SafeSpace — Private and real-time peer support to improve your emotional well-being.
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Timeline
Sep - Dec 2021
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Role
Research, ideation, visual design, interaction design, prototyping
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The problem
It is no secret that sharing your feelings with others can help break an emotional loop; however, many people find this difficult and keep it to themselves. A study by the Mental Health Foundation discovered that while the average adult says “I’m fine” 14 times per week, only 19% actually mean it. Thus, how can we help people feel comfortable enough to open up and instill meaning back into daily conversations?
The solution
SafeSpace is a mobile app that offers private, real-time peer support when anyone needs an outlet, with the opportunity to pin meaningful conversations that can be recalled and referred back to at any time.
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Create your own support room
Open your own private support room, where three community members will join and focus on supporting you in your time of need.
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Support community members in need
Join a room and provide emotional support to cummunity members by sharing your personal experiences, feelings and coping strategies.
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Earn or use kudos
Earn kudos for providing support as a peer, or use them to give praise and show your appreciation or simply to put a smile on your conversation partners' faces while hosting.
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Pin meaningful conversations
Raeading heartfelt messages can be a great source of comfort during hard times. Pin meaningful conversations so you can refer back and relive them at any time.
Research
To create the product, I started off by researching where and how people usually open up to others, and their most common pain points. I found that sharing with friends was the most common method, but they may not always have the time, energy, or ability to help. Alternatively, therapy is useful way for professional support, but sessions take place at a specific time and place and can be expensive. Social network and in-person groups are also available, but anonymity isn't guaranteed which deters participants.
UX & interaction design
After exploring potential feature and design concepts, that could address people’s needs and pain points, I laid out the UX and interaction details for my next phase.
Test & implement
To test the overall concept and identify any confusing experiences, the usability testing was conducted with four participants of diverse ages. The results showed that the prototype was a success, with all participants completing the tasks given to them and enjoying the product experience. It also identified opportunities for improvement.
Visual approach
SafeSpace's tone of voice should be friendly, human-like, and heart-warming, as the target users are those who struggle emotionally. This was reflected in the fonts, colors, and illustrations.
