#UX Research #Visual Design #Music #Streaming #Mental Health

Mood Lifting with Music Expression and Human Connection

MindRoom

#UX Research #Visual Design #Music #Streaming #Passion Project

Mood Lifting with Music Expression and Human Connection

MindRoom

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Project Overview
Ready to revolutionize the world of mental health? I explored innovative solutions using music therapy. I conducted a research and found that participants experienced significant stress relief through creative tasks, found solace in human connection, and were not benefited from stress relief & meditation apps.
The project "MindRoom" was designed to be a streaming app with freedom of expression and the opportunity to interact with the community. Combining music and creative expression, MindRoom missioned to provide stress relief and emotional support.
Background
Do you know those live lo-fi music channels on Youtube with a wholesome community? I loved the concept where people get to chat while the music. I saw the importance of mental health as I watched people and myself struggle to find a balance in life. I wanted to create a positive environment with freedom of expression.
Target users: Music lovers and people struggle with their emotions
Challenge & Solution
1. Mental health issues increased significantly:
Music is a very powerful healing tool for the constantly-stimulated human mind.
2. Most participates reported not benefitting from mediation & stress relief apps:
Creating a sense of human connection and providing users with space for expression, which most mediation & stress relief apps lacked.
3. Moods are unpredictable:
Using user-friendly mobile app platform to provide convenience, a solution that could fit in the pocket.
Project Plan
My Role
• Research: I developed and executed user research plan. From there I analyzed findings and generated insights.
• Design: I created the design system and all wireframes
• Prototyping: I built the Hi-Fi interactive prototype on Figma
Scope
• Team: This is a solo project
• Tools: Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Miro
• Design Practices: Research Plan Development, User Survey, C&C Analysis, Feature Analysis, Affinity Mapping, Persona Development, Problem Statement, User-Flow, Information Architecture, Sketching, Wireframes, Prototyping
Target users: Music lovers and people struggle with their emotions
Research & Synthesis
User Research
Objective
To understand user’s behaviors and motivations of streaming music and stress relief process.
Method
I generated a total of 41 responses (participants) using a survey with open-end questions and short answers via Google Forms. The surveys were sent across multiple Reddit Forums related to music and mental health. Also sent it to friends with emotional distress.
Findings
1. Social interaction has therapeutic effect that helps users dealing with stress. ~ 7 participates
2. Users enjoy doing creative activities to distract themselves from the unwanted thoughts. ~ 13 participates
3. Users prefer customizable platform. ~ 8 participates
4. Users do not use stress relief & meditation mobile app or find them unhelpful~ 25 participates
"I can read the comments of people giving hope."
"I express my emotions by singing along with songs that sort og resonate with my situation."
"I like doing stuff like that because it give my mind something to do and focus rather than spiraling in my emotion."
"It would be nice to have some kind of customization to a meditation app."
User quotes from the survey response.
User's Needs, Goals, Behaviors and Frustration
"Stress can be very overwhelming sometimes."
- Frannie, Project Manager
Needs & Goals
• Needs a way to relieve her stress besides walking her dog
Behaviors
• Enjoys music and creating contents on her free time
• Walks her dog daily as she get some fresh air
Frustrations
• Has a busy schedule where she barely has time to spend with the loved ones.
• Unble to take a walk due to the weather
• Not sure how to handle her emotional stress
More Artifacts
Affinity Map
User Flow
Competitive & Comparative Analysis
Ideation & Iteration
Site Map
Wireframes
Sketches
Low Fidelity
I initially sketched out a Profile page for users but paused the process.
Because I wanted this page to be more personal and mental health - focused. Which I realized I was lack of research in this part.
High Fidelity Wireframes
Simplicity and content-focused approach.
Which creates a contrast that makes the contents stand out more.
I minimized the color used and sticked to neutral color for the background and navigation.
I avoided adding complex design components to create a sense of calmness.
Deliverable & Next Steps
High Fidelity Prototype
Next Steps
• Usability& Iteration. Due to the time constrain, I was not able to conduct my favorite part of UX practice :(
• More in-depth user research on the mental health aspect
• Develop more in-app features such as Profile page, filter, search, categories..etc.
Lesson Learned
I got many unfriendly responses from Reddit for posting the user survey. It was unpleasant seeing them at first. Then I realized in real life, people will be upset with surveys with all kinds of reasons. I learned to not take it personally. Also, I'd recommend using a throw-away account for safety purpose :)
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