Merck
App from Merck lets users become their own sports and well-being coach
Context and challenges
Merck, a science and technology company, has been working with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients and professionals in France and around the globe for over 20 years. On 31 May 2017, World MS Day, the company launched a website dedicated to OnStEPs – an initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of patients and showing how MS is compatible with physical activity. The OnStEPs programme, designed by healthcare professionals, patients and sports professionals, can be adapted and personalized to meet the needs of all users, whatever their physical condition.
In addition, as a move to further meet the needs of users, Merck decided to adapt their website into a mobile app and launch it on 30 May 2018, World MS Day.
Support
The SQLI Group was chosen to work on this comprehensive programme based on its proposal and also due to its expertise in mobility, web solutions, UX/UI and analytics.
A React Native framework was used in order to carry out joint, and therefore optimised, development of the Android and iOS versions. In addition, SQLI deployed web services enabling the app to draw data from the website server.
During the production phase of the app the effectiveness of the methodology used together with that of the operational and management teams was clearly demonstrated.
Furthermore, SQLI has been chosen for the Third-Party Application Maintenance (TPAM) for the website and new physical exercises will be illustrated thanks to video content from SQLI’s digital teams.
Benefits
OnStEPs users can take their personalised coaching sessions anytime and anywhere, The app can be downloaded from Google Play or an App Store, and offers even more comprehensive support than the website. Thanks to this innovative app users can become their own coach easily and benefit from:
- Notifications from other users to help them follow their programme
- A step-by-step programme guide and rest breaks
- A session log
- A measurement of the time spent on sessions together with a definition of personal targets
“SQLI’s proposal perfectly met our needs: an approach that is not focussed on the disease (hence the fact that the OnStEPs™ programme is open to all) and a clear and efficient project management structure. Thanks to a methodology with smooth approval workflows, the expertise and flexibility of the teams, and the quality of communication, we were able to follow all of the stages and overcome certain obstacles in an efficient way. The climate of cooperation between SQLI and another service provider was optimal, and we look forward to defining the main functionalities of the next version of the app with the consultants and experts,”
