C A R A

Description

“CARA” is a communication app for young cancer patients with a strong need for communication. It provides relevant information and personal experiences on coping with challenges to promote a positive outlook on life. The master's thesis topic was developing the secure communication network CARA for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients aged 18 to 39. Through anonymous sharing of health-related knowledge and support from an interactive “buddy”, coping strategies and individual personality traits were taken into account. CARA offers hope, eases daily life, and fosters individual expression within a community. The buddy serves as an artificial emotional support, creating a balance where social support and personal help are not sufficiently available. Through different colours, its shape and its movements, the buddy gives advice in the chat and conveys emotions to elicit reactions from the users.