“To make scientifically-proven health information accessible so people can make more conscious decisions about their lifestyle and well-being.”
I aimed to assess the main deteriorations in the population’s lifestyle during the COVID-19 social isolation period and identify intervention strategies.
In parallel with the intensification of these bad habits, driven by financial instability, disorientation, and emotional chaos, some people were taking steps to break these cycles.
I sought to focus on those who recognized the benefits of healthier habits but were not yet ready to act—a significant portion of the population at the time.
With this direction, I designed a solution that promotes habits through information and simplifies the first steps toward change and ways to enjoy it.
the concerning scenario
COVID forced a sudden shift in the population’s routine; old habits unraveled, and new ones emerged. Although adopting healthy habits was on the rise, this transition raised a critical concern: how could it intensify health deterioration?
Numerous scientific and governmental articles I read pointed to a systemic worsening. Financial instability, addictions, healthcare access, nutrition, mobility, screen time, and mental health became alarming topics.
Finding Clarity in Chaos
“Habits build health. Beliefs, context, and actions build habits.” So how could I find a solution for part of this chaos?
Although I had assumptions, I conducted 14 interviews with people exercising in parks to assess patterns in the barriers preventing them from replacing bad habits, using two scientific models as a reference.
While these interviews were not enough to reach information saturation, I was able to address four main themes: lack of planning, time, knowledge, and emotional stability.
DISCOVERING opportunities
Although daily organization and emotional stability were essential factors, individual intention and intervention were necessary.
Therefore, I decided to raise awareness about the short and long-term benefits of these changes and ways to incorporate them into daily life.
In this direction, I spent a week understanding the value of existing solutions. I identified four solutions that could become a scalable, sustainable digital business—ideal for a time of intense digitalization and funding.
Market Gaps & Direction
Among all solutions, especially apps, the focus was on people already determined to change—the third stage of behavioral change—and there was an imbalance between content quality and functionality.
Given this market gap and the ineffectiveness across many aspects of the problem, I envisioned an app grounded in behavioral science strategies.
Designing the App
Fortunately, three interviewees volunteered to co-create and review with me an app that would fit seamlessly into their routines.
I also built two archetypes based on interview insights and articles to contextualize possible scenarios during habit change and establish design constraints.
The goal was to design a product that would inform users about the benefits of each habit and facilitate the first steps, supporting and (re)engaging them throughout the entire process.
The visual design needed to distinguish elements of information hierarchy through contrast, also using illustrations and photographs to stimulate users to imagine themselves in the represented scenario.
After qualitative testing to improve the journey of starting and maintaining habit changes, I chose the Android beta version to reach a broader audience and delegated it.
First Quarter Insights
Through different surveys, I gathered user feedback on usability, content comprehension, satisfaction, and support in developing new habits. I expected that the app would move closer to:
After the end of the first quarter, with 1,236 participants out of 4,202 users, the metrics showed a promising start:
However, I noticed that the low ratings came from older users with limited technological familiarity, who struggled to set up habits and follow content written in more complex language.
PRODUCT VISION
Ultimately, the challenge is not just to recognize the benefits of healthy habits or prepare the perfect routine only to see everything fail quickly, but to motivate people to resist their own biology and overcome adversity.
It will be crucial to listen to people’s struggles throughout their journey, especially at the beginning, and encourage them to seek the coaching plan and follow social media content.