Support for stress and anxiety

Redefining Anxiety Management

ClIent
ClIent

Academic Project

Role

UX/UI Designer

UX/UI Designer

Time-frame

Spring 2024

Spring 2024

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Overview

AnxietyEase is a unique mobile application which was designed to help individuals manage and improve their mental health who are dealing with anxiety.

AnxietyEase is a unique mobile application which was designed to help individuals manage and improve their mental health who are dealing with anxiety.

How might we create a digital solution that makes anxiety management more personal and socially supportive?

Our approach focuses on personalization, community, and accessibility to redefine how users manage anxiety. By combining tailored support strategies with a strong sense of belonging, our solution goes beyond generic self-help tools. Through customized coping techniques, peer interactions, and guided support, we aim to create an engaging, safe, and adaptive experience that empowers users to navigate their mental well-being effectively.

Who is this product for?

For individuals navigating anxiety who seek tailored coping strategies, a supportive community, and a more engaging alternative to generic mental health apps

Goal:

To create a personalized and community-driven anxiety management solution that empowers users with tailored coping mechanisms, fosters a sense of belonging, and enhances overall mental well-being.

Problem:

Current anxiety management apps provide one-size-fits-all solutions and lack engagement and peer support, leaving users feeling disconnected and underserved in their mental health journey.

Opportunity:

By bridging the gap between personalized mental health support and community-driven engagement, we can offer a unique and adaptive solution that enhances user well-being, fosters ongoing support networks, and improves long-term mental health outcomes.

Trust the process

Competitor analysis:

Conducted impactful competitor analysis on Calm, HeadSpace and BetterHelp, refining my product design by extracting insights on convenience, user-friendliness, social aspects, and business features.

Process we followed...

1. User Research

We recruited 6 participants and conducted our study via recorded Zoom to gain valuable insights into user needs and preferences in the realm of mobile applications addressing mental health concerns.

2. Iteration 01

By incorporating user insights, we have designed an anxiety management application that aligns seamlessly with all identified user needs

3. Usability Research

We conducted usability study where we observed 4 tasks, encouraging verbalizing through tasks and also asked open ended questions

4. Updated Design

Following the analysis of usability results, we implemented modifications to the prototype to enhance its functionality and user experience

We covered the behavior of our user group this product intends to cater

How is AnxietyEase different?

AnxietyEase combines personalized support, community engagement, and AI-driven assistance, offering tailored coping strategies, affordable therapist consultations, and a 24/7 chatbot for continuous anxiety management.

How did I solve the problem?

By integrating customizable anxiety-relief techniques, a supportive community space, and AI-powered guidance, I created a holistic and accessible solution that adapts to individual needs while ensuring professional support remains within reach.

Wireframe

Once the features were finalized through iterations, we created high-fidelity wireframes, which were later refined into the visual design. We focused on addressing user pain points and opportunities, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience and an intuitive, visually engaging homepage.

Creating value

Taking up space where there is none

Post-competitor analysis, I posed three key questions:

1. Problem solved?

2. Benefits?

3. Why us over them?

Value prop

AnxietyEase goes beyond generic stress relief by offering a deeply personalized approach to mental well-being. Through intuitive ways for reducing stress, tailored recommendations, and guided 1-on-1 sessions, it empowers users to manage anxiety in a way that feels intuitive, supportive, and uniquely theirs—something most wellness apps overlook.

Features:

1

The ability to communicate with the therapist via chat or an online consultation at affordable prices.

1

The ability to communicate with the therapist via chat or an online consultation at affordable prices.

1

The ability to communicate with the therapist via chat or an online consultation at affordable prices.

2

Exercises according to the difficulty level which user chooses

2

Exercises according to the difficulty level which user chooses

2

Exercises according to the difficulty level which user chooses

3

Chatbot facility (Al), which helps our users get support at any time

3

Chatbot facility (Al), which helps our users get support at any time

3

Chatbot facility (Al), which helps our users get support at any time

4

One can share their experiences, which inspires other users to overcome their anxiety.

4

One can share their experiences, which inspires other users to overcome their anxiety.

4

One can share their experiences, which inspires other users to overcome their anxiety.

5

No login or Signup and no long questionnaires

5

No login or Signup and no long questionnaires

5

No login or Signup and no long questionnaires

Benefits:

1

As there is no signup or login, user can save time and not feel overwhelmed

1

As there is no signup or login, user can save time and not feel overwhelmed

1

As there is no signup or login, user can save time and not feel overwhelmed

2

Feel confident that there are many other who face anxiety issues everyday and they are not dealing alone!

2

Feel confident that there are many other who face anxiety issues everyday and they are not dealing alone!

2

Feel confident that there are many other who face anxiety issues everyday and they are not dealing alone!

3

Instead of browsing hundreds of websites to get motivated, users can use this all in one application

3

Instead of browsing hundreds of websites to get motivated, users can use this all in one application

3

Instead of browsing hundreds of websites to get motivated, users can use this all in one application

Usability Research - Tasks Given For Users

Task 1: As a new user, begin your journey by registering with the application. Once registered, your next step is to navigate and familiarize yourself with the features on the application's home page

Task 2: Please navigate to the section that directs you to explore inspirational stories shared by other users within the application. Once there, we would want you to post your own story.

Task 3: Place yourself in a scenario where immediate assistance is required, and assess how effectively the app addresses your current needs for support and assistance.

Task 4: Put yourself in a scenario where you desire to listen to a podcast aligned with your current anxiety level. Demonstrate how you would navigate through the application to find and engage with a relevant podcast that caters to your specific anxiety level.

Key Findings Summary:

1

Need more options during the onboarding process

1

Need more options during the onboarding process

1

Need more options during the onboarding process

3

Users wanted to set reminders for regular check-ins or mindfulness exercises

3

Users wanted to set reminders for regular check-ins or mindfulness exercises

3

Users wanted to set reminders for regular check-ins or mindfulness exercises

2

The main tasks were not intuitive, for which users lost clarity how the app works

2

The main tasks were not intuitive, for which users lost clarity how the app works

2

The main tasks were not intuitive, for which users lost clarity how the app works

4

Need to build trust among users, that the app is providing story recommendations based on their profiles.

4

Need to build trust among users, that the app is providing story recommendations based on their profiles.

4

Need to build trust among users, that the app is providing story recommendations based on their profiles.

Next Steps

Moving forward, we plan to conduct another round of usability testing with a fully functional prototype to refine the user experience further. Once launched, our priority will be to ensure accessible and affordable therapy sessions, making professional support more attainable for users. Additionally, we will focus on continuous content updates, enhancing user confidence and engagement while keeping the app dynamic, relevant, and supportive in their anxiety management journey.

What I’ve learned

Research and testing emphasized the need for an intuitive, well-structured experience that helps users feel confident and supported. While features draw users in, a seamless UI/UX keeps them engaged and builds trust.

Key takeaways:

A one-size-fits-all approach isn’t effective for anxiety management—research and testing revealed the need for personalized support and accessibility to enhance user engagement.

Integrating a strong community aspect provided users with a sense of belonging, making the app more than just a tool but a space for shared support and motivation.

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Lets Collab

I'm open to new opportunities!
Let's chat over coffee ☕

Lets Collab

I'm open to new opportunities!
Let's chat over coffee ☕

Lets Collab

I'm open to new opportunities!
Let's chat over coffee ☕