CareerFoundry
Tools — Usability Hub, Google Forms, Optimal App, Adobe creative suit, Figma
During my UX Design studies at CareerFoundry, I was tasked with designing a responsive web app. Recognizing the unique challenges of 2020, I chose to create a tool that could provide users with support, reassurance, and value during uncertain times. I’m driven by a commitment to design meaningful, impactful experiences, leveraging both strong UX principles and thoughtful product design.
The result was O-Live, a self-care app designed to help users cultivate a healthy mindset, build positive habits, and achieve their goals. With O-Live, I aimed to make self-care accessible and empowering, adding value to everyday life through a user-centered approach.
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the mental and physical health of millions. With job losses, limited social interactions, and restricted options for recreation, many are facing heightened stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
The home—once a place of comfort—has become both a workplace and a source of confinement, challenging people to find peace and balance in a restricted environment.
Amid these unprecedented conditions, users need a reliable way to nurture both mind and body without leaving their homes. They seek tools that promote mental well-being, encourage healthy routines, and support physical fitness, helping them regain control and foster resilience in daily life.
To meet these goals, O-Live centers on three key areas to effectively nurture users’ well-being:
RESEARCH & DISCOVERY
While competition in this space is intense, a thorough analysis of competitors reveals key strengths and weaknesses. This insight allows us to refine O-Live’s approach, ensuring it stands out and addresses user needs effectively.
A comprehensive desk research helped me identify the most successful apps in the mental wellness space. I narrowed the focus to two standout apps and conducted a UX-focused study on their layout, navigation, usability, and brand/UI consistency.
This analysis provided valuable insights, enabling me to prepare the following SWOT analysis.
Summary
By focusing on a distinctive brand identity, offering diverse content formats, supporting routine-building, enhancing accessibility, and adopting a hybrid wellness approach, O-Live has the potential to rise above existing wellness apps
With these key insights and strategic solutions, O-Live could establish itself as a holistic wellness platform that genuinely supports users’ mental and physical health needs in a cohesive, engaging, and accessible way.
By conducting a survey, I aimed to gain insight into users’ experiences, challenges, and preferences in their daily lives. This data offers valuable perspective, helping us shape a product that resonates with real user needs and behaviors.
Survey Participation:
I received responses from 33 participants, which, while not a large sample size, provides a relevant snapshot of user sentiment.
Given the consistency in certain responses, these findings indicate meaningful trends that will guide our design and feature priorities.
KEY FINDINGS:
User interviews are invaluable in UX research as they provide direct, qualitative insights into the users. Unlike quantitative data, which provides measurable trends, interviews allow us to dive deeper into the "why" behind user actions, uncovering nuances.
Methodology: Moderated In-Person Interviews
By conducting in-person interviews with four potential users, I was able to gather detailed qualitative information while observing user behaviors and habits firsthand.
Interview Goals:
AFFINITY MAPPING
Preference for Coaching and Guidance
Users express a strong desire to feel "coached" throughout their wellness journey. They value having direct interaction with experts or instructors, seeing this as an essential part of staying motivated and on track.
Users who are new to mindfulness or wellness routines feel a need for extra guidance.
Need for Group Support
Many prefer to learn alongside others, either through group coaching or peer support, to foster motivation and accountability.
Regular, gentle reminders are highly valued by users, helping them stay consistent without feeling pressured.
Cost Concerns
There is a shared perception among users that the fees for similar wellness and coaching services are overpriced.
Workout Preferences
Users prefer short, efficient workouts, especially when using videos as guides for exercises.
Yoga is their most beloved training
Mostly done alone with videos sourced from YouTube or apps, with a duration of 20–30 minutes
Group Workouts
Activities like running or strength training are preferred in groups, with durations ranging from 40 minutes to an hour, often structured as a series of short exercises.
Accomplishments Matter
Users feel motivated by achieving milestones and enjoy sharing their progress on social media.
Morning activities
Most of the users that like to exercise in the morning prefer yoga and stretching
Afternoon activities
Many go for a walk or run before lunch. During that time or after working hours they chose to work on strength
Evening activities
Users reserve evenings for relaxing, pleasurable activities or light workouts.
Sustained routines
Users who vary their routines and switch up activities are more likely to sustain them over time.
Users that lack a consistent routine, struggle with sleep.
Age: 41
Nationality: German
Location: Berlin
Occupation: Office Manager (20 hours per week)
Family Status: Lives with her partner and their young daughter
Frauke has always prioritized a healthy lifestyle for herself and her family. As a vegetarian household, they focus on nutritious meals and incorporate daily physical activities into their routine. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Frauke has maintained a strong sense of balance in her life.
Her mornings begin with yoga, followed by taking her daughter to “die Kita” (daycare) before heading to work. Evenings are spent at home, where she enjoys exercising with her partner and playing with her daughter. For Frauke, self-care isn’t just a personal goal—it’s a family value, seamlessly integrated into their daily lives
“ I miss my friends at yoga class. I miss our friendship and my time apart of my family. I’m terrible! “
Age: 28
Nationality: Italian
Location: Berlin
Occupation: Tattoo Artist and Performance Dancer
Family Status: Single
Massimo is a creative individual whose professional life has been deeply impacted by the pandemic. As a tattoo artist and performance dancer, he has faced over a year with limited work opportunities—almost none in performance and only sporadic appointments as a tattoo artist.
Despite his struggles, Massimo strives to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He attempts to incorporate regular exercise and mindfulness into his routine but often finds it difficult to stay consistent. However, he continues working out at home, showing his determination to stay active.
In his free time, Massimo enjoys unwinding with his partner by binge-watching series or reconnecting with friends during game nights. These activities provide him with a sense of comfort and joy during uncertain times.
“ Every time I miss one of my routines then I feel bad about it and I behave like a teenager… I stop it, drastically “
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