SuperBetter is an innovative mobile and web application designed to improve mental health, resilience, and overall well-being by leveraging the psychology and mechanics of gameplay. Here’s an overview of what the product does and its key features:
Purpose and Methodology
SuperBetter is built on the “Live Gamefully” methodology, which transforms real-life challenges into engaging game-like experiences. Users start by identifying their personal challenges, such as anxiety, chronic pain, or a desire to adopt healthier habits. The app then uses familiar game elements like quests, power-ups, and villains to motivate users to change their real-life habits and build mental resilience.Key Features
Customizable Experience
Users can select their own challenges or create custom tasks to tailor the game experience to their specific needs. This includes choosing from various “Power Packs” that contain quests, power-ups, bad guys, and science cards, all designed to help users achieve their goals.Game Mechanics
- Quests: Users complete daily activities that are aligned with their real-life goals.
- Power-Ups: Actions like drinking a glass of water or going for a walk are rewarded as power-ups, which help users feel better and progress in the game.
- Bad Guys: Users identify and overcome obstacles (bad guys) that stand in the way of their goals.
- Science Cards: These provide educational content and tips to support users in their challenges.
Social Support
The app includes social elements that are encouraging but not competitive. Users can recruit allies who can support them through positive comments, suggestions, and awards. This social support is designed to enhance the user’s experience and motivation.User-Friendly Interface
SuperBetter boasts a visually appealing and easy-to-use interface. The app is designed with agile visuals and intuitive UI elements, making it accessible for a wide range of users.Educational and Clinical Validation
The app’s effectiveness has been validated through randomized controlled studies and clinical trials. For example, studies have shown that SuperBetter can help reduce depression and improve concussion recovery for teens.Classroom Integration
In addition to the personal app, SuperBetter offers a classroom product designed to improve student mental health, resilience, and social-emotional skills. Teachers can use a web-based dashboard to create and host challenges for students, fostering a culture of thriving in the classroom.Technical and Operational Aspects
- Development: The app is built using Swift and Kotlin for the mobile apps, Node for the backend, React for the frontend, MySQL for data storage, and AWS as the primary platform provider.
- Testing and Security: The app undergoes rigorous QA testing to ensure it meets all security, legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements.