C O N C E P T
UX/UI Design
D U R A T I O N
15 Weeks
P R O M P T
Design a home wellness system
PROBLEM
COVID-19 is an infectious disease that spread worldwide infecting millions of people and leaving the world on pause. Orders soon came to quarantine at home for weeks and months on end. Sadly, being confined to the home due to the pandemic led to increased depression, anxiety, and stress.
75% of young adults are mentally struggling with the coronavirus pandemic and 1 in 4 are suicidal
How do I create an application that improves mental health for teens and young adults?
Research
Interviews
One of the most helpful research practices was talking with my target audience to better understand how they practice mindfulness, feelings towards mental health, how the app could work, and potential benefits or problems. I conducted 7 interviews with teens and young adults on their mental health and mindfulness practices.
What I Learned
01 | STIGMA
There is a negative stigma and embarrassment associated with mental health
0 2 | V A R I E T Y
People have different ways of coping with mental illness and different problems prompt different solutions
0 3 | S A F E S P A C E
Having a quiet, personal, and secure space is important in order to open up and be vulnerable
Biggest Take Aways From The Interviews
People choose different outlets to improve their sense of mental well-being from home. Therefore it is important to create an application that encompasses all aspects of mindfulness.
JOURNALING
THERAPY
MEDITATION
YOGA
IDENTIFYING TARGET USER: EXPLORER
young, fun, playful, quick, trendy, outgoing, personable, curious
PAIN POINTS
Worried about putting private information on phone or screen
Doesn't know where to start and feels overwhelmed
Doesn't want to waste time so wants to preview videos
01 KEY IDEA
Approachable, Calming, & Fun Design
Since the topic of mental health is very intimidating, overwhelming, and scary for a lot of people I wanted to create an application that instead welcomes users and creates a positive experience through design.
MOOD BOARD
WATER
rounded
balanced
playful
organic
soft
calming
COLOR SCHEME
Utilized the calming and trusting effects of blue with an added element of fun energy from contrasting orange.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Utilized soft gradients, rounded corners, and organic shapes to create an approachable and friendly design
02 KEY IDEA
Tailoring user's experience to their needs
Given the app encompasses journaling, therapy, meditation, and yoga, the app may be overwhelming, especially to new users. To help the user spend more time improving their mental health and less time scrolling, the app recommends activities based on the user's current feelings.
USER FLOW
Stressed Student
The stressed student has had a stressful day and is new to mindfulness. She wants to be directed and guided with what activities to do and relax from her hectic day.
SIGNATURE MOMENT
User's Needs
The app collects the user’s current mood and feelings of the user entering the app and then recommends personalized activities.
03 KEY IDEA
Secure & Private
When placing the private topic of mental health in the context of a home application that exists on public screens such as TVs and computers it is essential to provide the user privacy and safety so they can open up
USER STORY
Stressed Student
The teen struggling with anxiety has parents that encourage them to use this application.
The teen wants to feel better but also wants privacy from their parents and siblings who all use the application.
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Privacy
Users can password-protect aspects of the app to ensure privacy. Also, before connecting to a more public device, the user is asked to confirm and then visual cues indicate the device is connected.
04 KEY IDEA
Creating a Safe Environment
When practicing mindfulness one of the most important factors is both mentally and physically preparing your space. This allows the user to feel vulnerable and get the most out of the experience.
SIGNATURE MOMENTS
Mentally Preparing To Enter App
After logging in with Face ID the user pauses to breathe and calm down before entering the app. This allows the user to create a calm space inside the app and leave the stress of the day behind.
USER STORY
Newcomer
The newcomer has never done yoga and doesn't want to waste time. They find a video to do and prepare their space before beginning so they don't get distracted.
SIGNATURE MOMENTS
Physically Preparing Space
The app prompts the user to physically prepare their space to ensure they're not distracted and get the most out of the video.