Problem
After the COVID-19 Pandemic many people who do not have access to in-person services, especially in rural or disadvantaged areas, do not have access to affordable and easily accessible mental health services. This can lead to untreated mental health conditions and worsen an existing mental health crisis.
Solution
The MindSpace project could address these problems by providing a platform that offers accessible, affordable, and personalized mental health services, reduces stigma, supports mental health professionals, and encourages communication and engagement between patients and mental health professionals. In addition, it includes groups where people who have faced the same type of problems gather around a community and motivate each other.
Tools
My Role
Timeline
Figma
Notion
Zoom
UX Research
UI Design
Brand Development
Overall: 6 weeks
Research: 2 weeks
Design/Testing: 4 weeks
The Double Diamond Process
Discovery
Competitor Analysis
BetterHelp's SWOT analysis shows that it has an extensive network of licensed therapists and counselors, a convenient and accessible platform available 24/7, and offers multiple communication options and affordable pricing for therapy sessions. However, its therapist quality can vary, it has limited insurance coverage options, and some users prefer in-person therapy. The opportunities for BetterHelp include expanding into international markets, partnering with employers for employee benefits, and adding personalized features like customized therapy plans and progress tracking. The threats to BetterHelp have competition from Talkspace and Amwell in the online therapy market, legal and ethical concerns surrounding online therapy, and stigma and skepticism about online therapy as a valid form of mental health support.
I conducted a few User Surveys and created a questionnaire to establish some of the key demographics for the target market at hand. Based on the results of the survey, there are 13 single and working men aged 25-30.
User Survey
User Survey
How do you typically seek mental health support? I usually seek mental health support by talking to my friends or family. Sometimes, I also go to a therapist or counselor for professional help.
Have you ever used a mental health app before? If so, which one(s) and what did you like/dislike about them? Yes, I have used a mental health app before. I used BetterHelp and I liked that it was convenient and accessible. However, I disliked that the therapist quality varied and that insurance coverage was limited.
What features or resources do you believe are essential for a mental support app? I believe it's essential for a mental support app to have access to licensed professionals and a community of individuals who share similar experiences. It's also important to have personalized resources and progress tracking.
How important is it to you that the mental support app is easy to navigate and use? It's very important to me that the mental support app is easy to navigate and use. If it's difficult to use, I'm less likely to use it regularly.
What concerns, if any, do you have about using a mental support app for your mental health needs? My main concern about using a mental support app is whether the quality of care will be the same as in-person therapy. I also worry about the privacy and security of my personal information.
Empathy Map
User Persona
Out of the development process. The user stories helped me understand the needs and goals of potential users, while the personas allowed me to create a more personalized experience for different types of users. The empathy maps helped me understand the emotions and pain points of users, which allowed me to create solutions that would resonate with them on a deeper level. Usability testing was crucial in validating and refining the app, as it allowed me to observe how users interacted with it and identify areas that needed improvement. Overall, the combination of these techniques gave me a comprehensive understanding of the user experience and helped me create a more effective and user-friendly app.
The Journey Map can help to understand Ryan`s needs and motivations as a user of the mental support app. It highlights his pain points and gains and identifies the steps he takes from becoming aware of his mental health struggles to becoming a loyal user of the app. This information can be used to design a user-friendly and effective app that meets Ryan's needs and provides him with the support he requires.
Journey Map
The Double Diamond Process
Define
Using the how might we method, I took our problems and reframed them as opportunities with their potential solutions.
Crazy 8`s, Sketches and Ideas
Based on my SWOT analysis, research, and looking at another therapist app, I collected all my information and took notes from pain points to features that stood out. I then created my crazy 8 sketches and a rough draft of what I might like the user's mobile app to look like.
User Flow
Moving onto the user flow sketches, I wanted to create something that would be easy, effortless, and with as minimal clicks as possible in order for the user to find what they need.
User Story
As a user who has struggled with anxiety and depression in the past, I seek a mental health support app that provides me with access to licensed professionals and a community of individuals who share similar experiences. I aim to find practical solutions for managing my mental health challenges and improving my overall well-being.
Site Map
Lo-Fi Wareframing
This is the initial sketch of my wireframe. There were a few things I changed but I kept the overall layout of it. I only kept relevant information for the user in order to avoid any type of confusion at any point. Utilizing the Site map and user flows I was able to create wireframes. The high-fidelity mockup was made from this, however, it was iterated many times.
The Double Diamond Process
Design
The peacock is associated with positive traits such as dignity, self-assurance, and vibrancy in many cultures. These qualities can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for those struggling with mental health issues.
The color purple is often associated with themes of creativity, spirituality, and mental clarity, so it may be used to convey those concepts in a mental health app. The peacock is often used to symbolize beauty, pride, and confidence, which can benefit one's mental health.
Hi-Fi Prototyping
The latest version of hi-fi prototyping introduces advanced interactive features, allowing users to experience a highly realistic and immersive digital representation of their designs.
The Double Diamond Process
Delivery
After conducting user testing with a group of five participants, we made several adjustments to the hi-fi prototyping based on their feedback and observations. The results of the user testing revealed that the updated version of the hi-fi prototyping significantly improved the user experience, with participants reporting a greater sense of realism and engagement. The iterative changes made based on user testing helped streamline navigation, refine interactions, and enhance the overall usability of the hi-fi prototype, resulting in higher user satisfaction and increased confidence in the design direction.
Next Steps
Through deepening my understanding of the double diamond process and honing my skills in Figma, I have acquired valuable knowledge and expertise. Moving forward, my focus will be on developing an application that prioritizes user-friendliness, particularly in terms of typography and color.
To enhance the user-friendliness of the application, I will carefully select and refine typography choices, ensuring optimal legibility and readability. By considering factors such as font styles, weights, and sizes, I aim to create a visually harmonious and easily scannable interface that promotes effortless information consumption.
In terms of color, I will employ a thoughtful and cohesive palette that not only appeals aesthetically but also aids in clear communication and intuitive navigation. By leveraging color psychology principles, I will strive to establish a visual hierarchy, effectively guiding users' attention and providing Acues for interaction.
By incorporating user-centric design principles and leveraging my improved understanding of the double diamond process, I am committed to creating an application that offers a seamless and delightful user experience, where typography and color play integral roles in fostering usability and engagement.