Six months ago, we opened Elara to our first beta group. Since then, we have gathered hundreds of hours of feedback, run user interviews, and above all: listened. Here are the biggest lessons so far.
Learning #1: Less Is More
Our first version had too many features. A dashboard with 12 metrics, daily questionnaires with 15 questions, detailed symptom tracking for every symptom imaginable. The response was sobering:
I already have barely enough energy for daily life. I cannot afford an app that costs even more energy.
Beta user, 34
That was a wake-up call. We had been thinking like developers, not like users. People with chronic exhaustion do not need a feature-heavy app - they need one that delivers maximum value with minimal cognitive load.
The cognitive load of an app is a real energy cost for people with ME/CFS. Every extra decision matters.
Learning #2: Automate Wherever Possible
Users love features that work without extra effort. Automatic HRV capture via Apple Watch or Garmin shows the highest satisfaction. The manual symptom tracker? After two weeks, 60% of users stop using it.
That taught us something very clearly: wherever possible, data should be captured automatically. Manual entry should exist only where it is truly indispensable.
Learning #3: Timing Matters
Our original reminder was scheduled for 8:00 PM. The problem: many of our users are already exhausted or winding down by then.
After A/B tests, we introduced flexible reminder times. Surprise: most users prefer the morning. A short check-in about how the night went is less demanding than reflecting on the whole day in the evening.
Learning #4: Visualization Beats Numbers
One of our most appreciated changes was moving from numeric scores to visual representations. Instead of saying "your RNS is 67," we now show an intuitive visualization with color coding.
Green: "Your body seems well recovered"
Yellow: "A more careful day might be wise"
Red: "Time for rest and recovery"
Brain fog is a common symptom in our target group. Clear and visually unambiguous communication is essential.
Learning #5: Community Matters
One unexpected lesson: users want exchange. Not necessarily about the app itself, but about pacing, doctors, and everyday life. We do not plan social features - that would dilute the product focus - but we have started organizing community events outside the app.
For the first time, I feel that someone understands what my everyday life actually looks like. That is not just because of the app, but because of the community around it.
What We Changed
Reduced the dashboard from 12 to 3 core metrics
Cut the daily check-in from 15 to 3 questions
Automated data capture wherever possible
Introduced flexible reminder times
Switched from numeric to visual presentation
Improved load times by 50%
Made dark mode the default because it is easier on the eyes
What Comes Next
Based on this feedback, we are working on even better wearable integration, an ultra-low-energy mode for difficult days, and an export feature for medical appointments. More soon.