A Taste of Therapy
A Taste of Therapy
Seeks to change perceptions of therapy, making mental health support accessible to all. As project lead, I conducted user research, designed the app in Adobe Suite and Figma, and tested usability with real users. The app helps ease users into therapy with daily goals, addressing skepticism, judgment, fears, and encourages engagement
through a special offering.
Seeks to change perceptions of therapy, making mental health support accessible to all. As project lead, I conducted user research, designed the app in Adobe
Suite and Figma, and tested usability with real users.
The app helps ease users into therapy with daily goals, addressing skepticism, judgment, fears, and encourages engagement through a special offering.
Seeks to change perceptions of therapy, making mental health support accessible to all. As project lead, I conducted user research, designed the app in Adobe
Suite and Figma, and tested usability
with real users. The app helps ease
users into therapy with daily goals, addressing skepticism, judgment,
fears, and encourages engagement through a special offering.
Client
Personal Project
Timeline
6 Weeks
Project
Case Study
Business Need
Business Need
Business Need
To inspire consumers to see the value in therapy and feel motivated to give it a try. Emphasizing its accessibility and benefits in a way that inspires them to give it a try.
To inspire consumers to see the value in therapy and feel motivated to give it a try. Emphasizing its accessibility and benefits in a way that inspires them to give it a try.
To inspire consumers to see the value in therapy and feel motivated to give it a try. Emphasizing its accessibility and benefits in a way that inspires them to give it a try.
Goal
Goal
Goal
We aim to empower those who can't afford therapy or are hesitant due to judgment, making mental health support approachable and encouraging confident exploration.
We aim to empower those who can't afford therapy or are hesitant due to judgment, making mental health support approachable and encouraging confident exploration.
We aim to empower those who can't afford therapy or are hesitant due
to judgment, making mental health
support approachable and encouraging confident exploration.
Challenge
Address skepticism about therapy's effectiveness, reluctance to share personal experiences, and fear of judgment.
Address skepticism about therapy's effectiveness, reluctance to share
personal experiences,
and fear of judgment.
Address skepticism about therapy's effectiveness, reluctance to share personal experiences, and
fear of judgment.
Design Process
Design Process
Discover
User Research
User Interviews
Competitive Analysis
Define
User Personas
Feature Matrix
Affinity Map
Ideate
User Flow
Information Architecture
Design
Lo-Fi Screens
Hi-Fi Screens
Prototype
Test
Feedback
Conclusion
I analyzed top therapy apps and surveyed users to understand their perceptions. From these insights, I created user personas and an affinity map, then used a feature matrix to prioritize app functions. With iterative design, testing, and feedback, the final interface became accessible and empowering by addressing user needs while creating trust in mental health support.
I analyzed top therapy apps and surveyed users
to understand their perceptions. From these insights, I created user personas and an affinity map, then used a feature matrix to prioritize app functions. With iterative design, testing, and feedback, the final interface became accessible and empowering by addressing user needs
while creating trust in mental health support.
I analyzed top therapy apps and surveyed users to understand their perceptions. From these insights, I created user personas and an affinity map, then
used a feature matrix to prioritize
app functions. With iterative design, testing, and feedback, the final
interface became accessible and empowering by addressing user
needs while creating trust in
mental health support.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Unlike "Better Help," "Talkspace," and "Clarity CBT," which center on therapist connections, "A Taste of Therapy" focuses on education through interactive exercises. The app promotes accessibility, encourages personal growth, and rewards users, fostering a
supportive and engaging experience in understanding mental health.
Unlike "Better Help," "Talkspace," and "Clarity CBT," which center on therapist connections,
"A Taste of Therapy" focuses on education through interactive exercises. The app
promotes accessibility, encourages personal growth, and rewards users, fostering a
supportive and engaging experience in understanding mental health.
Unlike "Better Help," "Talkspace," and "Clarity CBT," which center on therapist connections, "A Taste of Therapy"
focuses on education through
interactive exercises. The app
promotes accessibility, encourages personal growth, and rewards users, fostering a supportive and engaging experience in understanding
mental health.
What Do They Offer?
Visual Design
Content
Language
Points of Parity
Points of Difference
Better Help
Thousands of trusted and licensed therapists that you can reach anytime.
They use one continuous screen to scroll down with elements branching off from it.
Gives you diagrams to show you why the entire process is simple before buying.
“Positive” “Professional” “Accessible” “Affordable” “Anytime” “Anywhere”
One continuous screen to scroll down with elements branching off from it.
