is a meditation app catering to young people that aims to deliver personalized content promoting mindfulness to enhance their perspective by collecting user data anonymously that contributes to a dataset which aids other users while making algorithms more human-friendly.
is a meditation app catering to young people that aims to deliver personalized content promoting mindfulness to enhance their perspective by collecting user data anonymously that contributes to a dataset which aids other users while making algorithms more human-friendly.
is a meditation app catering to young people that aims to deliver personalized content promoting mindfulness to enhance their perspective by collecting user data anonymously that contributes to a dataset which aids other users while making algorithms more human-friendly.
is a meditation app catering to young people that aims to deliver personalized content promoting mindfulness to enhance their perspective by collecting user data anonymously that contributes to a dataset which aids other users while making algorithms more human-friendly.
is a meditation app catering to young people that aims to deliver personalized content promoting mindfulness to enhance their perspective by collecting user data anonymously that contributes to a dataset which aids other users while making algorithms more human-friendly.
Role
Role
Role
Role
Role
UX Research
UX Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
UX Research
UX Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
UX Research
UX Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
UX Research
UX Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
UX Research
UX Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
Tools
Tools
Tools
Tools
Tools
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Animate
Figma
Procreate
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Animate
Figma
Procreate
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Animate
Figma
Procreate
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Animate
Figma
Procreate
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Animate
Figma
Procreate
Timeline
Timeline
Timeline
Timeline
Timeline
5 months
5 months
5 months
5 months
In January 2021, I joined Vrtumind team as the sole Visual/User Experience Designer via the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign’s ATLAS internship program. Vrtumind is a startup that was founded by University alumni who wanted to help young people alleviate their mental health struggles via mindfulness meditation.
After our initial kickoff meeting I was asked to deliver on 3 key deliverables:
An animated breathing visual
A meditation screen with a media player
A meditation guide biography page
In January 2021, I joined Vrtumind team as the sole Visual/User Experience Designer via the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign’s ATLAS internship program. Vrtumind is a startup that was founded by University alumni who wanted to help young people alleviate their mental health struggles via mindfulness meditation.
After our initial kickoff meeting I was asked to deliver on 3 key deliverables:
An animated breathing visual
A meditation screen with a media player
A meditation guide biography page
In January 2021, I joined Vrtumind team as the sole Visual/User Experience Designer via the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign’s ATLAS internship program. Vrtumind is a startup that was founded by University alumni who wanted to help young people alleviate their mental health struggles via mindfulness meditation.
After our initial kickoff meeting I was asked to deliver on 3 key deliverables:
An animated breathing visual
A meditation screen with a media player
A meditation guide biography page
In January 2021, I joined Vrtumind team as the sole Visual/User Experience Designer via the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign’s ATLAS internship program. Vrtumind is a startup that was founded by University alumni who wanted to help young people alleviate their mental health struggles via mindfulness meditation.
After our initial kickoff meeting I was asked to deliver on 3 key deliverables:
An animated breathing visual
A meditation screen with a media player
A meditation guide biography page
In January 2021, I joined Vrtumind team as the sole Visual/User Experience Designer via the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign’s ATLAS internship program. Vrtumind is a startup that was founded by University alumni who wanted to help young people alleviate their mental health struggles via mindfulness meditation.
