I’m a third-year Digital Experience Design student at George Brown College, passionate about transforming ideas into accessible digital experiences. I am gaining experience in systems analysis & design, usability testing and storytelling as a Platform & Automation Analyst at EC Studios. I’m eager to take on a product design or UX-related internship to further expand my expertise. Outside of my design career, you can find me in a pilates studio training to be an instructor.
Evolve Affirmation App
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Evolve is an affirmation app designed to promote inclusivity and simplicity in the wellness space. Unlike other wellness apps, Evolve offers daily, free affirmations delivered by voice artists from diverse backgrounds, ensuring users feel represented and heard. The app is personalized to meet users' wellness goals and identities, making it more than just an affirmation tool—it’s an empowering resource.
Evolve is an affirmation app designed to promote inclusivity and simplicity in the wellness space. Unlike other wellness apps, Evolve offers daily, free affirmations delivered by voice artists from diverse backgrounds, ensuring users feel represented and heard. The app is personalized to meet users' wellness goals and identities, making it more than just an affirmation tool—it’s an empowering resource.
TIMELINE:
April 2022
1 Week
ROLE:
UX Designer
April 2022
1 Week
ROLE:
UX Designer
TEAM:
Naureen Raza
TOOLS:
Figma
Naureen Raza
TOOLS:
Figma
PROBLEM
In a digital-first world, youth are increasingly vulnerable to anxiety, insecurity, and negative thought patterns, exacerbated by the overconsumption of social media. This issue is especially pronounced for minority groups, who often feel unseen and unrecognized compared to their majority counterparts.
Existing wellness apps fail to address these challenges adequately. They often lack affordability, diverse representation, and personalized features that resonate with users’ identities and goals.
SOLUTION
Evolve bridges the gap by offering a simple, inclusive platform for practicing affirmations. Its unique features include:
- Daily Affirmations: Personalized, goal-oriented affirmations delivered through free notifications.
- Diverse Voices: Real voice artists from underrepresented communities provide authenticity and relatability.
- Accessibility: Prioritizes inclusivity with features that make mindfulness practices accessible to everyone.
RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS
To inform the app’s design, I conducted secondary research on the science of affirmations and their impact on mental well-being.
Key Findings:
- Neuroscience of Affirmations: Consistent repetition of affirmations reprograms the subconscious mind, fostering positive thought patterns and gratitude.
- Impact on Motivation: Affirmations boost focus, strengthen goal orientation, and enhance self-esteem.
- User Needs: Youth value authenticity, personalization, and representation in digital tools designed to improve mental health.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Research-Driven Design: Secondary research and persona development helped me understand the mental health needs of youth in minority groups, allowing me to create relevant, personalized affirmations.
- Voice Representation: Including diverse voice artists emphasized the importance of inclusivity, making the app feel more relatable and building user trust.
- Personalization: Tailoring affirmations to users’ goals boosted engagement, showing how customization can drive consistent app use.
- Simplicity and Accessibility: The minimalist design and free notifications taught me how simplicity and accessibility enhance usability while offering real value.
- Iterative Improvement: Planning for ongoing testing and feedback highlighted the importance of continuous iteration in refining the user experience.
This project solidified my ability to create inclusive, user-centered designs that prioritize personalization and accessibility.