UI DESIGNERTHERA-ART: COLOR AND ART THERAPY APP
UX/UI DESIGN & CASE STUDY
ROLE
UX RESEARCHERTEAM
MAGGIE WANG (SOLO)DURATION
6 MONTHS PHASE ONE: IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AND FIND SOLUTION THROUGH RESEARCH
PROBLEM STATMENT
Users (18 - 30 year-olds) who have depression and/or anxiety disorder but are not necessarily diagnosed can utilize the app (user needs: a boost of self-esteem, stress reduction, emotion regulation, exploration, and insights) in a cost-efficient and accessible way (drawbacks: than going to a therapist, which can be expensive and require a schedule).SOLUTION STATMENT
Thera-Art explores, destresses, and self-expresses through creative activities like coloring, drawing, and journaling where AI generates games or activities that can help the user. Along with instant access to online therapists and offer support when needed.
IMPACT OF CHROMOTHERAPY AND ART THERAPY
CHROMOTHERAPY
Helps reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches, improves sleep patterns and overall sleep quality.Provides an accessible way for individuals to express themselves artistically, without requiring advanced skills.Fosters personal growth and self-discovery by encouraging a sense of control and independence.Promotes overall mental and emotional health through the therapeutic process.
ART THEARPY
Creating art stimulates the brain's reward system, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine.Dopamine release helps reduce negative emotions and increase positive ones.This process contributes to improved cognitive function, self-esteem, and emotional resilience over time.Engaging in artistic activities encourages self-expression and creativity.Art therapy is beneficial for individuals coping with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.It provides an outlet for emotional release and promotes overall well-being.
SURVEY RESULTS (14 Respondents)
Have you experienced feelings of depression or anxietyA survey was conducted targeting the demographic to assess the potential success of the app. It included questions about whether respondents experience depression, anxiety, or both, their use of creative methods to cope, and the effectiveness of these methods.Have you used any form of creative activities when stressed, depressed, or anxious?Upon completing an art piece, wether it be a drawing, painting, or connect-the-dot activitiy, do you feel a sense of accomplishment.INTERVIEW RESULTS
An interview was conducted to evaluate the app's user-friendliness and its effectiveness in helping users. The goal was to identify which features work well, which do not, and to gain insight into whether the app's functions would be beneficial.MAIN TAKE AWAYS
A calendar feature allows users to track progress and find satisfaction in completing tasks.The feature is similar to bullet journaling, which the user enjoys.Personalization options should include adjusting music based on mood and changing background colors.Creative activities like coloring are favored for artistic self-expression.
PHASE TWO: CONDUCT SURVEYS AND INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEW #1
User prefer journaling over AI-generated games or activities for stress relief.Creative activities like coloring are favored for artistic self-expression.Users prefer generated music over changing backgrounds.Incorporating user preferences into the app before generating activities would be helpful.
INTERVIEW #2
The app should incorporate stimulating games without overwhelming the mind.
Features should include cute animated characters, attractive colors, shapes, and soothing background music like nature sounds and relaxing piano tunes.
Users find satisfaction in audio journaling and prefer that the app's AI does not generate content, focusing only on journaling.
PHASE THREE: USER JOURNEY WITH USER PERSONA, FLOW CHART, MOOD BOARD, AND AUDITS
USER JOURNEY
MOODBOARD
COLORS
EMOTICONS
The emoticon feature enables users to select a specific emotion they may be experiencing. This emotion is then displayed on the calendar, allowing users to track their mood throughout the month. Additionally, the chosen emotion influences the color scheme of the journal entry, immersing users in a monochromatic palette that reflects their current feelings.PHASE FOUR: LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE & USER-TESTING
USER-TESTING
During user testing, several areas for improvement were identified:Missing information that could help guide the user.Unnecessary add-ons that make the UI design too condensed.A lack of options for users to select whether they want to participate in an activity or not.
Add Instruction
Essential instructions or guidance were lacking in some activities, causing user uncertainty about actions to take.
Users were confused during the wireframe exercise, which required selecting an emotion and corresponding color.
This highlights the need for clear and concise instructions to ensure users understand how to interact with each feature or task effectively.
Separate the Emotion from the Stress Level
In the emoticon selection frame, users found the inclusion of three subsidiary emotions unnecessary, as a single emoticon could adequately represent many of the emotions they experienced.
Additionally, the presence of stress levels next to the emoticons contributed to a cluttered appearance, lacking clear hierarchy or guidance on which action to prioritize.
This feedback suggests a need for simplification and streamlining of the interface to enhance user experience and reduce cognitive load.
Customized for you
Users appreciated the option to input their thoughts through typing or speaking aloud in the journal entry feature.
However, some expressed concerns about privacy regarding the option for A.I. to read their entries.
They suggested that while they valued the potential insights from A.I., they would prefer the ability to choose whether their entries are read by A.I., allowing for greater control over their privacy and data.PHASE FIVE: FINAL UX/UI DESIGN
