Expert Evaluation
Program Quality
3.1 out of 5
Privacy Explanation
Almost Transparent
Pros
Free/ high quality of information/symptoms monitoring.
Cons
Lacks engaging features.
Summary
MyCompass is mostly suited to users dealing with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The program provides high-quality content based on acceptable therapeutic methods, offering clear information and guidance to users. Brief assessments and feedback enable users to examine their current state in relation to previous assessments, reflecting changes in symptoms related to their mental state. At appropriate times, MyCompass encourages users to seek professional help outside the framework of the program. The short “snippets” function as reminders for users to conduct therapeutic activities between modules/during the week. On the downside, despite the excellent quality of its content, MyCompass does not seem to make the best use of the digital medium to create an engaging and user-friendly experience. The general appearance is unattractive, and the font size is too small. As for the engagement aspect, the program presents mostly text-based information and could benefit from utilizing other means of content presentation (e.g. video, narration), as well as more interactivity. Furthermore, since the target audience is those dealing with mild to moderate anxiety and depression, MyCompass could benefit from an active online support community to help focus and direct users and provide much needed just-in-time emotional support.
Notes for Clinicians
MyCompass can be used within a treatment setting for patients dealing with mild to moderate anxiety and depression who could benefit from an additional source of information and guidance between sessions. The clinician can help direct patients through module selection and help them to process their experience following home tasks.
Evaluation date:
Wednesday, November 16, 2016