Aurora
Depression and anxiety attack prevention service

Challenge 

In some countries like Lebanon, the topics of depression and mental illness are still stigmatized and considered taboo. In addition to that, 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and 50% of Americans suffering from severe depression don't seek treatment for the mental illness.

Concept

Aurora aims at providing professional help to the user when needed, by tracking their pulse and mood swings. It aspires to help users lead a healthier, happier, mindful life, by empowering them while educating them about their symptoms and treatment. 

Project Length

Team Members

4 weeks 

Individual

Skills & Tools

Systems Thinking, Branding & Visual Design (Adobe Illustrator), UI Design (Sketch), Connected Devices, Prototyping (Principle)

Project Advisor(s)

Nate Streu

Key Features

Based on the research featured below, I came to design ​three main features.
The aim is to provide people with the help they need without having them go through the anxiety and trouble of asking for it.
Aurora tracks the user's pulse through a connected bracelet, and connects the user with a psychologist who can chat and video call with the user when needed, in addition to providing them with articles and videos to help them learn how to cope with the situation as well.

Pulse & Mood Tracker

Mental Health Coach

Educational Resources

Research

In order to better understand the challenge and the bigger system, I researched and studied the topics of depression, anxiety attacks, and mental health, and looked at how help is provided to patients. I also talked to two psychologist practitioners in the United States as part of the process.

In order to better understand the user's perspective,​ ​​​I interviewed a friend who had to seek help online because the topic is taboo in her country, and another friend who lost his best friend to suicide and had to seek professional mental health help to cope with the situation. 

Problem Statement

By visualizing my users journey map,  a big opportunity area was presented; intervening when of the user starts feeling low.

Opportunity

How might we make seeking out mental health help accepted,
easier to find, and part of our daily lives?

Ideation & Strategy

Based on the research findings, I was able to sketch out a storyboard which helped me come up with the main features of the service. 
Furthermore, I was able to define the brand attributes, voice, and personality: professional, friendly, empowering, and supportive.

Branding

When it came to the visual aesthetic of the brand, I wanted the brand to feel empowering and liberating.
I picked colors that represent royalty, loyalty, and peacefulness, I even enjoyed naming them so they fit the brand.
I also designed every icon for the array of feelings and emotions available within the app for the user to pick from.
I chose the photography style to feel liberating.
​The font used is Helvetica because of its legibility and readability on every device.

Final Solution

1. Log in, home screen, and resources page

First-time user Log-in

Frequent user: Log-in + Mood Selection

Chatbox Animation

2. Chatbox

3. Desktop Screen

Learnings

1. Professional Profile: Even though users don't ask for help, they should be able to know more about the person reaching out to help them by checking their profile: education, previous experience, specialty.
2. Give users the option to say "No": While users have access to help, even though it is private and professional, they should still have the option to be able to request not being matched with a psychologist but still have access to the other resources . 
3. Consider involving a small social circle: Users might feel much better if they have a support system made of their family and close friends. Having people show them love and support, can help elevate their mood.