Mindful Aid: Research through Design for a digital first aid for the mind

Using mindfulness-based interventions to address neglected mental healthcare in university students.

Role

Researcher, UX/UI Designer

Industry

Health

Duration

6 months

Overview

Mindful Aid is a project I developed as part of my master’s degree thesis in Chiba University. It’s meant to connect university students with mindfulness techniques in order to give short-term relief during mild emotional distress.

Neglected mental healthcare in university students requires innovative, self-guided and accessible interventions

Nearly 75% of mental disorders start developing during the university period. Despite of existing effective treatment, university students feel embarrassed to share their symptoms or ask for help.

Using first-aid principles as inspiration to design a digital mindfulness intervention

I explored how a first-aid approach could effectively deliver mindfulness interventions by conducting research through design. This involved reviewing literature on digital interventions and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), conducting user interviews, brainstorming sessions and experimentation. Prototypes were tested with Chiba University students to assess its practicality and impact.

Overview

Neglected mental healthcare in university students requires innovative, self-guided and accessible interventions

Nearly 75% of mental disorders start developing during the university period. Despite of existing effective treatment, university students feel embarrassed to share their symptoms or ask for help.

Using first-aid principles as inspiration to design a digital mindfulness intervention

Concept solution: A digital first aid kit that provides short-term emotional relief through mindfulness exercises

Inspired by traditional First Aid kits design and principles, Mindful Aid contains various mindfulness exercises that can adapt to different emotional needs that can be used instantly in public or private.

Key features

Web-based
Versatile (public/private)
Self-administered
Diverse content (videos, music game)

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