Non-Programming Development of a Therapy Chatbot for University Students: Utilizing Computational Thinking and Rapid Prototyping

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among university students has highlighted the need for scalable and accessible support mechanisms.Therapy chatbots have emerged as a promising solution, offering immediate and personalized assistance to those in need.However, the development of these tools traditionally requires advanced programming skills, limiting their accessibility to a broader range of stakeholders.This paper presents the development of HopeU, a therapy chatbot designed for university students, which was created without traditional programming.The development process utilized the ChatGPT module within the computational thinking framework and employed rapid prototyping as the methodology.The chatbot leverages the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which emphasizes the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, by guiding users through structured conversations that prompt reflection on their emotional states.This approach allowed for the creation of a functional and effective therapy chatbot that could be developed and maintained by individuals without formal programming expertise.The paper discusses the design and development process, highlighting the benefits of computational thinking in breaking down complex tasks into manageable components, and the effectiveness of rapid prototyping in iteratively refining the chatbot based on user feedback.HopeU offers a solution to the current gaps in university mental health services, offering personalized support at scale.This approach opens possibilities for non-technical developers to create effective digital mental health tools, with implications for broader applications in the field of mental health support and education.

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