Prototype Development | Utafiti Wellness Research Association

HOW WE INNOVATE

From concept to community impact

Prototype development is the bridge between innovative ideas and scalable solutions. At UWRA, we take a human-centered, evidence-informed approach to designing, testing, and refining health technologies and interventions.

Our prototypes are developed in close collaboration with communities, health workers, and policymakers to ensure they are relevant, usable, and sustainable in real-world settings.

OUR METHODOLOGY

The prototype development process

A systematic, human-centered approach to turning ideas into tested, ready-to-scale solutions.

Ideation

Identifying needs, co-creating concepts, and prioritizing ideas with communities.

Design

Human-centered design, user journey mapping, and rapid prototyping.

Testing

Pilot testing, user feedback, and iterative refinement in real-world settings.

Evaluation

Assessing usability, effectiveness, and scalability through rigorous evaluation.

Scale

Refining for scale, partnership development, and pathway to implementation.

SHOWCASE

Current prototypes

Active prototype development projects that are shaping the future of health in Africa.

Digital Health

Community Health Worker Mobile App

A mobile application for community health workers to record data, track referrals, and receive supervision support in real-time.

Planning Phase

Artificial Intelligence

AI-Powered Mental Health Screening

An AI-driven conversational agent that screens for depression and anxiety, providing preliminary risk assessments for primary care.

In Development

Health Systems

Referral Tracking Dashboard

A real-time dashboard for health facility managers and county health teams to track referral patterns, identify bottlenecks, and improve patient flow.

Planning Phase

Community

Community Voice Feedback System

An SMS-based system for communities to provide feedback on health services, report issues, and participate in accountability mechanisms.

In development

Digital Health

Nutrition Tracking & Education Tool

A tablet-based tool for community health workers to track child growth, provide nutrition education, and refer children with acute malnutrition.

In Development

Artificial Intelligence

GIS Health Resource Mapping

A geographic information system (GIS) prototype that maps health facilities, community health worker locations, and population densities for resource planning.

In development

Visit Innovation Lab

INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

Inside the Innovation Lab

Our prototype development is supported by a dedicated innovation lab that provides the tools, expertise, and partnerships needed to bring solutions to life.

Design Studio

Human-centered design, user research, and rapid prototyping facilities to turn ideas into tangible solutions.

Tech Development

Software and hardware development resources, including mobile app development, AI/ML, and IoT capabilities.

Testing & Evaluation

Pilot testing environments, user feedback mechanisms, and rigorous evaluation frameworks to validate prototypes.

OUR IMPACT

Prototype development in numbers

Our innovation efforts are making a tangible difference in communities and health systems.

12

Prototypes developed

6

Currently active

8

Counties piloting

15+

Partners engaged