Theraplay
Theraply is a playful, easy-to-use app designed to help parents support their child’s development through fun, therapist-inspired activities at home
Background
As an occupational therapist, I worked closely with families of children experiencing developmental delays. Many parents wanted to help their children at home but felt unsure where to start. This inspired me to create Theraply — a mobile app that guides parents through simple, therapy-based play activities. This project merges my clinical background with my UX skills to offer a meaningful, real-world solution.
What I did
Research
Conceptualization
Design
Prototyping
Timline
2.5 weeks
The Problem
Parents of young children with developmental needs often feel overwhelmed and unsupported between therapy sessions. They want to help but lack accessible tools that are both evidence-based and easy to use. There is a gap in the market for a playful, trusted resource that brings therapeutic strategies into the home in a stress-free, enjoyable way.
User Interviews
I conducted interviews with 5 parents of children ages 2–6, as well as 2 pediatric therapists.
Key insights:
Parents want simple and fun ways to support their child without needing special equipment.
They feel more confident when activities are clearly explained and backed by professionals.
Time is limited — activities need to fit into short daily routines.
Competitor Analysis
I analyzed 4 child development apps and parenting tools. Most were either overly clinical or too general. None combined therapy-informed guidance with a playful, intuitive experience.
Elanor
Age: 34
Parent of 5-year-old boy with sensory integration difficulties and mild fine motor delay
Goals:
Feel more confident supporting therapy goals at home
Make time with her son meaningful and less frustrating
Reduce dependence on screen time as default activity
The Goal
Design a user-friendly app that empowers parents to support their child’s development through guided, play-based activities that align with therapeutic goals.
