Inkblot Odyssey — Developing a Psychological Assessment App with Google Cloud
Introduction | Overview
In today’s digital age, mental health assessments can be made more engaging and accessible through innovative applications. This blog outlines the creation of a psychological assessment app that utilizes the Rorschach test and Thematic Apperception Test to evaluate mental health. The app integrates with Google Cloud products like SQL and AI to process and predict various aspects of the user’s mental state. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to build this app and its potential impact on mental health assessments.
Problem Statement
Traditional psychological assessments can often be static and unengaging, leading to lower user engagement and less accurate results. By transforming these assessments into an interactive adventure game, we can enhance user experience and obtain more reliable data.
Target Audience
This blog is intended for developers with a basic understanding of React, Node.js, and Google Cloud services. Whether you’re looking to build a similar app or simply learn about integrating psychological assessments with cloud services, this guide will provide valuable insights.
Expected Outcome
By following this guide, you’ll be able to create an interactive psychological assessment app that:
- Engages users through game-like interactions.
- Utilizes Google Cloud for data processing and storage.
- Provides real-time feedback and predictions on mental health.
Design
Our app’s architecture is designed to seamlessly integrate frontend and backend services, ensuring a smooth user experience and efficient data processing. The high-level architecture consists of:
1. Frontend: Built with React, it provides an interactive user interface where users can take tests and receive feedback.
2. Backend: Developed using Node.js and Express, it handles data processing and communication with Google Cloud services.
3. Google Cloud Integration: Utilizes Google Cloud AI for processing and Firebase for authentication and real-time database management.
Design Rationale
- React for Frontend: Chosen for its component-based architecture, making the UI easy to manage and scale.
- Node.js and Express for Backend: Provides a robust environment for handling server-side logic and API requests.
- Google Cloud: Ensures scalable and secure data storage and processing capabilities.
Prerequisites
Before you start, ensure you have the following tools and knowledge:
- Software:
— Node.js
— npm (Node Package Manager)
— Firebase CLI
— Google Cloud account
- Basic Knowledge:
— JavaScript and React
— Node.js and Express
— Basic understanding of Google Cloud services
Step-by-step Instructions
Frontend Setup
1. Clone the Repository:
git clone https://github.com/Adi7015YT/Inkblot-Odyssey.git
cd Inkblot-Odyssey
2. Install Dependencies:
npm install
3. Configure Environment Variables:
Create a `.env.production.local` file in the root of the directory with the following content:
REACT_APP_FIREBASE_API_KEY=your_api_key
REACT_APP_FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN=your_auth_domain
REACT_APP_FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID=your_project_id
REACT_APP_FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET=your_storage_bucket
REACT_APP_FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID=your_messaging_sender_id
REACT_APP_FIREBASE_APP_ID=your_app_id
4. Run the App:
npm start
Backend Setup
1.Clone the Repository:
cd backend
2. Install Dependencies:
npm install
3. Configure Firebase:
Create a `serviceAccountKey.json` file in the `backend` directory. Obtain the Firebase service account key from your Firebase console and paste it into this file.
4. Configure Environment Variables:
Create a `.env` file in the `backend` directory with the following content:
PORT=5000
FIREBASE_DATABASE_URL=https://your-database-name.firebaseio.com
5. Run the Server:
node server.js
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Result / Demo
By following the steps above, you will have a fully functional psychological assessment app. Users will be able to take the Rorschach and Thematic Apperception tests in an engaging, game-like environment. The results will be processed and stored securely using Google Cloud services, providing real-time feedback and insights.
Ensure your result artifacts adhere to visualization design principles, including clear labeling, appropriate scaling, and the use of color to avoid clutter.
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What’s Next?
To take this project further, consider the following suggestions:
- Expand on the Project: Add more psychological assessments to the app, integrating different types of tests.
- Related Tutorials: Explore other blogs and tutorials on Google Cloud and Firebase to deepen your knowledge.
- Challenges: Implement additional features like personalized feedback, user progress tracking, and integration with wearable devices for a more comprehensive assessment.
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Call to action
To learn more about Google Cloud services and to create impact for the work you do, get around to these steps right away:
- Register for Code Vipassana sessions
- Join the meetup group Datapreneur Social
- Sign up to become Google Cloud Innovator
