A native mobile application empowering young people in Kent to access free sexual health resources securely.
What we did
- Native iOS, Android & Blackberry Development
- Information Architecture (IA) Planning
- User Experience (UX) Design
- Geolocation & Mapping Services
- Secure Backend Integration
- Multimedia Content Delivery
About the project
Sexual health is a critical component of public wellbeing, yet for young people, accessing resources can often be fraught with anxiety and logistical barriers. The Kent C Card scheme is a vital initiative designed to provide individuals aged 19 and under with access to free condoms and sexual health advice. In 2012, the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (formerly NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent) recognised that to reach their target demographic effectively, they needed to be present on the devices young people use most: their smartphones.
Tinderhouse was commissioned to digitise this essential service. The objective was to create a discreet, informative, and accessible mobile application that would signpost users to their nearest distribution points while providing educational content. This was a pioneering step in healthcare app development, moving away from purely paper-based directories to a real-time digital solution.
The project required a sensitive approach to design. The app needed to be engaging enough to be used, but functional and serious enough to convey important health messages. By developing a native application for both iOS and Android, we helped the Trust bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the youth of Kent, ensuring that help and resources were always just a tap away.
The Challenge
The primary challenge in digitising the C Card scheme was overcoming the friction associated with seeking sexual health advice. Young people often fear embarrassment or lack the knowledge of where to go for help. The physical distribution network existed, but the knowledge gap prevented effective utilisation.
Specific pain points included:
- Accessibility & Awareness: Paper lists of venues were quickly outdated and hard to distribute. Young people simply did not know where their nearest C Card registration or pick-up point was.
- Stigma and Privacy: Walking into a clinic can be intimidating. Users needed a way to find discreet locations, such as pharmacies or youth centres, without having to ask publicly.
- Crisis Information: In moments of urgency, such as needing emergency contraception, users required immediate, clear guidance rather than navigating complex NHS websites.
- Data Integration: The Trust had an existing database of locations, but accessing and presenting this data on mobile devices in a user-friendly format posed a technical hurdle.
- Engagement: A government-backed health app runs the risk of feeling dry or authoritative. The interface needed to appeal to a younger demographic without trivialising the subject matter.
Our Solution
Tinderhouse approached this project with a focus on privacy, speed, and clarity. We understood that in a moment of need, the user journey had to be frictionless.
Validated Information Architecture
Before writing a single line of code, we focused heavily on the planning phase. We produced detailed wireframes and planning documents to establish a robust Information Architecture (IA). This ensured that the most critical messages—such as where to find help or how to contact emergency services—were prioritised. By treating the design phase as a minimum viable product strategy, we were able to test concepts with the client and potential user groups early. This MVP app development mindset allowed us to refine the user flow, ensuring the dashboard presented a clear summary of options immediately upon launch, rather than burying features in complex menus.
Intelligent Geolocation Mapping
The core utility of the app was the "Find a condom" feature. We utilised native mapping technologies to build a location-aware interface. The app accessed the user’s GPS to display nearby C Card access points on an interactive map. We engineered the backend to integrate with the Trust's existing location database, ensuring that if a new pharmacy joined the scheme, it would appear on the app. Where direct database access was restricted, we provided a bespoke backend platform enabling NHS staff to manually update location data, ensuring the app never displayed obsolete information.
Native Performance and Experience
To ensure reliability across all devices, we committed to native app development for both iOS and Android platforms. This decision was crucial for 2012 hardware, ensuring smooth performance and map rendering. We designed a custom interface that included a "Dashboard" for quick navigation, giving users instant access to four key pillars: Location Map, C Card Information, Emergency Contraception guidance, and Educational Videos.
Multimedia Education
Education was a key requirement. We integrated a video section that linked directly to films hosted on YouTube. This allowed the Trust to deliver engaging, visual content regarding sexual health and relationship advice directly within the app environment, meeting the consumption habits of the under-19 demographic.
The Results
The C Card app represented a significant leap forward in how the NHS engages with young people regarding sexual health in Kent.
Improved Access: The "Find a condom" feature successfully removed the logistical barrier to access, guiding thousands of users to their nearest free distribution points.
Discreet User Experience: By putting the information on a personal device, the app empowered young people to seek help privately, reducing the stigma associated with public inquiries.
Crisis Support: The inclusion of clear emergency contraception guidance provided a vital safety net for users in urgent situations.
Modernised Service Delivery: The project demonstrated the Trust's commitment to innovation, moving from static information to dynamic, location-based service delivery.
Sustainable Data Management: The implementation of a manageable backend system allowed NHS staff to keep the venue list accurate without requiring constant app updates or developer intervention.
Technical Highlights
Native iOS SDK (Objective-C) implementation.
Native Android SDK (Java) implementation.
CoreLocation & MapKit integration for precise venue finding.
YouTube API integration for seamless video playback.
Custom Backend Interface for NHS staff data management.
Secure Data Handling for sensitive health information.
Innovating for the Public Sector
We build secure, user-centric digital tools that solve real-world problems. From public health initiatives to government services, we help organisations connect with their communities.