After our initial kickoff meeting I was asked to deliver on 3 key deliverables:
An animated breathing visual
A meditation screen with a media player
A meditation guide biography page
Research
Research
Research
Research
Research Goals
Research Goals
Research Goals
Research Goals
Empathize with user demographic: young people
Understand the effects of mindfulness meditation and how it is practiced
Discover colors that evoke feelings of serenity and calm
Empathize with user demographic: young people
Understand the effects of mindfulness meditation and how it is practiced
Discover colors that evoke feelings of serenity and calm
Empathize with user demographic: young people
Understand the effects of mindfulness meditation and how it is practiced
Discover colors that evoke feelings of serenity and calm
Empathize with user demographic: young people
Understand the effects of mindfulness meditation and how it is practiced
Discover colors that evoke feelings of serenity and calm
Young People
Young People
Young People
Young People
References:
Burns, J.M., Davenport, T.A., Durkin, L.A., Luscombe, G.M. and Hickie, I.B. (2010)
Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010, December 30)
Rickwood, D. J., Deane, F. P., & Wilson, C. J. (2007, October 1)
Flett, J. A. M., Hayne, H., Riordan, B. C., Thompson, L. M., & Conner, T. S. (2018, October 31)
References:
Burns, J.M., Davenport, T.A., Durkin, L.A., Luscombe, G.M. and Hickie, I.B. (2010)
Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010, December 30)
Rickwood, D. J., Deane, F. P., & Wilson, C. J. (2007, October 1)
Flett, J. A. M., Hayne, H., Riordan, B. C., Thompson, L. M., & Conner, T. S. (2018, October 31)
References:
Burns, J.M., Davenport, T.A., Durkin, L.A., Luscombe, G.M. and Hickie, I.B. (2010)
Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010, December 30)
Rickwood, D. J., Deane, F. P., & Wilson, C. J. (2007, October 1)
Flett, J. A. M., Hayne, H., Riordan, B. C., Thompson, L. M., & Conner, T. S. (2018, October 31)
20% of young people have experienced a mental health problem in the previous 5 years
Adolescents and young adults frequently experience mental disorders, yet tend not to seek help.
They are more likely to seek help if:
They have some knowledge about mental health issues and sources of help.
They feel emotionally competent to express their feelings and have established and trusted relationships with potential help providers.
Strategies for improving help-seeking by adolescents and young adults should focus on: improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and taking into account the desire of young people for self-reliance.
Increasingly, Internet-based information and interventions are being used to engage young people in the help-seeking process.
Younger adults, non-white, and lower-income Americans, smartphones are the only means of access to the Internet at home and they are the preferred method of contact for young people
20% of young people have experienced a mental health problem in the previous 5 years
Adolescents and young adults frequently experience mental disorders, yet tend not to seek help.
They are more likely to seek help if:
They have some knowledge about mental health issues and sources of help.
They feel emotionally competent to express their feelings and have established and trusted relationships with potential help providers.
Strategies for improving help-seeking by adolescents and young adults should focus on: improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and taking into account the desire of young people for self-reliance.
Increasingly, Internet-based information and interventions are being used to engage young people in the help-seeking process.
Younger adults, non-white, and lower-income Americans, smartphones are the only means of access to the Internet at home and they are the preferred method of contact for young people
20% of young people have experienced a mental health problem in the previous 5 years
Adolescents and young adults frequently experience mental disorders, yet tend not to seek help.
They are more likely to seek help if:
They have some knowledge about mental health issues and sources of help.
They feel emotionally competent to express their feelings and have established and trusted relationships with potential help providers.
Strategies for improving help-seeking by adolescents and young adults should focus on: improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and taking into account the desire of young people for self-reliance.
Increasingly, Internet-based information and interventions are being used to engage young people in the help-seeking process.
Younger adults, non-white, and lower-income Americans, smartphones are the only means of access to the Internet at home and they are the preferred method of contact for young people
20% of young people have experienced a mental health problem in the previous 5 years
Adolescents and young adults frequently experience mental disorders, yet tend not to seek help.
They are more likely to seek help if:
They have some knowledge about mental health issues and sources of help.
They feel emotionally competent to express their feelings and have established and trusted relationships with potential help providers.
Strategies for improving help-seeking by adolescents and young adults should focus on: improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and taking into account the desire of young people for self-reliance.
Increasingly, Internet-based information and interventions are being used to engage young people in the help-seeking process.
Younger adults, non-white, and lower-income Americans, smartphones are the only means of access to the Internet at home and they are the preferred method of contact for young people
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness
Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation
References:
Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010, December 30)
Weare, K. (2012, April)
Astin, J. A. (2010, February 18)
References:
Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010, December 30)
Weare, K. (2012, April)
Astin, J. A. (2010, February 18)
References:
Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010, December 30)
Weare, K. (2012, April)
Astin, J. A. (2010, February 18)
Effective in improving mental health, addressing problems such as substance abuse, stress, anxiety and recurrent depression, and to improve sleep.
