Problem Statement
University life can get incredibly busy with deadlines, part-time jobs, social events, and academic stress, often making us lose sight of the present moment. This design was inspired by my experiences as an international design student in Australia, where I often felt overwhelmed by comparisons to others, the pressure of reality, and even the shared struggles in conversations with friends.
In Australia, two-thirds (66.4%) of university students have screened positive for mental health issues, highlighting that many domestic and international students are struggling with their mental well-being. To tackle this, Long-Habits is an app designed specifically for university students, featuring a digital pet that acts as your “No. 1 cheerleader,” supporting you through your learning journey and challenges.
“How Might We” Statement
“How might we create an app that supports the mental health of university students in Australia?”
persona and Empathy Map
Identified shared stress factors among personas, emphasizing the need for motivation support for both groups.
senario
Interactive onboarding with a digital pet guiding users through key features. Long-Habits offers students short breaks amid their busy days, encouraging them to focus on small achievements, moments of joy, and that satisfying sense of accomplishment. The app invites students to take a few minutes each day to jot down their thoughts and experiences. As these entries pile up, users gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their achievements, and what truly brings them confidence and happiness. By celebrating effort and growth, Long-Habits aims to make university life more meaningful and enjoyable.
Long-Habits focuses on simplicity, making it easy for users to engage in their personal growth journey. With gamification and AI suggestions, it creates a fun, personalized experience that helps build lasting habits.
Low and Mid-Fidelity Prototype Development
I started with a habit-tracking-based approach, focusing on a clear, manageable user journey.
I Developed a paper prototype for initial testing. This phase helped me create wireframes and outline basic user interactions, aiming to identify early design improvements. Through user testing, I learned that students valued a reflection-based feature, as it felt like a form of daily meditation, helping reduce stress and improve focus.Shift to Reflection-Focused Design. Based on feedback, I pivoted to a design that supports users in capturing daily reflections. This approach resonated with users seeking quick, meaningful moments to centre themselves each day.
Key Features of High-Fidelity Prototype
UI
Warm, minimalist interface with a paper-like background (#F0EEE8) and inviting action buttons in warm orange (#CF6D37). Removed navigation bar for direct access to journaling tasks. Digital pet features soft, hand-drawn edges and subtle animations for a friendly touch.
