The story of Healfeel......
began with a realization - that technology could be harnessed to create a positive impact on mental health. In the fast-paced, digitally connected world, mental health has emerged as a pressing concern and "Healfeel" was born out of a deep desire to make a difference.
Services- User Experience Design, Visual Design
Client- Kaarwaan Design School
What's the Problem?
Mental health problems affect millions of people globally. They suffer in silence as a result of the social stigma attached to mental illness and the difficulty in getting early assistance. Many people are reluctant to get treatment because they are concerned about being judged. People in distress frequently choose to remain silent out of fear of being judged negatively and the potential effects this can have on their personal and professional lives. This condition highlights the need of establishing stigma-free environments and accessible mental health support systems.
User Research
Defining the Research Question
Defining the research question that would direct the efforts was the first step in the process of developing Healfeel. The study was guided by the fundamental question,
"How can we create a mental health app that effectively addresses the particular needs and issues of our target audience while removing the barriers associated with asking for help?"
Determining the Target Audience
As a product manager and designer, gaining a deep understanding of our target audience was a pivotal step in the research phase. To accomplish this, I conducted surveys and one-on-one interviews, gathering insights from people.
Some Interview and Survey Questions :
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Can you share your prior offline and online experiences receiving mental health support? What were the key obstacles or frustrations you encountered during your search for support?
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Do you face difficulty in asking for help when you are feeling anxious ?
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How do you envision an ideal platform that would address your specific mental health needs and preferences?
Insights from Surveys and Interviews :
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Stigma and Privacy Concerns:
Many users expressed concerns about the stigma associated with seeking mental health support. They highlighted the importance of privacy and confidentiality in their interactions with a mental health app. -
Desire for Personalization:
Users stressed the importance of personalized mental health support. They desired solutions that could be customized to meet their unique requirements and preferences. -
Convenience and Accessibility:
Accessibility emerged as a critical factor. Users sought convenient ways to access mental health resources and support, highlighting the value of a mobile app.
““ I find myself frequently engaging in negative self-talk which leads to overthinking and I find it very difficult to find a way to stop that. ”
“ Whenever I feel lonely and sad, I try to listen to podcasts on wellness, self-care, mental illness etc. and journal because it helps me avoid the feeling of being isolated. ”
User Persona
Empathy mapping
User Journey Mapping
What does the Product Requirements Document (PRD) look like?
Product Goals:
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Provide Immediate Support: Offer immediate access to mental health support for users experiencing emotional distress.
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User-Centric Approach: Prioritize user needs, preferences, and privacy to create a personalized experience.
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Stigma Reduction: Combat mental health stigma by ensuring confidentiality and anonymity.
Features and Functionality :
Mental Health Exercises: Include art therapy, breathing exercises, and journaling.
Mental Health Podcasts: Curate educational and therapeutic podcasts.
Crisis Helplines: Provide immediate access to crisis resources.
Anonymous Chat Support: Facilitate confidential chat sessions with certified therapists.
Success metrics:
I used the PIRATE framework to determine the success metric which offers a comprehensive approach for evaluating and enhancing the fundamental metrics that propel growth and achievement in the realm of digital products and services.
Acquisition
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Total number of users using Healfeel each month.
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(Number of new users acquired during the month) + (Number of existing users at the start of the month) - (Number of churned users during the month).
Activation
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(Number of users who completed onboarding) / (Total number of new users) * 100%
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(Number of users who dropped out during onboarding) / (Total number of new users) * 100%
Retention
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(Number of users returning in a specific time period) / (Total number of users at the start of that time period) * 100%
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(Number of churned users during the time period) / (Total number of users at the start of that time period) * 100%
Referral
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(Number of users referred by others who signed up) / (Number of users who referred others) * 100%
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(Number of successful referrals) / (Number of users who initiated referrals) * 100%
Revenue
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Total number of users who opted for premium subscriptions during the month.
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(Monthly recurring revenue from premium subscriptions) / (Monthly subscription price)
The Final Product
Key Takeaways and Outcomes
Working on the Healfeel has been an exhilarating journey. This venture provided an opportunity to delve into a project that holds real-world value, demanded extensive research, and intricate interaction design. Throughout the process, I gathered valuable insights and learned important lessons related to product development and design.
1. User-Centered Design:
The project reinforced the paramount importance of designing with the end-users in mind. Conducting user research and seeking feedback were crucial steps in shaping a product that truly caters to user needs.
2. Innovative Problem-Solving:
In conceptualizing features like mental health exercises, journaling, curated mental health podcasts, and crisis helplines, the project demanded creative and innovative problem-solving to address diverse user requirements effectively.
3. Iterative Design Approach:
The iterative nature of the project, with continuous refinement and enhancement, highlighted the value of iterating design solutions based on user feedback and evolving needs.
4. Empathy in Design:
Designing for mental health support underscored the need for empathy in design, recognizing the sensitivity and importance of the subject matter.