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A native app that provides tools for children to help them understand and manage their emotions while gently introducing them to the wonders of nature. My goal for this UI/UX study was to create a platform where children would feel safe, comfortable and enthusiastic to learn, play and grow.
UI/UX Design
Prototyping
User Research
Native App Design (iOS & Material)
Illustration
The majority of the emotional well-being apps are built for adults, have long, laborious sign-on processes, and most require a subscription to access premium features. One has to be very careful when signing up for these apps to not unintentionally subscribe as most require payment information with a free trial period.
Most well-being apps do not offer a rapid solution, nor insight into a feeling. The apps I analyzed focused on long-term goals and solutions. It was frustrating not to easily “Check-In” with a current emotion. It seemed a valuable missing asset for not only children but adults too.
I found very few that catered to children. Locating a single list of emotions or pictures to help illustrate those emotions proved difficult.
My goal was to create a learning space where kids would feel safe exploring their feelings and be encouraged to explore nature.
Why nature you might ask? On my healing journey, I have found that the one constant has been to look to nature for inspiration and joy. Healing can be watching a bee collect nectar from a flower, going for a walk outside, or picking up sticks. All of these activities are so simple in helping to remember the inner wisdom that exists in not only nature but all of us. Nature has a magical way of giving us a unique healthy perspective. It was important to invite kids to be curious about connecting to the outdoors.
It was important to add an element of playfulness to invite users, children and adults alike, to return. And let’s face it when dealing with uncomfortable feelings we all could use a little bit of silliness.
Nature Space believes it should be easy for anyone to access tools to help manage and understand their emotions anonymously, anytime, anywhere.
I reviewed several apps geared toward helping people manage and understand their emotions in order to make life-changing habits.
The simplicity of the sign-up process for Simple Habit is refreshing. Simple Habit only asks what areas of are interest to you. It makes it really easy to feel comfortable and non-committed to this app. They offer a plethora of topics to choose from. The user can choose one, or multiple.
Simple Habit’s dashboard offers the ability to set up daily reminders for meditation practices. You can track your progress in days, sessions, or total minutes. Besides Meditation and coaching videos the user has access to movement videos and sleep beneficial audios.
The interface is clean, and easy on the eyes. Reverse text on a color palette of muted blue grays helps to create a relaxed tranquil environment that is easy to navigate. Simple elegant images weaved into this palette reinforce the overall subdued relaxing impression.
Fabulous introduces the user briefly to what behavioral science is. The user is than walked through 4 sets of multiple-choice questions to help them come up with an appropriate plan of action. This personalized plan of action is titled a “journey.” They have a contract for the user to sign.
Fabulous offers customizable daily routines, daily coaching series, a to do list, journaling options, breathing exercises, access to daily affirmations and meditations, and a gratitude journal.
The Fabulous app uses fun, bright warm illustrations throughout the app. These colors combined with interactive elements give the app a very tactile, warm friendly vibe.
Think Ladder walks the user through an intense sign-up process. They elaborately explain the science behind what they do using easy-to-understand language and graphics.
Based on the user’s entered symptoms, limiting belief patterns, and chosen “themes” they offer customized Audio Practices, Gratitude Practices, and Insights. Users can set reminders within their dashboard to help them stay on track.
A progress bar lets the user know where they are within the onboarding process. An option to skip the onboarding questions is available. This is a welcome addition. It allows potential users to explore the app’s contents minus the commitment.
The color palette is minimalistic. There are few pictures or images. This combination renders the app spacious and easy on the eyes but gives the app an unfinished quality.
Emotions, large buttons, and moon magic illustrations were drawn in Adobe Illustrator. Many of the illustrations are intended to be converted to animations. I paired a solid, easy-to-read primary font with a lively, kid-friendly font.
Bright informational graphics, photos, amazing nature facts, and activities designed to keep kids engaged and fascinated.
Note: I needed to make significant design changes after receiving valuable feedback from users on my high-fidelity wireframes.
Note: I needed to make significant design changes after receiving valuable feedback from users on my high-fidelity wireframes.
Simple ‘safe’ anonymous sign-up method. Pick and learn about your animal helper. Large, friendly type, step-by-step visuals.
Profile page offers ability to quickly “Check In” with current feelings, access to a Safe Adult List, along with earned and attainable Badges. Up-to-date time and daily streaks designed to motivate and inspire. Kids can set-up reminders and create a feel good list of items that they can turn to when they need to improve their mood.
Bright informational graphics, photos, amazing nature facts, and activities designed to keep kids engaged and fascinated. Large kid-finger-friendly buttons illustrations inspired by patterns found in nature.
Animated audios designed to teach kids to embrace their feelings and build emotional strength.
Easy step-by-step animated visuals guide kids and adults through the practice of midful breathing.
Bright informational graphics, photos, amazing nature facts, and activities designed to keep kids engaged and fascinated. Instant rewards for completing activities.
Provide children with a safe spot in nature where they can exercise their imagination to learn valuable coping skills to deal with uncomfortable emotions. A place where they can feel safe.
Guided meditation to help children focus on the present moment—especially when emotions and thoughts are overwhelming. The relaxing sounds of ocean waves help children release any thoughts and calm their bodies.
I chose to show only the final High Fidelity Material Screens to shorten this UI/UX case study. I am so grateful you took the time to get this far!
I chose to show only the final High Fidelity Material Screens to shorten this UI/UX case study. I am so grateful you took the time to get this far!
©2023 Beth Jolin Creative.
All Rights Reserved.
Central Wisconsin based graphic & visual designer, fluent in the magic of UI/UX design, and songbird stalker.
Have a project in mind that you need help with? Shoot me a message at my email address.