Emotewell
Empowering Your Journey to Emotional Wellbeing
Emotewell is a mental health companion app designed specifically for home-based individuals managing severe mental health conditions. It provides personalized early warning systems to detect signs of mental health deterioration and delivers timely, tailored interventions. With features like AI-driven journaling, mindfulness exercises, and seamless integration with your support network, Emotewell empowers you to manage your mental well-being proactively during therapy sessions.
Emotewell is a mental health companion app designed specifically for home-based individuals managing severe mental health conditions. It provides personalized early warning systems to detect signs of mental health deterioration and delivers timely, tailored interventions. With features like AI-driven journaling, mindfulness exercises, and seamless integration with your support network, Emotewell empowers you to manage your mental well-being proactively during therapy sessions.
Emotewell is a mental health companion app designed specifically for home-based individuals managing severe mental health conditions. It provides personalized early warning systems to detect signs of mental health deterioration and delivers timely, tailored interventions. With features like AI-driven journaling, mindfulness exercises, and seamless integration with your support network, Emotewell empowers you to manage your mental well-being proactively during therapy sessions.
Role
Product Designer
Product Designer
Product Designer
Team
Team
Product Manager
Product Designer
Developers
Product Manager
Product Designer
Developers
Product Manager
Product Designer
Developers
Tools
Tools
Figma
FigJam
Google Workplace
Figma
FigJam
Google Workplace
Figma
FigJam
Google Workplace
Duration
Duration
04/2024-08/2024
04/2024-08/2024
04/2024-08/2024
Overview
Overview
Overview
Emotewell, an AI-powered journaling platform founded in 2021, aims to improve mental well-being through research-backed techniques. Despite its promising foundation, the platform struggled to achieve product-market fit, with low user engagement and no revenue generation. As the lead product designer, I reimagined Emotewell to better serve users’ needs and establish a sustainable business model.
Emotewell, an AI-powered journaling platform founded in 2021, aims to improve mental well-being through research-backed techniques. Despite its promising foundation, the platform struggled to achieve product-market fit, with low user engagement and no revenue generation. As the lead product designer, I reimagined Emotewell to better serve users’ needs and establish a sustainable business model.
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Emotewell's Challenge
• Limited User Base: Only 500 users since launch.
• Low Engagement: No power users or long-term engagement.
• No Revenue: Zero paying users.
• Platform Constraints: Web-based only, lacking mobile accessibility.
• Limited User Base: Only 500 users since launch.
• Low Engagement: No power users or long-term engagement.
• No Revenue: Zero paying users.
• Platform Constraints: Web-based only, lacking mobile accessibility.
Key Question: How might we redesign Emotewell to effectively meet the needs of severe mental health patients, achieve product-market fit, and establish a sustainable business model?
Key Question: How might we redesign Emotewell to effectively meet the needs of severe mental health patients, achieve product-market fit, and establish a sustainable business model?
“As the founder of Emotewell, it's been difficult to watch the product struggle for so long, but we hope to find a solution that will finally address the issues and help us deliver the value we've always envisioned.”
- Chloe Yuan
“As the founder of Emotewell, it's been difficult to watch the product struggle for so long, but we hope to find a solution that will finally address the issues and help us deliver the value we've always envisioned.”
- Chloe Yuan
“As the founder of Emotewell, it's been difficult to watch the product struggle for so long, but we hope to find a solution that will finally address the issues and help us deliver the value we've always envisioned.”
- Chloe Yuan
Understand
Understand
Understand
Customer-Centric Approach
Customer-Centric Approach
Customer-Centric Approach
We examined the mental health landscape through the customer journey lens, identifying user needs at each stage: Awareness, Consideration, and Action.
We examined the mental health landscape through the customer journey lens, identifying user needs at each stage: Awareness, Consideration, and Action.
We examined the mental health landscape through the customer journey lens, identifying user needs at each stage: Awareness, Consideration, and Action.
Journey Stage
Journey Stage
User Needs
User Needs
Insights
Insights
Opportunity
Opportunity
Awareness
Awareness
Recognize mental health challenges; understand that help is available.
Recognize mental health challenges; understand that help is available.
Users often lack awareness of innovative mental health solutions beyond traditional therapy.
Users often lack awareness of innovative mental health solutions beyond traditional therapy.
Increase visibility of practical self-management tools and early intervention options.
Increase visibility of practical self-management tools and early intervention options.
Consideration
Consideration
Evaluate different solutions; seek accessible and practical support methods.
Evaluate different solutions; seek accessible and practical support methods.
Users consider factors like ease of use, personalization, and integration into daily life.
Users consider factors like ease of use, personalization, and integration into daily life.
