Experience The HELPER! Prototype

What is the HELPER!

The HELPER! is a software interface which allows for the remote management of a device in order to help those less technically capable.  Upon touching the HELPER! icon, a person in need of guidance can choose a person in their network - be it a friend, family member or caregiver- by touching their image icon and connecting with them.  Once the connection is accepted by you, the Helper, you have the ability to mange their device and guide them to complete desired tasks.  You can stay online and enjoy shared time exploring the beautiful world accessible from one’s fingertips.  Once finished, simply turn the management of the device back over to them.  

The simple and important creation of The HELPER! can benefit so many individuals in need of basic assistance.  A recent New York Times article reveals that Americans live further away from their parents than ever, an average of over 18 miles.  While technology aids in maintaining bonds, often the confusion creates stress on the strong emotional ties.  The HELPER! allows you to be with them when they need help.  The current solutions of a phone call or text just aren’t that easy for some.

Use

( Un-complicate the Complicated)

• Help people who are scared of technology
• Share online experiences with people you care about
• Use to explain confusing digital content to those that don’t understand
• Assist people who have trouble with their digital devices
• Use to teach people about new applications and software
• Help people who are physically or cognitively impaired
• Spend time with those who are lonely 
• Use with people who have language barriers

Why The HELPER! is important to me: 

My Dad with his Granddaughter and Helper​ 

I started to conceptualize and build the architectural structure of The HELPER! after experiencing a rough year with my 84-year-old Dad.  He said to me, ‘Steve, I never thought I would be this lonely, this frustrated, and frankly, this scared.’  I found it unsettling to hear that coming from my inspiration, the hero that raised me.  Especially coming from a man that spent 55 years selflessly taking care of others as a pastor, a guiding light to those in hospitals and assisted living homes.  I said, ‘Dad, why don’t you listen to the music you love, those old hymns, or watch uplifting family videos?’  To which he said, ‘I just can’t remember how you showed me.’  This led me to realize the problem.  How can we help?  I know we can help!  My dad is not the only one hundreds of miles away from his family struggling to stay positive.  

The Strongest Person I've Ever Known

I was the Caregiver for over a decade for the strongest person I've ever known. She endured chemotherapy for 11 years, one procedure after another.  I stayed with her most nights- both at home and in the hospital.  When I was gone, even for a few hours, she would feel distressed and lonely.  

I remember that absent look on her face upon returning to the hospital.  She told me how whenever I left, whether for a few hours or out of town to work, she was instantly overcome by a helpless feeling.  She could never remember what to look to for comfort or where to find things I had told her about on her computer and the internet.  It was so frustrating to see her loneliness and helplessness.  With all the wonderful technological advancements today, still so many get left behind. 

So the seed was planted.  Now came time to build upon the idea.

This inspiration led me towards creating the simple interface of The HELPER! We can help people through this problem, together.  Whether it's for your frustrated father or in the labor of love called caregiving for a person struggling with physical or cognitive challenges,  even helping someone understand a new app or software, we can be there to show them we care.  When we can't physically be present, with The HELPER! we can provide access to it all.  Help friends and family connect to the world outside of their struggles and help within their struggles… Help others take advantage of the incredible content, convenience and connectivity of the internet, all the while showing them we care no matter how small the task, we're there for them.

Louis Armstrong said it best in the song ‘What a Wonderful World’…”I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do but what they’re really saying is, I love you.”  Whether aiding in filling out a form, reading or writing a story or simply finding family photos together, say ‘I love you’ with The HELPER!

Members of our fantastic team

My name is Stephen White and I have created products for the last 25 years.  I call it idea farming.  Discover an idea, plant it and see if you can provide what it needs to grow and positively affect lives.  I believe the culmination of experience gained from each project I have worked on is demonstrated through the amazing team of designers, developers and business people involved in creating The HELPER!

Unlike so many products in the market, The HELPER! will make a difference and impact countless lives.  I find it so fulfilling to make a product that enables so many people to help those they care about.  Our team has a background in software and app development around the world.  We have worked together on multiple projects and understand the strengths and weaknesses that will lead to the most efficient and successful work methods.  

Currently, the team has developed the wires and design prototype, assembled a tech stack and begun coding The HELPER!  We aim to create a very simple and easy-to-use image driven user interface and user experience.  Most of the technology involved in The HELPER! already exists.  The team has worked to repurpose the existing concepts in order to make The HELPER! affordable to anyone.  Our goal is to eventually provide The HELPER! at no cost for those who cannot afford it.

Help us make this dream a reality.  We have already begun developing The HELPER! but need your support to expedite production time from over a year to a just few months.  People need our product now.  Time is so important.  Your support will allow families and friends to connect and benefit from technology like never before.

Here's an example of recent project of ours, Solu: 

This product allows you to record the stories and save the memories of your life.  Imagine being able to use The HELPER! to encourage your loved ones to share their past with you.

Our Critical Risks

The critical risks for The HELPER! center around two key points.

1. Timing

To address the timing risk, we have adapted our development schedule to include a 20% margin of error.  This leeway gives us confidence with our product timeline.   

2. Quality across devices

Initially, The HELPER! will be available as a native desktop web interface and native android app.  The risk arises with ensuring functionality across numerous types and versions of these devices.  The team will apply significant quality controls to assure performance success.  The HELPER! will initially reach the most people through the desktop and Android market.  We plan to produce an iOS version once The HELPER! is up an running for the initial market.

Our Goal: KEEP IT SIMPLE