Have a short
onboarding process.
Talkspace
The wide range of features they offer for their customers is very compelling.
Use of soft shapes and fun illustrations that are joyful. .
Daily mood check-ins help users identify negative thoughts, challenge, and reframe them.
Conversational: “This is where you will be talking with your licensed therapist”
Offer different services to stand out from all the other therapy services.
Less conversational language.
Clarity - CBT
Completely self-paced which is compelling to those who have no experience in therapy.
So simple a child could understand it.
Educational courses that are easy to understand and largely text-based.
Relaxed way of talking to the customer. Not rushing them into any decision.
Guided Journals for Therapy.
Don’t have content locked behind a paywall.
Simplified Version*
What Do They Offer?
Visual Design
Content
Language
Points of Parity
Points of Difference
Better Help
Thousands of trusted and licensed therapists that you can reach anytime.
They use one continuous screen to scroll down with elements branching off from it.
Gives you diagrams to show you why the entire process is simple before buying.
“Positive” “Professional” “Accessible” “Affordable” “Anytime” “Anywhere”
One continuous screen to scroll down with elements branching off from it.
Have a short
onboarding process.
Talkspace
The wide range of features they offer for their customers is very compelling.
Use of soft shapes and fun illustrations that are joyful. .
Daily mood check-ins help users identify negative thoughts, challenge, and reframe them.
Conversational: “This is where you will be talking with your licensed therapist”
Offer different services to stand out from all the other therapy services.
Less conversational language.
Clarity - CBT
Completely self-paced which is compelling to those who have no experience in therapy.
So simple a child could understand it.
Educational courses that are easy to understand and largely text-based.
Relaxed way of talking to the customer. Not rushing them into any decision.
Guided Journals for Therapy.
Don’t have content locked behind a paywall.
Simplified Version*
What Do They Offer?
Visual Design
Content
Language
Points of Parity
Points of Difference
Better Help
Thousands of trusted and licensed therapists that you can reach anytime.
They use one continuous screen to scroll down with elements branching off from it.
Gives you diagrams to show you why the entire process is simple before buying.
“Positive” “Professional” “Accessible” “Affordable” “Anytime” “Anywhere”
One continuous screen to scroll down with elements branching off from it.
Have a short
onboarding process.
Talkspace
The wide range of features they offer for their customers is very compelling.
Use of soft shapes and fun illustrations that are joyful. .
Daily mood check-ins help users identify negative thoughts, challenge, and reframe them.
Conversational: “This is where you will be talking with your licensed therapist”
Offer different services to stand out from all the other therapy services.
Less conversational language.
Clarity - CBT
Completely self-paced which is compelling to those who have no experience in therapy.
So simple a child could understand it.
Educational courses that are easy to understand and largely text-based.
Relaxed way of talking to the customer. Not rushing them into any decision.
Guided Journals for Therapy.
Don’t have content locked behind a paywall.
Simplified Version*
User Research/Survey
User Research/Survey
Our interviews and survey revealed varied perceptions of therapy, from positive to skeptical, shaped by challenges like cost, fear of judgment, stigma, and misconceptions. Insights from a diverse age group
provided essential direction and understanding of user
needs across demographics.
Our interviews and survey revealed varied perceptions of therapy, from positive to skeptical, shaped by challenges like cost, fear of judgment, stigma, and misconceptions. Insights from a diverse age group provided essential
direction and understanding of user
needs across demographics.
Our interviews and survey revealed
varied perceptions of therapy, from positive to skeptical, shaped by challenges like cost, fear of judgment, stigma, and misconceptions.
Insights from a diverse age group
provided essential direction
and understanding of user
needs across demographics.
Questions
How do you currently perceive therapy? Do you have a positive, negative, or uncertain view of it, and what factors contribute to your perception?
How do you currently perceive therapy? Do you have a positive,
negative, or uncertain view of it, and what factors contribute
to your perception?
Have you ever considered seeking therapy for personal reasons or mental health concerns? If not, what factors contribute to your decision to avoid therapy?
Have you ever considered seeking therapy for personal reasons
or mental health concerns? If not, what factors contribute to
your decision to avoid therapy?
Have you ever considered seeking therapy for personal reasons or
mental health concerns? If not,
what factors contribute to your
decision to avoid therapy?
Do you believe there is a stigma associated with therapy? If so, how does this stigma impact your willingness to explore therapeutic options?
Do you believe there is a stigma associated with therapy?
