism and lack of support from providers. These individuals experience hopelessness and a profound sense of isolation, with their struggles left unaddressed and misunderstood. This project aims to develop solutions that address overprescription and iatrogenic harm.

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Pape Sow Traoré

Research Areas

Publications

Sprout: Using a Garden Metaphor to Visualize and Support Customizable and Collaborative Health Tracking

Projects

Sprout

Dilemma of disclosure (Sprout extension)

Overprescription