Highlight the app's personalized features and ease of integration with existing routines.
Highlight the app's personalized features and ease of integration with existing routines.
Action
Action
Commit to using a solution; require support in maintaining consistent use.
Commit to using a solution; require support in maintaining consistent use.
Users struggle with motivation and consistency in practicing techniques.
Users struggle with motivation and consistency in practicing techniques.
Implement features that encourage regular engagement and provide immediate value.
Implement features that encourage regular engagement and provide immediate value.
User Segmentation
User Segmentation
User Segmentation
We developed a Problem Intensity Assessment Framework to categorize users based on:
We developed a Problem Intensity Assessment Framework to categorize users based on:
We developed a Problem Intensity Assessment Framework to categorize users based on:
• Frequency: How often they experience mental health issues.
• Urgency: The immediate need for intervention.
• Duration: How long the issues persist.
• Frequency: How often they experience mental health issues.
• Urgency: The immediate need for intervention.
• Duration: How long the issues persist.
• Frequency: How often they experience mental health issues.
• Urgency: The immediate need for intervention.
• Duration: How long the issues persist.
Segment
Segment
Frequency
Frequency
Urgency
Urgency
Duration
Duration
Need for
Intervention
Need for
Intervention
Mild
Mild
Low
Low
Low
Low
Short
Short
None
None
Moderate
Moderate
Varies
Varies
Moderate
Moderate
Mid-term
Mid-term
High
High
Sever
Sever
High
High
High
High
long-term
long-term
Urgent
Urgent
Users with mild mental health issues do not perceive their condition as severe enough to warrant sustained intervention. The focus should be on severe cases.
Users with mild mental health issues do not perceive their condition as severe enough to warrant sustained intervention. The focus should be on severe cases.
Users with mild mental health issues do not perceive their condition as severe enough to warrant sustained intervention. The focus should be on severe cases.
Given the significant differences in lifestyles and needs between patients and non-patients, we recommend focusing on severe mental health patients.
Given the significant differences in lifestyles and needs between patients and non-patients, we recommend focusing on severe mental health patients.
Given the significant differences in lifestyles and needs between patients and non-patients, we recommend focusing on severe mental health patients.
Within the mental health patient segment, we need to further categorize patients due to varying lifestyles, treatment settings, and care needs. Our data reveals four distinct categories below:
Within the mental health patient segment, we need to further categorize patients due to varying lifestyles, treatment settings, and care needs. Our data reveals four distinct categories below:
Within the mental health patient segment, we need to further categorize patients due to varying lifestyles, treatment settings, and care needs. Our data reveals four distinct categories below:
Home-based (Telemedicine) segment leads with a 50% market share and the highest evaluation score (31/35).
Outpatient and Other segments have moderate market share and evaluation scores.
The inpatient segment has the smallest market share and lowest evaluation score.
Home-based (Telemedicine) segment leads with a 50% market share and the highest evaluation score (31/35).
Outpatient and Other segments have moderate market share and evaluation scores.
The inpatient segment has the smallest market share and lowest evaluation score.
Home-based (Telemedicine) segment leads with a 50% market share and the highest evaluation score (31/35).
Outpatient and Other segments have moderate market share and evaluation scores.
The inpatient segment has the smallest market share and lowest evaluation score.
Conclusion: Focusing on home-based severe mental health patients aligns with our goals to meet user needs and establish a sustainable business model.
Conclusion: Focusing on home-based severe mental health patients aligns with our goals to meet user needs and establish a sustainable business model.
Conclusion: Focusing on home-based severe mental health patients aligns with our goals to meet user needs and establish a sustainable business model.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
We conducted a competitive analysis to understand the market landscape.
We conducted a competitive analysis to understand the market landscape.
We conducted a competitive analysis to understand the market landscape.
Primary Competitors (Talkspace, Ginger, BetterHelp):
• Technology-driven and Symptom Management Focus:
• AI-Driven Personalization:
• Corporate Mental Health Solutions:
• Real-Time Support:
Primary Competitors (Talkspace, Ginger, BetterHelp):
• Technology-driven and Symptom Management Focus:
• AI-Driven Personalization:
• Corporate Mental Health Solutions:
• Real-Time Support:
Primary Competitors (Talkspace, Ginger, BetterHelp):
• Technology-driven and Symptom Management Focus:
• AI-Driven Personalization:
• Corporate Mental Health Solutions:
• Real-Time Support:
Strategic Recommendations:
• Focus on AI-Driven Personalization and Data Insights
• Expand Corporate Offerings
• Leverage Real-Time Support
• Wellness vs. Symptom Management
Strategic Recommendations:
• Focus on AI-Driven Personalization and Data Insights
• Expand Corporate Offerings
• Leverage Real-Time Support
• Wellness vs. Symptom Management
Strategic Recommendations:
• Focus on AI-Driven Personalization and Data Insights
• Expand Corporate Offerings
• Leverage Real-Time Support
• Wellness vs. Symptom Management
User Journey Map
User Journey Map
User Journey Map
We developed a user journey map based on the interviews to deepen our understanding.
