Solace Project
A wellness app that helps users de-stress & manage anxiety. Solace aims to create a safe space for users by offering personalised features and allowing users to make friends.
Timeline
20th Nov - 19th Dec
My Role
Conducting Research, designed low-fi and high-fi mockups. Managed user testing and Iterations.
Problem
As per the WHO, Mental health Disorders are escalating worldwide. Recently, a lot of new apps have been emerging in the wellness space focusing on Meditation, Yoga classes, Calming music and sounds. Through my research, most of these apps have been extremely helpful to users and have managed to overcome short term anxiety and stress.
However, none of these apps provide the option to meet people with similar issues. It has been well known that the best way to treat some of the issues is through talking to your loved ones, a therapist, or people going through the similar disorder.
However, none of these apps provide the option to meet people with similar issues. It has been well known that the best way to treat some of the issues is through talking to your loved ones, a therapist, or people going through the similar disorder.
Solution
An app where users can talk to people going through similar health issues, Journal regularly and focus on calming techniques featured specifically to cater to their needs
Making Friends
Enabling users to connect with people facing the same health issues and adding them as friends
Journaling
Allowing users to journal their thoughts and giving them the option of adding a new journal.
Personalised
This feature will focus on users’s specific issues instead of distracting them with other things.
Researching Phase
I began my research interviewing my friends, family members and colleagues who were struggling from mental health illness. I got some insightful feedbacks from them but I wanted to get outside my social circle. I made a questionnaire on reddit (the place to be these days!) and got around 50 responses. This helped me target the major problems and solutions for my project.
This information allowed me to compile all the data together to target major problem areas.
Wireframing & Prototyping
I began with paper wireframing which didn’t take long. I drew all the ideas I had in mind and went ahead with digital wireframes.
Testing
Before going ahead with the high fidelity prototypes, I asked for feedback from a few UI/UX designers who have been working in this field for years. Overall, the feedback was extremely positive. Although there were a few UI changes that I incorporated after the feedback.
Color Decision: I decided to go with Purple as my main brand colour as opposed to orange. Purple gives a sense of ambition and creativity. I wanted my users to feel aspired and driven that they can overcome their health issues. More Interactive: On the homepage, I decided to add a question. I thought of writing a quote or a positive message, but asking a question would allow more user engagement. Also, it will give a more welcoming message where users can feel free to express their feelings.
High Fidelity Wireframes
Making Friends
Enabling users to connect with people facing the same health issues and adding them as friends
Journaling
Allowing users to journal their thoughts and giving them the option of adding a new journal.
Personalised
This feature will focus on users’s specific issues instead of distracting them with other things.
Final Prototype
Reflection
Working on this project was a great experience as I had the opportunity to talk to so many beautiful people. Everyone I talked to (online and in person) seemed so passionate about life. They wanted to work on themselves and keep getting better. These apps are definitely an amazing solution as they provide decreasing health care costs(in some situations), offering anonymity, greater user engagement rates and constant support. Whether you need help in the middle of the night, or while you’re at work, these apps will be highly beneficial as you can use your phone at anytime of the day. I will continue to add more features to this project as I learn more about this topic. I hope to add more inclusive and engaging designs on this app