Behavioral health solutions provider curaJOY has joined forces with UserTesting to gather feedback from niche groups, including BIPOC, immigrants, and individuals with diverse abilities and identities. This collaboration aims to create more inclusive and accessible health solutions.
“UserTesting’s network allows us to reach and engage hard-to-reach audiences, tailoring our solutions to meet the specific needs of families, teachers, and clinicians. Our design team, composed of BIPOC, immigrants, individuals who are hard of hearing, autistic, and those with a wide range of identities and abilities, benefits immensely from this feedback loop at scale,” said Jax Powell, UI/UX lead at curaJOY.
Behavioral and mental health care has traditionally been centered on Western medical approaches, which frequently ignore the cultural circumstances in which behaviors emerge. According to research, social-emotional abilities must be measured using culturally relevant frameworks to ensure accuracy. With around 80% of therapists being white, there is a significant deficit of ethnic minority therapists and culturally appropriate approaches. CuraJOY is using UserTesting's platform to close this gap by making its services more accessible, gender-equitable, racially sensitive, and responsive to local requirements.
CuraJOY has created a broad set of 3D AI trainers that match consumers' identities and demographics. These AI coaches operate as the primary point of contact and guide, resulting in a safer and more effective therapy setting.
Moreover, the company works with underrepresented students and stay-at-home parents to create and test its family wellness app. Participants in their programs, many of whom are BIPOC or have learning differences, physical disabilities, or behavioral health issues, are investigating AI's cultural responsiveness, the impact of coach demographics on user honesty, and the role of gamification in social-emotional skill development.
“We are thrilled to support curaJOY in their mission to make behavioral health solutions more inclusive and effective. Our solutions’ ability to provide deep insights into diverse audiences that opt-in to share their perspectives and user experiences, and help build empathy and deeper understanding across teams will help curaJOY fine-tune their offerings, ensuring they meet the multifaceted needs of their users,” said Michelle Huff, CMO of UserTesting.
