LevelHeaded 2.0 is a redesigned version of my original mental health app, aimed at refining emotional tracking through a more gamified and supportive experience. Users can log their moods daily, play mini-games tailored to their emotional state, and earn rewards like stickers to use in a community chat room. I led the redesign using Adobe XD, focusing on simplifying the interface and improving user engagement. Through informal testing with users experiencing suicidal ideation, we saw a 25% increase in satisfaction with the new goal-setting features. This project pushed my skills in emotional design and taught me how to build experiences that feel both safe and interactive.
To reflect the app's mental wellness focus, I shifted from high-saturation colors to a softer, earth-toned palette. This choice was driven by moodboard feedback sessions where users expressed feeling more calm and focused with muted tones. Colors like warm taupe and moss green were tested for accessibility and emotional tone. The goal was to support users’ sense of psychological safety while keeping the interface inviting and gender-neutral.
Each screen was redesigned using principles of cognitive load theory. I limited visual distractions by grouping related tasks and using progressive disclosure for advanced features. For instance, the “Set Intention” screen uses just one action per screen state to reduce overwhelm — ideal for users experiencing anxiety or ADHD.
I restructured navigation components after usability feedback revealed that users often missed critical reflection tools hidden in submenus. I introduced a bottom navigation bar to ensure core tools (daily log, insights, goals) were immediately visible. This minimized user frustration and reduced the number of taps to complete a task by 40% in prototype testing.
To evaluate the LevelHeaded 2.0 redesign, I tested with 3 participants experiencing suicidal ideation, reflecting the app’s core user base. Users accessed the prototype via mobile web, created in Adobe XD. Key tasks included mood journaling, playing daily mini-games based on emotional input, and engaging in a supportive chat room.
Initial feedback noted that navigation was unclear until users were encouraged to freely explore. After adjusting the goal-setting interface, users reported a 25% increase in satisfaction compared to the original design.
Take a closer look at the thought process, challenges, and UX strategies behind the redesign of LevelHeaded — a mood-tracking and journaling app built to support users struggling with mental health. This video walks through key features, user research, design iterations, and the emotional design choices that shaped the final experience.
Interact with the prototype above.