Interview with Adam Galper
02/05/2023

Interview with Adam Galper
02/05/2023

Interview with Adam Galper
02/05/2023

The interview with Adam Galper was incredibly insightful and informative for us. Throughout the conversation, Adam shared his experiences as a father of two children with Cystic Fibrosis, and we discussed the challenges that come with managing the condition on a daily basis. He was frustrated by the lack of functionality of current apps and instead opts to use spreadsheets for his children (now that they are older, we believe they manage their own conditions). He also provided valuable insights into what features and functionalities could be added to the Fibrosity app to make it more effective and user-friendly for individuals with Cystic Fibrosis. One could be that we provide integration with healthcare systems or provide a way to show the doctor the logs in a granular manner, while still being user-focused. One way would be to have a 'doctor' mode for the app, and a 'patient' mode, so both experiences could exist within one framework. Additionally, high-contrast mode and other accessibility features could be enabled, but he thinks it is best to (1) keep it simple, and (2) try to make our app as user-friendly as it can be from the get-go. 

One of the most significant takeaways from the interview was the importance of keeping the app up-to-date with the latest research and treatment options. Adam emphasized that there are always new developments in the field of Cystic Fibrosis, and it is crucial to ensure that the app reflects the most current information. Additionally, it is important to make the app have ‘wiggle-room’ for customization, he says. Because no two CF patients are alike, each may desire a different app experience. He thinks that some will use it solely as a measurement log for their lung measurements while other people may use it as a full CF management app. Additionally, not every CF patient needs every treatment modality, so making each frame customizable will help shape the experience to be inclusive to all. Also, due to the rapid developments in CF, the app should be ‘future proof’, and manual inputs may help users add new drugs and ways to manage CF that may come to market post-development. Lastly, instead of showing blocks of data, links to other websites, or pop-ups to contact a doctor or CF website may be more effective, he says.

Overall, the interview experience allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of Cystic Fibrosis and its impact on individuals. The information gained from the interview will be essential in guiding the design and development of the Fibrosity app, ensuring that it meets the needs of individuals with Cystic Fibrosis and provides them with the support and tools they need to manage their condition effectively. In addition, the interview experience was meaningful because it allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the condition and the challenges faced by those living with it. This knowledge will not only be useful for our project, but it will also help us to be more empathetic and compassionate towards individuals with Cystic Fibrosis, which is incredibly important in developing a tool that is truly effective and impactful for its intended audience.