Breathwave
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The BREATHWAVE meditation app is a user-centric solution designed to provide a moment of relief to the daily lives of tired and stressed people living in Europe. Developed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, the app is designed for users who may have no previous experience with meditation
CATEGORY
Mobile Design, Health and leisure
TIMELINE / COLLABORATIONS
The project was an assignment I developed as part of the UX/UI Design training course run by KREATIVSTORM in September 2023.
ROLE
Research, UX/UI Design, Sketching, Prototyping, Copywriting
Problem
Dealing with stress, difficulty concentrating and other mental health challenges faced by individuals who may have no previous experience with meditation. The importance of this app to the company lies in its ability to provide a simple and easy-to-use solution for users to find relief in their daily lives.
Design Constraints
- design for mobiles,
- cultural and language considerations,
- intuitiveness and simplicity of use, no complicated functions,
- balance between innovation and maintaining familiarity.
Solution
The BREATHWAVE meditation app meets the needs of individuals seeking a convenient and effective way to address stress, improve mental well-being, and introduce meditation into their lives. Its user-friendly design, flexibility, and focus on relaxation make it a valuable tool for those looking to enhance their overall mental and emotional health.
Understand
Design
Prototype
Validate
Understand
Goals
- User Need: a demand among individuals in Europe for a meditation app that is user-friendly, accessible to beginners, and specifically addresses stress and concentration challenges.
- Effectiveness of Guided Meditation: guided meditation sessions will effectively contribute to stress relief and improved mental well-being for users.
- User Engagement: features like free sign-up, user profiles, and additional settings will enhance user engagement and contribute to the app’s long-term popularity.
- Appeal of Nature Theme: incorporating elements evoking nature and a vacation mood will enhance the overall user experience, providing a calming atmosphere for meditation.
- User-Friendly Design: a simple and intuitive user interface will facilitate accessibility, especially for individuals new to meditation.
- Market Relevance: the app’s focus on simplicity, accessibility, and addressing common mental health concerns aligns with the current market needs and trends.
Personas
Emma is a 32-year-old marketing manager living in London, UK. She leads a demanding professional life, often juggling multiple projects and tight deadlines. Her job requires constant creativity and strategic thinking, making stress management crucial for her overall well-being.
Challenges:
- High levels of work-related stress.
- Struggles with maintaining focus and concentration.
- Limited time for self-care due to a hectic schedule.
Goals:
- Find a quick and effective solution for stress relief.
- Improve concentration and mental clarity.
- Incorporate short mindfulness breaks into her daily routine.
Alex is a 35-year-old stay-at-home parent residing in Barcelona, Spain. With two young children, Alex faces the daily challenges of managing household responsibilities and nurturing a family. However, the constant demands can lead to feelings of exhaustion and the need for personal rejuvenation.
Challenges:
- Juggling childcare, household chores, and personal time.
- Occasionally experiences feelings of isolation.
- Strives to find moments for self-care amid a hectic family life.
Goals:
- Alleviate stress associated with parenting responsibilities.
- Integrate moments of relaxation and self-reflection.
- Feel more connected and present in daily life.
Competitors
I reviewed different design solutions from competitors and other companies that offer similar features to what could be incorporated in the Breathwave app.
Aura addresses stress and anxiety with personalized meditation sessions and mood tracking features. Utilizes AI for personalized recommendations, daily mindfulness reminders, and a gratitude journal for holistic well-being.
Calm addresses stress and promotes relaxation through guided meditations, sleep stories, and soothing sounds. Offers a variety of ambient sounds and celebrity-narrated content for a personalized experience.
Headspace focuses on mindfulness and meditation, providing guided sessions for stress reduction, improved focus, and better sleep. Incorporates themed meditation packs, mindfulness exercises, and a progress tracking feature for user engagement.
Design
Once I had a better understanding of the problem, I began to sketch out some possible complex experiences the user could have with the product. This allows for customisation but does not overwhelm the user with too many options. The aim is to streamline and get the user through as easily as possible.
Moodboards & sketches
The design is inspired by the calming and soothing colours of sunset and the sea – warm pink and orange colours mixed with pastel blues. The entire project is intended to refer to the gentle colours and shapes of nature.
The logo and the name 'Breathwave’ itself are a tribute to the rhythmic embrace of the sea and coastal calm. The essence of the design is the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean waves. The logo, a visual embodiment of this concept, elegantly captures the fluidity and continuity of a wave surrounded by a soothing embrace, symbolising the rhythmic harmony that can be achieved through meditation.
With all the notes and research I gathered I began to design the app. I sketched out several of the main screens creating a user flow as a guide. The rough sketches allowed me to work through my initial ideas effectively.
Prototype
Final design
Validate
What I learned?
- Trust the process. It is important to remember the user’s perspective and how to contributes to the final design.
- Details are important but don’t get too caught up that it halts your design process.
- For this project, it was important not to overdo the number of features in order not to overwhelm the user.
Next steps
- It’s impossible to design the perfect solution on your first try, so constant iteration and testing are essential.
- I would add the additional subtle function of being able to contact appropriate help, such as a specialist, psychologist or psychiatrist.