YFRONTS
A mobile phone application developed to test a reduction of stigma associated with depression and suicidal thoughts among the rural fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) male workforce in Australia via its usage.
The development of the YFronts App was developed via the lived experience by members of the YFronts team in conjunction with co-consultative/co-design process by listening to FIFO men about their needs—functional and informational. This was assisted by Luke Bake (formerly FIFO Man).
YFronts focuses on promotion of wellbeing rather than mental illness or symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts.
SHDW BLK led the team and was the creator and creative lead of YFronts. Led By Design was engaged to implement the creative ideas.
As part of our preliminary research with over 300 FIFO workers, there was considerable interest in the development of the YFronts app to improve their mental wellbeing strategies and connections to other FIFO workers.
Purpose
To clarify the purpose and functionality of the YFronts iPhone app to Lendlease in response to their questions.
Background
YFronts is an action research project iPhone app designed to reduce stigma associated with depression and suicidal thoughts among the rural fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) male workforce in Australia. YFronts is funded by beyondblue with donations from the Movember Foundation. The YFronts app was developed through a co-design process by talking to FIFO men about what they need. YFronts focuses on promotion of wellbeing rather than mental illness or symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts. As part of our preliminary research with over 300 FIFO workers, there was considerable interest in the development of the YFronts app to improve their mental wellbeing strategies and connections to other FIFO workers.
Why would men download it?
YFronts is an app designed for FIFO workers to help them connect virtually to other FIFO workers in a safe confidential manner. Our preliminary research among nearly 500 FIFO workers who completed our baseline survey indicated 72% expressed interest in the YFronts app and a further 32% would like support for their mental health and well-being. (see attached baseline report).
FIFO Men consulted during the co-design phase identified challenges with accessing information about strategies to improve wellbeing confidentially while staying in work site accommodations. The close proximity to other co-workers in work environments and remote accommodation sites was identified as a barrier to information seeking. They believed a tailored, targeted, confidential app such as YFronts would assist social connection with their peers and information seeking behaviours and reduce associated stigma.
The current beta version of the app provides a platform for FIFO workers to:
What will keep them using it?
What does it do?
In addition to the key features mentioned above already available, the app is currently being updated with new features such as:
→ An Instagram-like newsfeed enabling users to comment and like picture uploads
→ Conversion to the Apple App Store for easier download and installation
→ An Instagram-like newsfeed enabling users to comment and like picture uploads
→ Conversion to the Apple App Store for easier download and installation
Is there a social connectedness component to it?
Yes, improving social connectedness is a key stigma reduction strategy that is central to the design and functionality of YFronts. This is a central reason why the app is currently being revised to include a newsfeed with the ability to comment and like on other users posts to encourage connections with other FIFO workers.
The Yfronts APP is grounded in the knowledge the evidence that behavioural change programs have limited success, and therefore the APP is descriptive in activity rather than prescriptive.
The Yfronts APP is grounded in the knowledge the evidence that behavioural change programs have limited success, and therefore the APP is descriptive in activity rather than prescriptive.