If so, how does this stigma impact your willingness to
explore therapeutic options?
Do you believe there is a stigma associated with therapy? If so, how does this stigma impact your willingness to
explore therapeutic options?
Are there specific concerns or misconceptions about therapy that prevent you from taking that step? Please share any thoughts or beliefs that may be influencing your decision.
Are there specific concerns or misconceptions about therapy
that prevent you from taking that step? Please share any
thoughts or beliefs that may be influencing your decision.
Are there specific concerns or misconceptions about therapy that prevent you from taking that step?
Please share any thoughts or beliefs that may be influencing your decision.
Observations
Varied perceptions:
Some positive, others uncertain of therapy.
Some not so great.
Some positive, others uncertain of therapy. Some not so great.
Consideration factors:
Personal challenges, affordability, and fear
of judgment.
Personal challenges, affordability,
and fear of judgment.
Stigma impact:
Perception of weakness and family attitudes
affect willingness.
Perception of weakness and family attitudes affect willingness.
Concerns:
Fear of judgment and misconceptions about therapy's effectiveness.
Affinity Map
Affinity Map
From my research, I found that successful therapy apps should include diverse positive reinforcement, such as guided journals and visuals from licensed therapists, creating a personalized, judgment-free experience to reduce stigma. A free trial period also boosts accessibility, and dividing the research into five groups ensured the project's relevance.
From my research, I found that successful
therapy apps should include diverse positive reinforcement, such as guided journals and visuals from licensed therapists, creating a personalized, judgment-free experience to reduce stigma. A free trial period also boosts accessibility, and dividing the research into
five groups ensured the project's relevance.
From my research, I found that
successful therapy apps should
include diverse positive reinforcement, such as guided journals and visuals from licensed therapists, creating a personalized, judgment-free experience to reduce stigma.
A free trial period also boosts accessibility, and dividing the
research into five groups ensured
the project's relevance.
Summary/Points to Focus On
User Personas
User Personas
Paul
Paul
the “Pilot”
the “Pilot”
“Now why would I need therapy? I’ve gone my whole life without it.”
“Now why would I need therapy? I’ve gone my
whole life without it.”
“Now why would I need therapy? I’ve gone my
whole life without it.”
Technology Habits
Paul does not use much technology. Especially when it comes to his phone and computer. He tends to use them for phone calls and old video games that he knows well.
Demographic
Paul is a 70 year old white man who lives in the United States, and has been married for 47 years. He has been retired for over 10 years and doesn’t struggle with money.
Background
Paul is a retired pilot who has a lot of time on his hands. He worked hard for his family’s success and believes that he isn’t in
need of any help.
Paul is a retired pilot who has a lot of time on his hands.
He worked hard for his family’s success and believes
that he isn’t in need of any help.
Paul is a retired pilot who has
a lot of time on his hands.
He worked hard for his
family’s success and believes
that he isn’t in need of any help.
Challenges
Paul’s challenges would be: finding purpose now that he is retired, focusing on himself/his growth, and talking about his relationship with his father.
Role Models
Paul always looked up to God and his Mom throughout his life. They have helped shaped him into the man he is today.
Technology Habits
Paul does not use much technology. Especially when it comes to his phone and computer. He tends to use them for phone calls and old video games that he knows well.
Demographic
Paul is a 70 year old white man who lives in the United States, and has been married for 47 years. He has been retired for over 10 years and doesn’t struggle with money.
Challenges
Paul’s challenges would be: finding purpose now that he is retired, focusing on himself/his growth, and talking about his relationship with his father.
Role Models
Paul always looked up to God and his Mom throughout his life. They have helped shaped him into the man he is today.
Lindsey
Lindsey
the “Lab Assistant”
the “Lab
Assistant”
“I’m not sure if I want to
be judged again. I haven’t
had the best therapists.”
“I’m not sure if I want to
be judged again. I haven’t
had the best therapists.”
Background
Lindsey is in college studying to become a dermatologist. She went to therapy a few times, but never had
that great of an experience.
Lindsey is in college studying
to become a dermatologist.
She went to therapy a few
times, but never had
that great of an experience.
Technology Habits
Lindsey is very adept at using technology. She has been using it her entire life and plans on keeping it that way.
Lindsey is very adept at using technology. She has been using
it her entire life and plans on keeping it that way.
Demographic
Lindsey is a 23 year old, British white woman. Who doesn’t plan on having a partner anytime soon. She doesn’t come from money, so she has learned to be quite frugal in her purchases.
