Vent
Vent is a mobile app designed to provide support and guidance for students struggling with mental health difficulties. With a focus on building resilient minds, the app aims to empower students to overcome personal struggles by offering a range of tools and resources.
My Role
User Research, Visual design, UI Design, Prototyping
Timeline
May 2023 - June 2023
The Challenge
Many students face significant challenges related to mental health, which can hinder their academic success and overall well-being. The current lack of accessible and tailored support systems leaves students without effective tools to navigate their struggles. As a result, there is a pressing need for more accessible resources that specifically address these challenges and provide comprehensive support to students in managing their mental health.
Understanding the Issue
Mental health is a prevalent and significant concern in the United States, particularly among students. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, I devoted considerable time and effort to gain a deep understanding of the challenges and severity associated with mental health among students.
Talking to Students, Educators, and School Psychologists
After conducting thorough online research, the next step was to engage with individuals connected to the topic and gather their perspectives on the significance of mental health and the existing gaps in schools and society. This involved proactive interactions aimed at understanding their personal experiences and insights on this crucial matter.
During the interviews, a diverse range of questions were posed to the participants, aiming to gather comprehensive insights on the topic of mental health. These inquiries included assessing their satisfaction with the existing mental health services at their schools and soliciting suggestions for potential improvements. Additionally, participants were asked about their familiarity with and utilization of mental health-focused apps, as well as any gaps or unmet needs they perceived in such applications. The information gathered through these interviews played a significant role in enhancing my understanding and gaining deeper insights into the subject matter.
Analyzing the Research
By meticulously analyzing and categorizing the interview responses, patterns and common themes started to emerge among the participants' needs and desires. Through the systematic organization and summarization of the data, a coherent direction for the app began to crystallize.
The Solution
The app should offer a range of resources, including digital journaling, guided mindfulness exercises, helpful surveys, and access to certified school-appointed psychologists, to empower students to develop resilience, enhance self-awareness, and effectively cope with their emotions. By addressing this problem, the app aims to enable students to achieve greater emotional well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and successful academic experience.
Project still in progress - more coming soon!