Emphasis on developing detached observation and awareness of the contents of consciousness, may represent a powerful cognitive behavioral coping strategy for transforming the ways in which we respond to life events.
Mindfulness apps allows for experienced instructors to deliver high quality guided meditations to far more people than face-to-face can allow.
Results from a randomized control trial measuring effects of two popular mindfulness meditation apps showed:
Small but significant improvements for depressive symptoms and college adjustment of users after 10 days of app use.
This change in depressive symptoms relative to control was further maintained after 30 days of discretionary use relative to control.
Mindfulness Meditation has also demonstrated to better elicit spiritual experiences.
Effective in improving mental health, addressing problems such as substance abuse, stress, anxiety and recurrent depression, and to improve sleep.
Emphasis on developing detached observation and awareness of the contents of consciousness, may represent a powerful cognitive behavioral coping strategy for transforming the ways in which we respond to life events.
Mindfulness apps allows for experienced instructors to deliver high quality guided meditations to far more people than face-to-face can allow.
Results from a randomized control trial measuring effects of two popular mindfulness meditation apps showed:
Small but significant improvements for depressive symptoms and college adjustment of users after 10 days of app use.
This change in depressive symptoms relative to control was further maintained after 30 days of discretionary use relative to control.
Mindfulness Meditation has also demonstrated to better elicit spiritual experiences.
Effective in improving mental health, addressing problems such as substance abuse, stress, anxiety and recurrent depression, and to improve sleep.
Emphasis on developing detached observation and awareness of the contents of consciousness, may represent a powerful cognitive behavioral coping strategy for transforming the ways in which we respond to life events.
Mindfulness apps allows for experienced instructors to deliver high quality guided meditations to far more people than face-to-face can allow.
Results from a randomized control trial measuring effects of two popular mindfulness meditation apps showed:
Small but significant improvements for depressive symptoms and college adjustment of users after 10 days of app use.
This change in depressive symptoms relative to control was further maintained after 30 days of discretionary use relative to control.
Mindfulness Meditation has also demonstrated to better elicit spiritual experiences.
Effective in improving mental health, addressing problems such as substance abuse, stress, anxiety and recurrent depression, and to improve sleep.
Emphasis on developing detached observation and awareness of the contents of consciousness, may represent a powerful cognitive behavioral coping strategy for transforming the ways in which we respond to life events.
Mindfulness apps allows for experienced instructors to deliver high quality guided meditations to far more people than face-to-face can allow.
Results from a randomized control trial measuring effects of two popular mindfulness meditation apps showed:
Small but significant improvements for depressive symptoms and college adjustment of users after 10 days of app use.
This change in depressive symptoms relative to control was further maintained after 30 days of discretionary use relative to control.
Mindfulness Meditation has also demonstrated to better elicit spiritual experiences.
Colors
Colors
Colors
Colors
References:
Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010, December 30)
Weare, K. (2012, April)
Astin, J. A. (2010, February 18)
References:
Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010, December 30)
Weare, K. (2012, April)
Astin, J. A. (2010, February 18)
References:
Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010, December 30)
Weare, K. (2012, April)
Astin, J. A. (2010, February 18)
Blue
Strongly associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene, secure, comfortable’
Somewhat associated with ‘tender, soothing dignified, stately, powerful, strong, masterful, protective, defending’Purple
Strongly associated with ‘dignified, stately, powerful, strong, masterful’
Somewhat associated with ‘protective, defending’White
Positively associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene’
Possibly also with ‘dignified, stately’Gray
Somewhat associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene’
Blue
Strongly associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene, secure, comfortable’
Somewhat associated with ‘tender, soothing dignified, stately, powerful, strong, masterful, protective, defending’Purple
Strongly associated with ‘dignified, stately, powerful, strong, masterful’
Somewhat associated with ‘protective, defending’White
Positively associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene’
Possibly also with ‘dignified, stately’Gray
Somewhat associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene’
Blue
Strongly associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene, secure, comfortable’