Challenges
Lindsey’s challenges would be: finding a therapist that is right for her, finding the time to have a therapy session, and being judged by her family/people she looks up too because she “needs” therapy.
Role Models
Lindsey looks up to her parents, social media influencers, and her nan. Who sparked her interest in dermatology in the first place.
Cameron
Cameron
the “Chef”
the “Chef”
“I would honestly love to
try therapy. I just don’t have
the money right now”
“I would honestly love
to try therapy. I just
don’t have the money
right now”
Background
Cameron is in-between jobs as a Chef in Ontario, Canada. He has never been to see a therapist, but has been recommended to try it multiple times.
Cameron is in-between jobs
as a Chef in Ontario, Canada. He has never been to see a therapist, but has been recommended to try it
multiple times.
Technology Habits
Cameron stays pretty up to date on all the newest technologies, but isn’t as involved as he could be. He is well versed enough to understand new applications and updates to his current tech.
Demographic
Cameron is a 38 year old French Canadian who lives in Canada. He has just gone through a divorce and is currently searching
for a new job.
Cameron is a 38 year old French Canadian who lives in Canada.
He has just gone through a divorce and is currently
searching for a new job.
Challenges
Cameron’s current challenges include: being a little tight for cash, not willing to travel to meet a therapist, and being mentally distracted by everything but what he needs to focus on.
Role Models
Cameron’s role models would be his grandparents, who raised him, as well as Gordon Ramsay.
Lindsey
the “Lab Assistant”
“I’m not sure if I want to be judged again. I haven’t
had the best therapists.”
Technology Habits
Lindsey is very adept at using technology. She has been using it her entire life and plans on keeping it that way.
Demographic
Lindsey is a 23 year old, British white woman. Who doesn’t plan on having a partner anytime soon. She doesn’t come from money, so she has learned to be quite frugal in her purchases.
Background
Lindsey is in college studying to become a dermatologist. She went to therapy a few times, but never had that great of an experience.
Challenges
Lindsey’s challenges would be: finding a therapist that is right for her, finding the time to have a therapy session, and being judged by her family/people she looks up too because she “needs” therapy.
Role Models
Lindsey looks up to her parents, social media influencers, and her nan. Who sparked her interest in dermatology in the first place.
Cameron
the “Chef”
“I would honestly love to try therapy. I just don’t have the money
right now”
Technology Habits
Cameron stays pretty up to date on all the newest technologies, but isn’t as involved as he could be. He is well versed enough to understand new applications and updates to his current tech.
Demographic
Cameron is a 38 year old French Canadian who lives in Canada. He has just gone through a divorce and is currently searching for
a new job.
Background
Cameron is in-between jobs as a Chef in Ontario, Canada. He has never been to see
a therapist, but has been recommended
to try it multiple times.
Challenges
Cameron’s current challenges include: being a little tight for cash, not willing to travel to meet a therapist, and being mentally distracted by everything but what he needs to focus on.
Role Models
Cameron’s role models would be his grandparents, who raised him, as well as Gordon Ramsay.
Feature Matrix
Feature Matrix
What features match best with the personas? On a scale of 0-5 each feature will be graded on its usefulness for each persona.
What features match best with the personas?
On a scale of 0-5 each feature will be graded
on its usefulness for each persona.
What features match best
with the personas? On a
scale of 0-5 each feature will be graded on its usefulness
for each persona.
Anonymous Feature
Long Trial Period
Convincing Onboarding for Nonbelievers
Persona: Paul
50 Points
2
0
5
Persona: Lindsey
40 Points
4
3
2
Persona: Cameron
30 Points
1
4
1
PRIORITY
290
240
360
*
Anonymous Feature
Long Trial Period
Convincing Onboarding for Nonbelievers
Persona: Paul
50 Points
2
0
5
Persona: Lindsey
40 Points
4
3
2
Persona: Cameron
30 Points
1
4
1
PRIORITY
290
240
360
*
Anonymous Feature
Long Trial Period
Convincing Onboarding for Nonbelievers
Persona: Paul
50 Points
2
0
5
Persona: Lindsey
40 Points
4
3
2
Persona: Cameron
30 Points
1
4
1
PRIORITY
290
240
360
*
User Flow
User Flow
Unique Features
Unique Features
Anonymous Feature
No Paywall to Access Premium Features
Weekly Articles
Daily Insights
Get Paid to Learn About Mental Health
Anonymous Feature
No Paywall to Access Premium Features
Weekly Articles
Daily Insights
Get Paid to Learn About Mental Health
Low-fidelity Screens
Low-fidelity Screens
User Testing/Feedback
User Testing/
Feedback
Before
After
Based on feedback, I revamped the Daily Journal screen by removing imagery and the standard text box, replacing them with a layout resembling a real journal. This change prevents unintended emotional triggers from imagery and adds a unique touch to the feature.