We developed a user journey map based on the interviews to deepen our understanding.
We developed a user journey map based on the interviews to deepen our understanding.
Key insights included:
• Inconsistent Practice:
Users forget or lack motivation to practice techniques.
• Desire for Simplicity:
Need for bite-sized, easily digestible content.
• Personalization:
Importance of tailored strategies and practical applications.
• Limited Support Systems:
Hesitancy to engage with online communities or unfamiliar resources.
Key insights included:
• Inconsistent Practice:
Users forget or lack motivation to practice techniques.
• Desire for Simplicity:
Need for bite-sized, easily digestible content.
• Personalization:
Importance of tailored strategies and practical applications.
• Limited Support Systems:
Hesitancy to engage with online communities or unfamiliar resources.
Key insights included:
• Inconsistent Practice:
Users forget or lack motivation to practice techniques.
• Desire for Simplicity:
Need for bite-sized, easily digestible content.
• Personalization:
Importance of tailored strategies and practical applications.
• Limited Support Systems:
Hesitancy to engage with online communities or unfamiliar resources.
Define
Define
Define
User Needs
User Needs
User Needs
Based on our research and user insights, we identified the following user need statements:
Based on our research and user insights, we identified the following user need statements:
Based on our research and user insights, we identified the following user need statements:
"As a home-based mental health patient, I need simplified and accessible tools to manage my symptoms daily, so that I can improve my emotional well-being between therapy sessions."
Luke Tanis
"As a home-based mental health patient, I need simplified and accessible tools to manage my symptoms daily, so that I can improve my emotional well-being between therapy sessions."
Luke Tanis
"As a home-based mental health patient, I need simplified and accessible tools to manage my symptoms daily, so that I can improve my emotional well-being between therapy sessions."
Luke Tanis
"As a user struggling with motivation, I need personalized reminders and engaging content, so that I can consistently practice techniques that help me cope."
Alex Spurun
"As a user struggling with motivation, I need personalized reminders and engaging content, so that I can consistently practice techniques that help me cope."
Alex Spurun
"As a user struggling with motivation, I need personalized reminders and engaging content, so that I can consistently practice techniques that help me cope."
Alex Spurun
"As someone overwhelmed during crises, I need immediate and easy-to-use support, so that I can manage my emotions effectively when distressed."
Ruan Richard
"As someone overwhelmed during crises, I need immediate and easy-to-use support, so that I can manage my emotions effectively when distressed."
Ruan Richard
"As someone overwhelmed during crises, I need immediate and easy-to-use support, so that I can manage my emotions effectively when distressed."
Ruan Richard
"As a patient communicating with my therapist, I need accurate symptom tracking tools, so that I can provide clear updates and receive appropriate care."
Vicky Haltenate
"As a patient communicating with my therapist, I need accurate symptom tracking tools, so that I can provide clear updates and receive appropriate care."
Vicky Haltenate
"As a patient communicating with my therapist, I need accurate symptom tracking tools, so that I can provide clear updates and receive appropriate care."
Vicky Haltenate
Core Value Proposition
For home-based severe mental health patients who need personalized, accessible, and proactive support to enhance their emotional well-being between therapy sessions, our product, Emotewell, is a mental health companion app that combines AI-driven tools with evidence-based techniques to offer immediate interventions and preventive care.
For home-based severe mental health patients who need personalized, accessible, and proactive support to enhance their emotional well-being between therapy sessions, our product, Emotewell, is a mental health companion app that combines AI-driven tools with evidence-based techniques to offer immediate interventions and preventive care.
Ideation
With a clear understanding of user needs and market gaps, we moved into the Ideation phase to brainstorm solutions.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming
Brainstorming
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Included mental health professionals, developers, and stakeholders.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Included mental health professionals, developers, and stakeholders.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Included mental health professionals, developers, and stakeholders.
