App Design
Timeline: March - May 2023
Roles: User Research | UX/UI Design | Usability Testing
Outcomes
User-centered, evidence backed design
Each feature was carefully selected and crafted to address a key need for individuals who experience executive dysfunction, using insights gathered from user research and interviews with mental health professionals. atmosphere improves memory, task completion and emotional regulation.
Empathy
Personalized support was a key driver in this project, targeting both isolated and extroverted users. By addressing how symptoms of poor planning and goal setting, distractibility and poor impulse and emotion control can affect each type of user, I created flexible solutions so users can engage with the app in a way that works for them.
Clarity
Using insights from user testing, I was able to introduce more clarity into atmosphere by making buttons and placement more intuitive, providing instructions and eliminating unnecessary steps in processes to reduce the cognitive load for users.
It’s more than just forgetting your keys.
Individuals affected by executive dysfunction can have trouble with memory, initiating and completing tasks, and regulating emotions, which can negatively affect their personal and professional lives.
Executive dysfunction is a behavioral symptom that can be experienced by neurodivergent individuals. 15-20% of the population is estimated to be neurodivergent.
How might we support individuals who experience executive dysfunction with improving memory, task completion and emotional regulation?
Over the course of 8 weeks working on this project, I focused my efforts on targeting symptoms of poor planning and goal setting, distractibility and poor impulse and emotion control.
An executive function support system, in your atmosphere.
With atmosphere, users can set goals, track routines, join a support group and journal. atmosphere was designed with a scientific and user-centered approach, with each detail carefully and intentionally made to meet the needs of individuals who experience executive dysfunction.
Research
30 minutes
1:1 interview
4 users
2 mental health professional
Conducted via Zoom
After conducting thorough research, I synthesized the data by creating affinity maps, helping to identify patterns.
Key Insights
Self management and consistency are the most important part of success when shaping behavior.
Collecting data on thought process and mood forces individuals to pay attention to thought patterns.
It’s helpful to encourage people to question whether a behavior sets them up for success in the future or if it is a circular behavior.
Mental Health Professionals
75% of users stated that having a support system is key to managing their symptoms. The remaining users did not feel comfortable opening up to people about their experiences. Collecting data on thought process and mood forces individuals to pay attention to thought patterns.
100% of users experience stress and anxiety when they are unable to initiate or complete tasks.
Users stated that scheduling time to complete tasks helps reduce the risk of procrastination.
Users
Personas
The research revealed that interviewees were divided between extroverted individuals and those who preferred isolation, each requiring tailored strategies to address executive dysfunction. Based on the insights gathered, I developed two distinct personas. A condensed version of the personas are displayed below.
100% of users stated that they would use atmosphere in their daily life.
While users were able to recover from errors, the ambiguity of certain buttons and their placement significantly increased the time it took to complete testing prompts. These design elements created moments of confusion, highlighting areas for improvement in clarity and navigation efficiency.
User Testing
Feedback; Part One
1.
There was confusion around what the “+” was for on the home screen.
To reduce the confusion around the use of “+”, I designed an onboarding sequence.
Updates
2.
Instead of a pop-up when the “+” is selected on the home screen, it leads directly to a screen that you can add a goal or routine from.
3.
Feedback; Part Two
While the users understood the option, they did not know if it would be useful to keep at the top of the screen. There was also confusion around how to remove this if you don’t want to record your time.
1.
Users did not consistently choose the “x” to go back from this screen. There was ambiguity around its meaning.
2.
The steps do not have check boxes, and it’s not consistent with the design or the goal of the application.
3.
Updates
4.
The option to log time is now below the initial information as it was not a priority for users.
Check marks were added to the steps of a routine, so the users could keep track of their progress and reward for every step they take towards completing their routines.
5.
To exit to screen, the “x” is now located in the top left corner to keep consistent with other screens within the app.
6.
Set Goals & Track Routines
This feature allows users to set goals and routines while tracking their progress, creating a structured environment that helps reduce procrastination-induced anxiety and stress. By separating goals from routines, users can easily distinguish between daily tasks and less frequent responsibilities, giving them a clear, organized schedule that supports productivity and mental clarity.
Community Support
An in-app support group addresses the challenge of accountability by providing a space where users can openly share their goals, routines, or thoughts. In this environment, they receive empathy and encouragement from others who truly understand their feelings. It creates a safe, supportive community where users feel seen and heard, fostering a sense of connection and motivation. Empathy is at the core of this experience.
Journal
The journal feature enables users to track their emotions and explore the underlying causes of procrastination. By gaining deeper insights into their habits and triggers, users are empowered to hold themselves accountable and make more informed decisions, ultimately helping them stay on track and achieve their goals.
Reflection
One key takeaway from this project was the importance of empathy and personalization in designing for mental heath. The distinction between extroverted and isolated users highlighted the need for tailored approaches to support different user types. Interviewing mental health professionals allowed me to ensure that data interpretation was grounded in real-world expertise, and the resulting insights were critical for guiding the high-fidelity iteration of the app.
Next Steps
The next step would involve conducting a mobile diary study to gain insights into how user behavior is influenced by atmosphere.
Mobile Diary Study
A mental health professional would be integrated into the project to assist with both synthesizing data from the study and to provide further insight into atmosphere’s tone and design.
Mental Health Professional
Iteration
Based on the findings, the next iteration of the app would be developed to better meet user needs