LePal.ai - A gamified mental health app for Gen Z
LePal.ai is a new mental health app that mixes the power of AI, CBT therapy, and the companionship of your very own pal. The app already had a beta version with over 500 testers, however, there was a low retention rate and dissatisfaction with some of its features. Our goal was to understand users by delving into interviews and usability studies in order to create analysis reports. With the information we gathered, we were able to redesign the UI and improve engagement.
San Francisco, CA
2024
Mental Health Care
-
50+
Challenge
The app had a confusing interface, making it difficult for users to navigate and find features. The app lacked visual appeal which significantly impacted user retention. Users were not satisfied with the lack of depth within some of the features and we needed to investigate how they can be improved for user satisfaction.
Results
The redesigned app features a signature, visually attractive interface that makes it easier for users to navigate and continue use of essential features. A mediation feature will be added soon as many users expressed their need for it. Many of the app's features were improved for user retention and engagement.
Process
Research & Analysis: We created a pool of users from our personal connections and onboarded them in order to prepare for user interviews. After conducting user interviews, we created personas and identified pain points in our analysis reports.
Further Research: We conducted follow-up interviews after extended use of the app in order to identify the cause of the decline in user engagement and retention. User journey maps were created during this phase.
Usability Testing : We conducted usability tests with an emphasis on current features. We did encounter some users that had difficulty navigating the icons and expressed some disappointment in the lack of features. All of the findings were noted and put together into a report for the design phase.
Wireframing: We were given the task to re-design the homepage and current features. We were also given the creative freedom to design new features and incorporate the findings from our research phase.
Visual Design: We created mockups for the app and were able to create several different versions of them. The focus was on a relaxing and healing vibe with an emphasis on its gamification and usability.
Users expressed that they wanted to see a background that is visually intriguing when they open the app. I received design critique from users themselves and the 3 frames above were the most favored. I created the backgrounds and iconography with AI. There were a few issues with the UX aspect, however, this would be fixed in the next task.
I re-designed the shop feature allowing users to navigate it easier and for new features such as a "care" category. The idea of event items would increase user engagement through customization of their pal. I also created a games feature based on what users felt would motivate them to use the app more and to complete quests. Finally, we re-designed the friends feature in order to create a community within LePal and allow users to feel supported throughout their journey. Different color schemes were used for experimentation.
Conclusion
I am incredibly thankful to LePal.ai for giving me my first internship opportunity. I learned a lot about the importance of user research and how both UX & UI design need to coexist harmoniously. It was a wonderful experience being a part of a product that will provide mental health support for the general public. I look forward to seeing its growth and message spread to those who need a pal in their lives.
