MIND EASE": A FOCUSED MENTAL HEALTH APPLICATION
Designing for Healing: A Case Study on Designing a User-Focused, Free Job Mental Health App
- NAME: Irit Blumenthal
- Lead: UX/UI Researcher
- PROJECT TYPE: UX Design
- SPRINT DURATION: 2 months
TOOLS USED:
As a UI/UX Designer, I conducted Complete design of all parts of the application including User Research Plan, Guide, User Research, Empathy Map, Journey Map, Persona, User Flow, Competitive Analysis, Problem Statement, Scenarios, Sketches, Site map, Mood Board, Wire flow, Discussion Guide, Research Plan, Prototype, Usability Testing Synthesis, and Logo Design
Overview
In today’s fast-paced and demanding workplace environment, mental health can often be overlooked or neglected. This can lead to severe challenges for individuals, including depression and anxiety.
This is where “Mind Ease” comes in – as a safe haven for adults struggling with depression while navigating the professional world.
Our innovative approach combines a deep understanding of workplace stressors with personalized coping mechanisms to provide a targeted solution for mental well-being in the workplace.
Target Audience:
Professionals aged 25-42 facing depression linked to their workplace. This demographic is in search of specialized resources, coping tools, and a supportive community that understands the nuances of juggling mental health with job responsibilities.
The Problem:
Only 5% of employees feel connected to the workplace, which is a concerning statistic. Mental health is critical for individuals to reach their potential, cope with challenges, and contribute to society.
The App Goals
- To connect users with real therapists after checking their level of mental health needs
- To Connect users to zoom seminars depending on their choice.
- To Connect users to Readable articles depending on their choice
- To connect users with each other.
Research method - Affinity Diagram
I conducted in-depth interviews to gather insights for further research. These one-on-one conversations involved open-ended questions to explore the user’s experiences, motivations, emotions, and perspectives. The goal was to develop a solution that aligns with their needs. The interviews were conducted online using Zoom.
Once all the research data was collected, I utilized FigJam to document and organize the findings. I created an affinity diagram by capturing the research results on sticky notes and arranging them based on similarity.
Research results :
Most people fear safety issues but see the benefits of a wellness app at work. 30% use it for personal growth, but it’s not a substitute for mental health treatment. 90% experience work pressure and need resources. 70% are interested in group therapy, but 30% prefer different types of help.
Competitive Research:
Competitive Analysis conclusions:
Competitor apps do not provide enough employer-employee services, especially psychological therapy. Few apps offer psychological therapy, online seminars, and articles in one place. Most of them focus on relaxation and meditation, but fail to resolve employee issues. Plus, very few apps provide free employer-provided services.
Personas
I identified problem patterns and solutions from the affinity diagram. Based on research findings, a persona was developed representing the needs and motivations of the target group for user-centered product solutions.
Persona number 1
Jena is a stressed teacher in NYC, in need of mental health support and communication with colleagues. Solutions: remote psychologist, work community access, personalized mental health care.
Persona number 2
Michael is afraid to leave his job. He feels lost and depressed, but doesn't know what to do. Employers are trying to help him by suggesting self-help resources.
Journey Map
Then, I created a Journey Map to gain insights into the product usage flow from the user’s perspective. This journey highlights user challenges and identifies features that can better resonate with their needs.
Empathy Map
I designed An Empathy Map to uncover users’ motivations for seeking and using a service. This analysis helps in understanding the solutions that best meet user needs and are more likely to be adopted by users.
An opportunity – a questionnaire for her to determine her level of depression and find a list of psychologists within or outside the app.
Wireflows: (User Flow )
Next, I designed user flows as maps, guiding users through sequential steps to accomplish tasks and achieve goals within the app.
User Flow 1: Questionnaire that determines whether a person requires urgent mental care, medium mental care, or light mental care.
Using the questionnaire will help determine which mental services to offer to the clients.
User Flow 2: Mental health seminars, podcasts, or support group workshops.
If the results of the questionnaire indicate medium health, we recommend attending a group seminar.
User Flow 3:
Learning section articles
If the results of the questionnaire indicate mild mental health issues, we recommend reading articles.
Wireframes and low-fidelity prototype
Sketches
Low-fidelity prototype
Moodboard
My Design Decision: A Journey to Self-Healing. My theme offers accessible serenity.
Mid-fidelity prototype
HighRes Prototype
Usability Testing Report
What users were saying:
“I loved the app”
“I will definitely will use it at my job”
“I will definitely will use it at my job”
“I will use it if it will be given free to me”
Mind Ease Mental Health app usability report found 61% task completion, 83% positive user experience, 72% function satisfaction, and 65% visual satisfaction. Navigation clarity, interactivity, and explicit back buttons need improvement. The report advices button color differentiation, adding a back button, and resources page clarity.
Recommendations:
I’ll improve the back button and revamp screens for better user experience. Home page will reflect latest design trends and tasks will be streamlined for efficiency. I’ll fix the research button and remove any unnecessary elements.
Summary
Users like the app’s design and idea of getting mental help at work. Despite privacy concerns, they appreciate the free app and believe it will help them in their careers. Features are impressive, but some areas need attention. We’re dedicated to exceeding expectations. Thanks for your support and feedback.
Thanks for reading my case study.
