Project Context
In today's work environment, remote workers strive to achieve work-life balance while maintaining their well-being. However, they often face challenges in managing their focus, emotions, and overall well-being. Distractions, stress, and the lack of effective tools to support their work routines can hinder their ability to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Solution
To address the problem, Motiv is a gamified mindfulness mobile app that empowers remote workers to enhance their work-life balance and well-being. Through breathing exercises, instructed tasks, and an interactive progress tracking system, Motiv helps users build healthy habits, maintain focus and manage emotions to cultivate a positive outlook that they need to feel supported.
Research Process
To understand COVID-19's impact on remote workers and their changed work practices, I wanted to explore the challenges, emotions, habits, and pain points they faced. These insights will guide the development of key features and design solution.
O1
Secondary Research
O1
Build Upon Existing Knowledge
Beginning with white research papers, I explored the remote work landscape and its impact on employers/employees. Accenture's findings highlighted,
“the importance of addressing individual, relational, and collective needs for a healthy and resilient workplace."
Interestingly, the "Net Better Off" framework (see below) identifies
6 fundamental human needs that unlock potential and enhance business performance, emphasizing workforce well-being and equality.
"Net Better Off" Framework by Accenture
O2
Primary Research
O1
Real Conversations with Remote Workers
Using an interactive workshop-style format on Miro board via Google Meet,
I conducted non-traditional 1:1 research interviews with 6 participants in the corporate field. Each 45-minute session included 10 open-ended questions to elicit insightful responses.
Top Common Responses:
1) 100% of participants:
a. Reported long ongoing calls shift their focus throughout the day.
b. Emphasized physical, emotional, and spiritual balance.
c. Don't take enough breaks but avoid working after 5pm.
d. Value regular social interactions and connections with colleagues.
2) 80% of participants expressed difficulties in managing work-life
boundaries.
User 01 ’s Wellness Dimension Prioritization: Comparing Current and Desired Rankings
User 02's Daily Emotional Journey &
Productivity Levels
Research Insights (extracted from Primary Research)
O3
Landscape Analysis
O1
Exploring Solutions and Opportunities
Analyzed competitive apps Headspace and Calm, noting the absence of
task-based habit formation and tracking changing moods/emotional needs.
Also conducted a comparative analysis with Duolingo to explore gamification elements for building a habit of regular language practice that could be applied to Motiv.
Key Takeaways to Develop Motiv
1) Branding: Define a unique and appealing brand identity for Motiv.
2) Content: Develop a diverse mindfulness content and themed programs.
3) User Experience: Create a user-friendly interface for easy navigation.
4) Customization: Offer flexible session lengths and customization options.
5) Partnerships: Explore collaborations to enhance content and credibility.
6) Gamification: Gamify habit building and work-life balance.
Key Learnings & Opportunities For Each Apps
Motiv Development: Bringing Forward Essential Goals
Why Gamification?
Simply, "Gamification addresses the users' challenges and aligns with goals” (mentioned above). This approach will encourage long-term engagement with the product (see the diagram below).
Gamification Elements for Iterations
Based on the alignment of the goals and the challenges, these were the gamified elements I wanted to bring forward for the design iteration (see the diagram below).
Iterations with Rapid Prototyping
Key Changes for the "Onboarding Experience"
• Condensing options from 7 to 5 for decisive decision.
• Rearranged and reworded content with a friendlier tone.
• Introduced a "Turn on Notification" Page for user control and consent.
• Improved visuals of "short exercise introduction" for a positive first impression.
Version 1
Version 2
*swipe left on your trackpad*
Key Changes For "Homepage"
• Condensed bottom navigation tabs from 5 to 4 for
simplicity and thumb reachability.
• Shifted card alignment from center to left for
better scannability.
• Introduced thumbnails and smaller icons for
activity/task differentiation.
Version 1
Version 2
Key Changes for the "Challenges"
• Enhanced togetherness in Friends Challenge Start Page: "+" symbol and profile icons.
• Introduced a motivating "Timeline" feature above the challenge cards.
• Improved hierarchy with boxed cards for "Daily Challenges" and "Friends Challenge."
Version 1
Version 2
Key Changes For "Profile"
• Implemented boxed sections for visual hierarchy
and a cleaner look.
• Utilized tab menus for organized navigation
instead of a single, lengthy scroll.
Version 1
Version 2
O6
Visual Strategy
O1
Intentional Approach to Shaping Motiv
To make work-life balance and well-being more approachable and friendly,
I wanted to define 2 different aspects to establish Motiv.
1) Shaping Design Experience: Values & Core Principles
a. Simplicity & Clarity
b. Warmth & Playfulness
c. Meaningful Touch-points
2) Setting the Tone, Language and Style
• Define voice and personality attributes.
• Extract colour variation from attributes on Dribbble.
• Assessing aesthetics and visual desirability (Microsoft Method)
Desirability Test Results: First Impressions with Reaction Cards
Desirability Test Results: Associating Adjectives with Colours
Desirability Test A/B Results: Strong Response to Style B