Concept Development
Concept Development
Concept Development
1 Adaptive AI Chatbot providing personalized coping strategies.
2 Early Warning System detecting signs of mental health deterioration.
3 Crisis Mode Interface simplifies the app during distress.
4 Symptom Tracker with Visualizations for progress monitoring.
5 Gamification Elements to motivate consistent practice.
Evaluating Ideas
We use the following Evaluation Criteria to pick up our ideas:
Alignment
Comprehen-sive
Comprehensive
Feasibility
Feasibility
Differentiation
Differentiation
Scalability
Scalability
We integrated Ideas 1, 2, 3, and 4 into our solution, as they directly address critical user needs and offer unique market value.
01
Symptom Tracker with Visualizations
Goal
Encourage daily symptom tracking to promote self-awareness and provide valuable data for personalized support.
01
Symptom Tracker with Visualizations
Goal
Encourage daily symptom tracking to promote self-awareness and provide valuable data for personalized support.
01
Symptom Tracker with Visualizations
Goal
Encourage daily symptom tracking to promote self-awareness and provide valuable data for personalized support.
02
Adaptive AI Chatbot
Goal
Encourage users to engage with the chatbot for personalized coping strategies.
02
Adaptive AI Chatbot
Goal
Encourage users to engage with the chatbot for personalized coping strategies.
02
Adaptive AI Chatbot
Goal
Encourage users to engage with the chatbot for personalized coping strategies.
03
Early Warning System
Goal
Encourage proactive management by alerting users to early signs of deterioration.
03
Early Warning System
Goal
Encourage proactive management by alerting users to early signs of deterioration.
03
Early Warning System
Goal
Encourage proactive management by alerting users to early signs of deterioration.
04
Crisis Mode Interface
Goal
Provide immediate support during high distress with minimal cognitive load.
04
Crisis Mode Interface
Goal
Provide immediate support during high distress with minimal cognitive load.
04
Crisis Mode Interface
Goal
Provide immediate support during high distress with minimal cognitive load.
Design
Wireframe Sketch
Wireframe Sketch
Wireframe Sketch
We developed a straightforward user flow, integrating extensive data content into a seamless experience. The information architecture was carefully crafted to ensure easy navigation and content accessibility.
We developed a straightforward user flow, integrating extensive data content into a seamless experience. The information architecture was carefully crafted to ensure easy navigation and content accessibility.
We developed a straightforward user flow, integrating extensive data content into a seamless experience. The information architecture was carefully crafted to ensure easy navigation and content accessibility.
AI-Powered Journaling and Analysis
• Simplified Journaling: Users log emotions with emotion words, distress levels, and context.
• AI Chatbot Support: Provides personalized coping strategies.
• Data Visualization: Helps users and therapists track progress.
Early Warning System
• Trend Monitoring: Detects declines in mental health trends.
• Proactive Alerts: Sends supportive notifications and suggests preventive actions.
Personalization and Integration
• Customizable Prevention Routines: Sync with personal calendars.
• Contextual Reminders: Based on user preferences and behavior.
Crisis Mode Interface
• Simplified Design: Minimalistic interface during high distress.
• Immediate Access: One-tap access to coping tools and emergency contacts.
• Therapist Integration: Message therapist or friends to ask for help.
Prototype
Medium-fidelity
Medium-fidelity
Medium-fidelity
We developed a straightforward user flow, integrating extensive data content into a seamless experience. The information architecture was carefully crafted to ensure easy navigation and content accessibility.
We developed a straightforward user flow, integrating extensive data content into a seamless experience. The information architecture was carefully crafted to ensure easy navigation and content accessibility.
We developed a straightforward user flow, integrating extensive data content into a seamless experience. The information architecture was carefully crafted to ensure easy navigation and content accessibility.
Valuable Lessons
Valuable Lessons
Valuable Lessons
User Interaction Flow
Visualizing how users will move through the app
Feature Relevance
Assessing the placement and utility of features
Design Feasibility
Evaluating the practicality of implementing planned features
User Interaction Flow
Visualizing how users will move through the app
Feature Relevance
Assessing the placement and utility of features
Design Feasibility
Evaluating the practicality of implementing planned features
User Interaction Flow
Visualizing how users will move through the app
Feature Relevance
Assessing the placement and utility of features
Design Feasibility
Evaluating the practicality of implementing planned features
Iteration
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
We conducted thorough usability tests with our target audience, observing their interactions with the low-fidelity prototype. This phase was crucial in refining the app's usability and ensuring it meets and exceeds user expectations for functionality and experience.
We conducted thorough usability tests with our target audience, observing their interactions with the low-fidelity prototype. This phase was crucial in refining the app's usability and ensuring it meets and exceeds user expectations for functionality and experience.
We conducted thorough usability tests with our target audience, observing their interactions with the low-fidelity prototype. This phase was crucial in refining the app's usability and ensuring it meets and exceeds user expectations for functionality and experience.