Based on feedback,
I revamped the Daily Journal screen by removing imagery and the standard text box, replacing them with a layout resembling a
real journal. This change prevents unintended emotional triggers
from imagery and
adds a unique touch
to the feature.
Before
After
In response to feedback, I redesigned a Daily Insight screen by adding a scrollable interaction for past insights and reducing the text box size. This creates a more breathable layout and encourages user engagement without feeling overwhelming.
In response to feedback, I redesigned a Daily Insight screen by adding a scrollable interaction for past insights and reducing the text box size. This creates a more breathable layout and encourages user engagement without
feeling overwhelming.
In response to feedback,
I redesigned a Daily Insight screen by adding
a scrollable interaction
for past insights and reducing the text box
size. This creates a
more breathable layout and encourages user engagement without
feeling overwhelming.
High-fidelity Screens
High-fidelity Screens
Home
The "Home Screen" displays daily tasks and a trial countdown, offering insights into personal growth and mental health, fostering self-discovery.
The "Home Screen" displays daily tasks
and a trial countdown,
offering insights into personal growth and mental health, fostering self-discovery.
The Daily Insight, Journal, Mood Check-in, and Weekly Article sections inspire self-reflection and challenge users' assumptions.
The Daily Insight, Journal, Mood Check-in, and Weekly Article sections inspire self-reflection
and challenge users' assumptions.
The Daily Insight,
Journal, Mood Check-in, and Weekly Article sections inspire
self-reflection and challenge users' assumptions.
Mood Check-In
The "Mood Check-in Calendar Screen" displays users' past and current moods, alongside recorded notes for each day with a unique illustration reflecting the user's mood.
The "Mood Check-in Calendar Screen" displays users' past and current moods, alongside recorded notes for
each day with a unique illustration reflecting
the user's mood.
Importantly, it offers users a tangible means to track their progress and improvements over time.
Importantly, it offers
users a tangible means
to track their progress and improvements
over time.
Onboarding
The "Onboarding Screen" informs users about A Taste of Therapy’s benefits, app offerings, and therapy, encouraging exploration and consideration.
The "Onboarding Screen" informs users about
A Taste of Therapy’s benefits, app offerings,
and therapy, encouraging exploration
and consideration.
The "Onboarding Screen" informs users about
A Taste of Therapy’s benefits, app offerings,
and therapy, encouraging exploration and consideration.
Highlighting research findings and positive endorsements from Oprah regarding mental health and the utilization of therapy.
Other Screens
Other Screens
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Through this project, I gained valuable knowledge about the product design process and provided thoughtful solutions to a complex problem. A Taste of Therapy’s features and incentives have the potential to reshape perceptions of mental health care. Using user research and iterative design, I created a platform that addresses barriers to therapy, fostering a welcoming environment. The $50 incentive and daily objectives emphasize accessibility and empowerment, setting a new standard for mental health apps and promoting a more inclusive future.
Through this project, I gained valuable knowledge about the product design process and provided thoughtful solutions to a complex problem.
A Taste of Therapy’s features and incentives
have the potential to reshape perceptions of mental health care. Using user research and iterative design, I created a platform that addresses barriers to therapy, fostering a welcoming environment. The $50 incentive
and daily objectives emphasize accessibility
and empowerment, setting a new standard
for mental health apps and promoting
a more inclusive future.
Through this project, I gained valuable knowledge about the product design process and provided thoughtful solutions to a complex problem. A Taste
of Therapy’s features and incentives have the potential
to reshape perceptions of mental health care. Using user research and iterative design,
I created a platform that addresses barriers to therapy, fostering a welcoming environment. The $50 incentive and daily objectives emphasize accessibility and empowerment, setting a new standard for mental health apps and promoting a more inclusive future.
Up Next
Up Next
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Simplifies healthcare payments, enabling secure, user-friendly options for easily managing
and settling balances.
Simplifies healthcare payments, enabling secure, user-friendly
options for easily managing and settling balances.
Simplifies healthcare payments, enabling secure, user-friendly
options for easily managing and settling balances.
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