Somewhat associated with ‘tender, soothing dignified, stately, powerful, strong, masterful, protective, defending’Purple
Strongly associated with ‘dignified, stately, powerful, strong, masterful’
Somewhat associated with ‘protective, defending’White
Positively associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene’
Possibly also with ‘dignified, stately’Gray
Somewhat associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene’
Blue
Strongly associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene, secure, comfortable’
Somewhat associated with ‘tender, soothing dignified, stately, powerful, strong, masterful, protective, defending’Purple
Strongly associated with ‘dignified, stately, powerful, strong, masterful’
Somewhat associated with ‘protective, defending’White
Positively associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene’
Possibly also with ‘dignified, stately’Gray
Somewhat associated with ‘calm, peaceful, serene’
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Competitive
Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Headspace
Headspace
Calm
Calm
Breathing visual is centered
Breathing visual not engaging
Play button out of reach for
one handed use
Breathing visual is centered
Breathing visual not engaging
Play button out of reach for
one handed use
Breathing visual is centered
Breathing visual not engaging
Play button out of reach for
one handed use
Breathing visual is centered
Breathing visual not engaging
Play button out of reach for
one handed use
Breathing visual is centered
Breathing visual not engaging
Play button out of reach for
one handed use
Breathing visual is centered
Breathing visual not engaging
Play button out of reach for
one handed use
Media player is easy to reach
Lack of visuals to guide breathing
Color palette feels dark and gloomy
Media player is easy to reach
Lack of visuals to guide breathing
Color palette feels dark and gloomy
Media player is easy to reach
Lack of visuals to guide breathing
Color palette feels dark and gloomy
Media player is easy to reach
Lack of visuals to guide breathing
Color palette feels dark and gloomy
Media player is easy to reach
Lack of visuals to guide breathing
Color palette feels dark and gloomy
Media player is easy to reach
Lack of visuals to guide breathing
Color palette feels dark and gloomy
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Technological/internet-based solutions to mental health are more viable due to ease of access, especially for young people
Meditation apps are more accessible and cost effective for young people with mental health issues.
Colors of blue, white, gray and purple should be used throughout the UI to evoke feelings of calm and being in control.
Technological/internet-based solutions to mental health are more viable due to ease of access, especially for young people
Meditation apps are more accessible and cost effective for young people with mental health issues.
Colors of blue, white, gray and purple should be used throughout the UI to evoke feelings of calm and being in control.
Technological/internet-based solutions to mental health are more viable due to ease of access, especially for young people
Meditation apps are more accessible and cost effective for young people with mental health issues.
Colors of blue, white, gray and purple should be used throughout the UI to evoke feelings of calm and being in control.
Technological/internet-based solutions to mental health are more viable due to ease of access, especially for young people
Meditation apps are more accessible and cost effective for young people with mental health issues.
Colors of blue, white, gray and purple should be used throughout the UI to evoke feelings of calm and being in control.
Design
Design
Design
Design
Breathing Visual Drafts
Breathing Visual Drafts
Breathing Visual Drafts
Breathing
Visual Drafts
Breathing Visual Drafts
Utilizing the colors I discovered from my research, I sketched drafts of the breathing visual on Procreate.
Since the client wanted the breathing visual to be abstract, I took a minimalist approach as to not clutter and distract from the meditation.
Utilizing the colors I discovered from my research, I sketched drafts of the breathing visual on Procreate.
Since the client wanted the breathing visual to be abstract, I took a minimalist approach as to not clutter and distract from the meditation.
Utilizing the colors I discovered from my research, I sketched drafts of the breathing visual on Procreate.
Since the client wanted the breathing visual to be abstract, I took a minimalist approach as to not clutter and distract from the meditation.
Utilizing the colors I discovered from my research, I sketched drafts of the breathing visual on Procreate.
Since the client wanted the breathing visual to be abstract, I took a minimalist approach as to not clutter and distract from the meditation.
Finalized Breathing Visual
Finalized Breathing Visual
Finalized Breathing Visual
Finalized
Breathing Visual
Finalized Breathing Visual
The finalized design is of a glowing orb, symbolizing one’s life force or energy, evoking a sense of spirituality. It expands as the user breathes in and shrinks as the user exhales.
