A&D Relief

Project Type

Capstone Case Study

My Role

UX Design and Research

Timeline

12 weeks

Tools

FIGMA • Miro
Illustrator • Photoshop

  • Introduction

  • Research

  • Ideate

  • Prototype

  • Final Design

Table of Contents

Introduction

Women are statistically more affected by depression and anxiety than men. One of the most widely documented findings in psychiatric care is that women are significantly more likely than men to develop an anxiety disorder throughout their lifespan. This project focuses on helping women aged 20-35 who are struggling with these mental health challenges.

Background

How might we create a digital platform that effectively supports women aged 20-35 in managing their anxiety and depression through accessible, interactive, and varied coping strategies?

Problem Statement

The aim was to create an accessible experience for women coping with anxiety and/or depression. The solution would be an interactive tool to help users navigate mild mental challenges, available as a website on both desktop and mobile platforms. The experience would offer different options depending on the level of guidance needed.

Project Goal

Research

Research Goal

Discover effective methods to help women cope with anxiety and/or depression through digital means.

Research Methods

  1. Literature Review: Read articles and journals offering well-researched studies on anxiety, depression, and digital interventions.

  2. User Survey: Gathered insights from potential users about their needs and preferences.

  3. Artifact Analysis: Tested 3 VR experiences related to calming anxiety and depression.

Key Findings

  • Virtual reality (VR) may be an effective tool in treating mental illness.

  • VR therapy can help rewire the brain, promoting resilience, relaxation, and recovery.

  • Studies show being outside can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

  • Moving the body, for just 10-15 minutes a day can highly impact the mood you will have the rest of
    the day.

Literature Review

User Survey

Conducted a 15-question survey with 10 potential users (women ages 20-35 who suffer from anxiety and depression).

  • Survey duration: 20 minutes

  • Key insights:

    • Many participants prefer physical activities like working out to manage anxiety.

    • Being outdoors or in sunlight was reported as helpful for mood improvement.

Survey Results

10 potential users took the survey.

Question 1: What do you do to make sure you're taking care of yourself?

“Getting enough rest and going to the gym”
— Anonymous
“Spend quality time with myself, move my body, reflect, make goals, and eat well.”
— Anonymous
“I walk, a lot.”
— Anonymous

Research Conclusion

The research indicated a need for a centralized platform combining various resources and coping strategies. Physical movement emerged as a crucial element in managing anxiety and depression.

Ideation

Brainstorming

  • Initiated with a post-it exercise to generate quick ideas.

  • Focused on incorporating movement-based activities, as highlighted by the research.

Design Solutions

Based on the research findings, the ideation process led to the concept of a website offering multiple coping strategies:

  1. Physical movement exercises

  2. VR experiences for relaxation and symptom management

  3. Visual content for mood improvement

  4. Audio resources (calming playlists and potentially podcasts)

Prototype

Wireframes

Final Design

After weeks of iteration, A&D Relief emerged as a vibrant, intuitive platform. Users are greeted with a calming interface, prompting them to choose their path: Move, Immerse, Watch, or Listen.

  • The 'Move' section offers quick, anxiety-busting workouts, from desk stretches to full-body routines.

  • 'Immerse' transports users to serene VR environments, from tranquil beaches to soothing forest walks.

  • 'Watch' provides a curated selection of mood-lifting visuals, from adorable animal videos to stunning nature sceneries.

  • 'Listen' features calming playlists and guided meditations, a digital hug for the soul.

Key features include:

  • Responsive design for both desktop and mobile use.

  • Intuitive navigation between different coping strategies.

  • Options to move or stay still, both having a great impact on over all mental health.

Future Developments

Whats Next?

1

Develop and refine the 'Listen' page:

  • Add curated playlists

  • Incorporate relevant podcasts

2

More User Feedback:

  • Test with original participants to see if these solutions work for them.

  • Iterate on the feedback for a
    final prototype.

3

Explore the implementation of an AI-powered chat feature, similar to a therapist interaction

Conclusion

By continuously iterating on these features, A&D Relief aims to provide an increasingly comprehensive and effective tool for women managing anxiety and depression.