The application breaks the documentation process into small, manageable steps with minimalist design, high-contrast visuals, and large typography. Full screen reader compatibility, progress indicators, and auto-save functionality create an inclusive experience that enables successful completion regardless of cognitive capacity.

User-Centered Design Implementation

The platform uses PAD-compliant PDF templates with unique QR codes for verification, timestamps for authenticity, and EHR-compatible formats. This delivers legally defensible documentation that integrates seamlessly into healthcare workflows.

Generation of Legally Compliant PDF Documentation

The system employs data compression (GZIP/DEFLATE), abbreviated JSON keys, and QR Code Version 40 at high resolution (1000×1000px). Enhanced features include dynamic sizing, expanded quiet zones, and full-screen display mode. Cross-device testing ensures reliable scanning across platforms and lighting conditions, enabling emergency access to comprehensive patient information.

Advanced Encoding and Optimization Strategy

This solution delivers tangible value to a vulnerable and underserved population, providing individuals with serious mental illness access to essential care planning tools previously hindered by procedural complexity and accessibility barriers.

Addressing Critical Healthcare Needs

The platform introduces a first-of-its-kind digital solution for psychiatric advance directive creation, positioning APA at the forefront of mental healthcare digital transformation. By modernizing the traditional paper-based PAD process, the organization establishes itself as an industry innovator driving patient-centered care evolution.

Market Innovation & Leadership

The application significantly reduces barriers to PAD adoption by eliminating the need for legal or administrative intermediaries. This democratization of access enables independent patient engagement, expanding the addressable market to include individuals previously excluded due to cost, complexity, or logistical constraints.

Expanded Market Reach & Accessibility

By streamlining the directive creation process and enabling self-service completion, the platform reduces administrative burden on healthcare systems while increasing PAD utilization rates. The digital-first approach supports scalable deployment across diverse care settings, driving both patient outcomes and organizational efficiency.

Operational Efficiency & Scalability

Individuals with serious mental disorders often experience difficulties with concentration and decision-making, requiring an interface that prevents cognitive overload while maintaining accessibility standards.

The Cognitive Accessibility Gap

Generated documents must meet medical and legal standards for psychiatric advance directives while ensuring authenticity and compatibility with healthcare systems.

Medical-Legal Documentation Requirements

Emergency plans contain extensive medical data exceeding standard QR code capacity (~3,000 characters). High-density QR codes above 4,000 characters are difficult to scan, particularly in poor lighting or with older devices.

Data Capacity and Scanning Limitations

APA- Psychiatric Advance Directive App

Angry Nerds

This project required us to master the intersection of UX design, legal compliance, healthcare standards, and advanced encoding techniques. The breadth of knowledge our team acquired has elevated our capabilities across the board.

Anonymous

At Angry Nerds, we draw strength from our passion for technology and our drive to solve complex challenges. The 'anger' in our brand represents the frustration we feel when confronted with subpar solutions, fuelling our determination to find better ways. We are straightforward in identifying what needs improvement, but only because we believe in delivering the best possible results. We're not satisfied with the status quo—we're constantly striving for excellence. And while our approach may be direct, we’re committed to fostering open, honest, and respectful communication. 

Angry Nerds

About

Challenge, approach, and impact

The Cognitive Accessibility Gap

Medical-Legal Documentation Requirements

Data Capacity and Scanning Limitations

How we built

Testimonials

Team structure

Client team

Thomas

Agency team

Android Developer

iOS Developer

Project Manager

UX/UI Designer

QA Tester

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