Problem Statement

Access to mental health support is often limited, expensive, or emotionally inaccessible. Many people don’t know where to turn when they need to be heard, and existing platforms often feel cold, complex, or impersonal, making trust and first contact difficult.

My Responsibilities

User Research
I analyzed user behaviors, emotional needs, and access barriers through exploratory research, benchmarking, and the review of existing mental health apps.

User & Context Definition
I identified different user profiles seeking emotional support, active listening, or professional guidance, considering moments of vulnerability and urgency.

Information Architecture
I designed a clear and simple structure to enable fast access to core features, prioritizing low friction and a sense of safety.

Wireframing & Prototyping
I created wireframes and interactive prototypes in Figma to validate key flows such as onboarding, connecting with professionals, chat, and calls.

Visual Design & UI
I developed a warm, accessible, and empathetic interface using color, iconography, and micro-interactions to convey trust and closeness.

Usability Testing
I validated key flows to ensure clarity, comprehension, and ease of use, iterating on the design based on user feedback.

Process

Research & Discovery

• Analysis of the problem space and digital mental health context
• Identification of emotional and functional barriers to accessing professional help
• Benchmarking similar solutions and identifying opportunities

Ideation & Design

• Definition of flows centered on active listening and emotional support
• Design of wireframes and prototypes to validate key interactions
• Application of visual design focused on empathy, clarity, and accessibility

Testing & Iteration

• Evaluation of the experience in emotionally sensitive scenarios
• Iterative adjustments to navigation, messaging, and visual hierarchy
• Refinement of the product to improve trust and engagement

Outcomes

• More Human & Accessible Experience
  An interface designed to build trust and reduce anxiety during first contact.
• Clear & Direct Flows
  Fast access to key features such as chat and calls, minimizing unnecessary steps.
• Stronger Sense of Emotional Support
  Use of emotional design to accompany users in sensitive moments.
• Scalable Product Foundation
  A design system prepared to support future features without losing clarity or coherence.

Reflection

This project highlighted the importance of empathetic design in mental health products. Designing for emotionally sensitive contexts requires balancing functionality, accessibility, and humanity. Through an iterative, user-centered process, the final experience prioritizes listening, closeness, and user well-being.