It all began with a simple question: How do we teach kids the skills to save lives?
This question sparked the creation of CPR Buddy, an innovative iPad app designed to empower children aged 10 to 13 to learn and practice CPR in a fun, engaging way.
We knew traditional CPR training was often intimidating—especially for kids. Static manikins, formal instructions, and the absence of playful guidance made learning feel more like a chore than a life skill. So, we set out to change that.
Using the Stanford Design Thinking Process as our guide, we dove deep into user needs. We distilled the complex CPR procedure into an accessible structure called DOCAB: Dial 911, Observe for response, Give Compressions, Check Airway, and Give Breath. This mnemonic simplified the learning journey and made it stick.
But simplifying content was just the beginning. We needed to make the experience adaptive and engaging. Enter the fluid levels model—an intelligent system that adjusted learning phases based on the child's performance. Kids could repeat practice as needed or advance to the final training when ready. The app's design wasn't just functional; it was personal.
At the heart of CPR Buddy's charm was Heartly, a playful companion guiding kids through their journey. Heartly offered encouragement, feedback, and even little rewards, turning a daunting learning experience into a memorable adventure.
But we didn't stop at digital interactions. Recognizing the need for hands-on practice, we reimagined the manikin used in CPR training. Our vision included adding visual indicators, haptic feedback for compressions, and audio cues to simulate real-world conditions. This transformed static learning into an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
CPR Buddy wasn't just for kids. Trainers gained powerful tools too—a dashboard that monitored batch performances, tracked individual progress, and provided insights to improve sessions. Trainers could see at a glance how each student was doing, enabling more effective teaching.
In the end, CPR Buddy isn't just an app—it's a story of how thoughtful design can transform lives. By turning a serious skill into an empowering and memorable experience, we're helping the next generation learn the confidence and capability to save lives.