What We Gained
What We Gained
What We Gained
Clarity and Purpose
The redesign clearly highlights the app’s dual focus on trail planning and air quality, quickly orienting new users.
User Engagement
By emphasizing interactive elements like the “Create a New Trail Plan” button and featuring top trails, the interface boosts user interaction.
Optimized Design
The updated layout removes clutter and negative messaging, enhancing visual appeal and promoting positive user interactions.
Clarity and Purpose
The redesign clearly highlights the app’s dual focus on trail planning and air quality, quickly orienting new users.
User Engagement
By emphasizing interactive elements like the “Create a New Trail Plan” button and featuring top trails, the interface boosts user interaction.
Optimized Design
The updated layout removes clutter and negative messaging, enhancing visual appeal and promoting positive user interactions.
Clarity and Purpose
The redesign clearly highlights the app’s dual focus on trail planning and air quality, quickly orienting new users.
User Engagement
By emphasizing interactive elements like the “Create a New Trail Plan” button and featuring top trails, the interface boosts user interaction.
Optimized Design
The updated layout removes clutter and negative messaging, enhancing visual appeal and promoting positive user interactions.
Final Delivery
After an extensive journey through problem statement, research, ideation, prototype, user-testing, and visual design, we present the final delivery for Trail Angel:
After an extensive journey through problem statement, research, ideation, prototype, user-testing, and visual design, we present the final delivery for Trail Angel:
After an extensive journey through problem statement, research, ideation, prototype, user-testing, and visual design, we present the final delivery for Trail Angel:
Make Trail plan
Make Trail plan
Create personalized outdoor trail plans with integrated air quality considerations
Create personalized outdoor trail plans with integrated air quality considerations
Create personalized outdoor trail plans with integrated air quality considerations
Detour A Trail
Detour A Trail
Adjust routes on-the-go based on changing air quality conditions
Adjust routes on-the-go based on changing air quality conditions
Adjust routes on-the-go based on changing air quality conditions
Change A Trail Plan
Change A Trail Plan
Access predictive information about potential wildfire risks and air quality changes
Access predictive information about potential wildfire risks and air quality changes
Access predictive information about potential wildfire risks and air quality changes
Benefits
Health Protection
Health Protection
Real-time air quality data helps users avoid areas with poor air quality, reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
Real-time air quality data helps users avoid areas with poor air quality, reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
Real-time air quality data helps users avoid areas with poor air quality, reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
Enhanced Safety
Alternative route suggestions ensure users can continue their activities safely when conditions change.
Alternative route suggestions ensure users can continue their activities safely when conditions change.
Peace of
Mind
Peace of Mind
Predictive tools and alerts allow users to enjoy outdoor activities without constant worry about air quality changes.
Predictive tools and alerts allow users to enjoy outdoor activities without constant worry about air quality changes.
Enhanced Safety
Alternative route suggestions ensure users can continue their activities safely when conditions change.
Peace of Mind
Predictive tools and alerts allow users to enjoy outdoor activities without constant worry about air quality changes.
Reflection and Future Steps
The development of Trail Angel highlighted the critical importance of user-centric design in addressing complex environmental challenges.
Key learnings include:
The power of precise market segmentation in tailoring features to user needs
The importance of integrating diverse data sources for comprehensive environmental monitoring
The potential of machine learning in enhancing predictive capabilities for outdoor safety
Future developments will focus on:
Enhancing the app's predictive capabilities through more advanced machine learning models
Expanding the network of compatible IoT devices for more granular air quality monitoring
Developing partnerships with outdoor recreation organizations to broaden the app's reach and impact
The development of Trail Angel highlighted the critical importance of user-centric design in addressing complex environmental challenges.
Key learnings include:
The power of precise market segmentation in tailoring features to user needs
The importance of integrating diverse data sources for comprehensive environmental monitoring
The potential of machine learning in enhancing predictive capabilities for outdoor safety
Future developments will focus on:
Enhancing the app's predictive capabilities through more advanced machine learning models
Expanding the network of compatible IoT devices for more granular air quality monitoring
Developing partnerships with outdoor recreation organizations to broaden the app's reach and impact
The development of Trail Angel highlighted the critical importance of user-centric design in addressing complex environmental challenges.
Key learnings include:
The power of precise market segmentation in tailoring features to user needs
The importance of integrating diverse data sources for comprehensive environmental monitoring
The potential of machine learning in enhancing predictive capabilities for outdoor safety
Future developments will focus on:
Enhancing the app's predictive capabilities through more advanced machine learning models
Expanding the network of compatible IoT devices for more granular air quality monitoring
Developing partnerships with outdoor recreation organizations to broaden the app's reach and impact