Once the design was finalized, I used Adobe Illustrator to draw the final version and Adobe Animate to animate the breathing visual in action.
The finalized design is of a glowing orb, symbolizing one’s life force or energy, evoking a sense of spirituality. It expands as the user breathes in and shrinks as the user exhales.
Once the design was finalized, I used Adobe Illustrator to draw the final version and Adobe Animate to animate the breathing visual in action.
The finalized design is of a glowing orb, symbolizing one’s life force or energy, evoking a sense of spirituality. It expands as the user breathes in and shrinks as the user exhales.
Once the design was finalized, I used Adobe Illustrator to draw the final version and Adobe Animate to animate the breathing visual in action.
The finalized design is of a glowing orb, symbolizing one’s life force or energy, evoking a sense of spirituality. It expands as the user breathes in and shrinks as the user exhales.
Once the design was finalized, I used Adobe Illustrator to draw the final version and Adobe Animate to animate the breathing visual in action.
The finalized design is of a glowing orb, symbolizing one’s life force or energy, evoking a sense of spirituality. It expands as the user breathes in and shrinks as the user exhales.
Once the design was finalized, I used Adobe Illustrator to draw the final version and Adobe Animate to animate the breathing visual in action.
Low-Fidelity Mockup
Low-Fidelity Mockup
Low-Fidelity Mockup
Low-Fidelity Mockup
Meditation page
Meditation page
Meditation page
Meditation page
Biography page
Biography page
Biography page
Biography page
After finalizing the breathing visual, I drafted a lo-fi mockup of the meditation page and the bio page of the meditation guide.
I married pros of both Headspace and Calm by centering the breathing visual and having media player easily accessible with one hand.
After finalizing the breathing visual, I drafted a lo-fi mockup of the meditation page and the bio page of the meditation guide.
I married pros of both Headspace and Calm by centering the breathing visual and having media player easily accessible with one hand.
After finalizing the breathing visual, I drafted a lo-fi mockup of the meditation page and the bio page of the meditation guide.
I married pros of both Headspace and Calm by centering the breathing visual and having media player easily accessible with one hand.
After finalizing the breathing visual, I drafted a lo-fi mockup of the meditation page and the bio page of the meditation guide.
I married pros of both Headspace and Calm by centering the breathing visual and having media player easily accessible with one hand.
Iteration
Iteration
Iteration
Iteration
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
To get feedback on my design, I recruited 6 of my fellow students at the university to conduct usability testing.
After testing I identified a some key pain points:
Prototype did not have any instructions or feedback to guide the user through the meditation session.
Biography page blocked the whole screen and the user could not go back to the meditation session or exit the app.
Color scheme was too dull and bland
Poor icon and text visibility
To get feedback on my design, I recruited 6 of my fellow students at the university to conduct usability testing.
After testing I identified a some key pain points:
Prototype did not have any instructions or feedback to guide the user through the meditation session.
Biography page blocked the whole screen and the user could not go back to the meditation session or exit the app.
Color scheme was too dull and bland
Poor icon and text visibility
To get feedback on my design, I recruited 6 of my fellow students at the university to conduct usability testing.
After testing I identified a some key pain points:
Prototype did not have any instructions or feedback to guide the user through the meditation session.
Biography page blocked the whole screen and the user could not go back to the meditation session or exit the app.
Color scheme was too dull and bland
Poor icon and text visibility
To get feedback on my design, I recruited 6 of my fellow students at the university to conduct usability testing.
After testing I identified a some key pain points:
Prototype did not have any instructions or feedback to guide the user through the meditation session.
Biography page blocked the whole screen and the user could not go back to the meditation session or exit the app.
Color scheme was too dull and bland
Poor icon and text visibility
Iteration
Iteration
Iteration
Iteration
This my finalized design after taking into account the feed back I received from testing.
This my finalized design after taking into account the feed back I received from testing.
This my finalized design after taking into account the feed back I received from testing.
This my finalized design after taking into account the feed back I received from testing.
Live Prototype
Live Prototype
Live Prototype
Live Prototype
Live Prototype