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SERENE
A mental health app designed by a team of developers from The Pennsylvania State University, Erie. This app was released to the Erie County community to help individuals manage their mental health during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOW IT BEGAN
Serene was developed during the summer of 2020, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The team comprised 3 Penn State Behrend professors and 3 students, each responsible for different sections of the project.
I served as the UX Researcher and Designer throughout this project.
THE PROCESS
Conducting Research
The initial step in our research involved creating a list of existing mental health apps. I compiled details on key features, platforms, recognition, and more. Additionally, another team member and I documented our likes and dislikes about each app we reviewed. This process helped ensure we avoided duplicating existing apps and identified features that would be beneficial for our app.
Card Sorting
Card sorting initiated the process of organizing the proposed sections of the app. Yellow cards represented main screen buttons, while the pink cards below indicated additional options.
The top cards included key requirements for the app, such as navigation buttons and favorites.
Card sorting served as a quick, preliminary method for organizing my thoughts and gaining a clearer understanding of the project. Once I settled on a preferred arrangement, I created a detailed flowchart and presented it to the team.
User Flow Diagram
Flow chart which solidified the app's structure and provided a clear visual to present to the rest of the team.
WIREFRAMING
When creating these mockups, I experimented with both simple and eye-catching designs. Using an activity called 'crazy 8's,' I set a timer for 2 minutes per page and created 8 variations for each. I decided on a more minimalistic approach to cater to the diverse age groups in Erie County.
Below are my sketches for the log-in, survey, and main menu screens, which served as a foundation for my work in Adobe XD.
SCREEN CREATION
Below are multiple versions of two screens: the survey screen and the mood tracker.
The initial drafts were created in Adobe XD and then uploaded to Invision for testing by the team. Multiple meetings were held to ensure smooth transitions between pages. After group approval and necessary adjustments, the team programmer began the development phase.
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UI DESIGN
Regarding UI design, I understood the importance of creating a calm and inviting interface. After researching the meanings of various colors, I chose blue as the primary color for the app because it evokes a sense of serenity. Additionally, I aimed to incorporate elements of nature throughout the app, considering many people were confined indoors then. Ultimately, I aimed to design an app that felt soft and comforting.
USER TESTING
Before the app's launch, we conducted a round of user testing to identify any usability issues. Participants, who were PSU students, took part in remote testing via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Feedback was gathered both verbally and through surveys.
The results indicated only minor adjustments were needed, primarily for clarifying labels.
We plan to conduct another round of user testing after the app's launch.
TAKE AWAYS
Throughout this project, I improved my time management, patience, and skills in the field. Balancing this project with a demanding research role with another professor (see my Fort LeBoeuf project!) was challenging.
I had to learn how to manage my time effectively while learning new programs for both roles. I also had to accept that perfection was an unrealistic goal and allow myself room to make mistakes.
Managing these responsibilities taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of having a supportive advisor. My advisor was instrumental in guiding me through unfamiliar aspects of the project, and my Serene team, which included a programmer, a content creator, a UX researcher, and advisors, was incredibly supportive. Collaborating with them allowed me to bounce ideas, receive constructive feedback, and gain encouragement. These benefits are invaluable and crucial for creating a successful product, highlighting the importance of teamwork over working alone
SERENE IN LOCAL NEWS!
