All WorkReconnect VP, Experience 2019 – 2020
From Court-mandated to Actually Useful: Designing Reconnect's Community & Manager Apps
A full GovTech platform and design system that reduced failures to appear, improved case manager communication, and earned a Fast Company World Changing Ideas nomination.
The home screen of the Reconnect Community app.
Overview
The Reconnect Community and Reconnect Manager apps connect Substance Use Disorder Programs, Specialty Courts, and Probation Programs to their participants from anywhere.
Nine features were added to these desktop and mobile apps. The full product includes biometric check-ins with geo-tagging, event reminders, substance use testing alerts, messaging, video chat, self-report forms, self payments, and 24/7 location monitoring.
Reconnect Community was selected as a finalist in Fast Company‘s World Changing Ideas in 2020.
The home screen of the Reconnect Community app.
Messaging on the Reconnect mobile app.
Goals + Approach
Our main goal was to improve participant success—meaning fewer FTAs (failures to appear), better communication between participants and case managers, and fewer technical violations.
A daily to-do list was implemented to let participants know exactly what they need to do and when they need to to do it in order to be successful within their program.
The screens of the Reconnect Manager desktop app.
Team + Role
As VP of Experience, I headed up this redesign, with one Product Designer working on it as well. I handled all aspects of the desktop app and lent direction and guidance on the mobile app, ensuring a true mobile-first experience for program participants.
I worked closely with the engineering team to understand the technical constraints we faced throughout development. Our teams had multiple feedback and QA review sessions to ensure that designs were implemented as intended.
In addition to the apps, I led the creation of a complete design system for Reconnect’s desktop and mobile products.
Note: This is not a publically-available application and some details are intentionally vague.
OUTCOME
110 Ratings
Note: Reconnect Community is typically a court-mandated app.
Mike Parker
