PROBLEM

No matter the achievements, successful people still doubt themselves

Despite working hard and accomplishing great things for their personal and professional goals, high-achievers still experience moments of self-doubt. This led me to my main question: How might I help these high-achievers combat the negative thoughts they have of themselves?

SOLUTION

Revival: An app that uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concepts to help users develop more rational, healthier thought patterns in response to self-doubt.

RESEARCH

Getting to know more about the problem

I started off my research by getting a full understanding of what imposter syndrome was. I then explored its current solutions with an aim to integrate different ideas into the product interface. Solutions I repeatedly found: recalling your achievements, separating feelings from facts, stop comparing yourself, and cognitive behavioral therapy (the practice of reframing negative thoughts).

With further analyzing, I noticed that all these suggestions were framed inside the same concept: In order to combat imposter syndrome, new positive behaviors and thought processes need to be adapted. This is where I decided that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) would be the best focus to design around. It also essentially encapsulates all the other solutions into one single idea.

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

The competition was pricey and lacked focus on CBT and imposter syndrome

I analyzed 4 digital resources available for those dealing with imposter syndrome. I found that there was a huge lack of openly accessible resources (most were paid for full access) and many did not have an in-depth focus on imposter syndrome or CBT. This then became my opportunity for the solution.

INTERVIEWS

All interviewees have experienced imposter syndrome at least once

To get a better understanding of my target users (high-achieving individuals), I conducted interviews with 3 college students, 2 working professionals, and 1 store employee. I asked them the questions below to find trends on how they've managed imposter syndrome then organized my data through affinity mapping.

USER PERSONA

Based on the research insights, I developed a primary persona demonstrating my target users (high-achieving individuals). I focused on empathizing with my end users by identifying and understanding my personas background, goals, pain points, and emotions.

MAIN INSIGHT

Most were already practicing CBT on their own, even if they did not know what CBT was

Some were already putting CBT concepts to practice by pursuing positive thoughts and self-talk. Other key insights are shown below. How could I translate these insights into design opportunities?

USER JOURNEY MAP

Through my research and analysis, I was able to create a typical journey map of a persons experience with imposter syndrome and identify areas where opportunities could be implemented.

PRODUCT STRUCTURE

Consideration for my user's context directed short, time-efficient user flows

The opportunity areas from my research informed Revival's product structure. Users will get a proper understanding of CBT through exercise modules and also get an in-depth understanding of imposter syndrome with sections for each type. The user flow is short and simple to limit user's engagement with the app, perfect for busy, high-achieving audiences.

ADDRESSING OPPORTUNITY #1

How might I help high-achievers effectively use CBT?

Users will get a proper understanding of CBT through guided exercise modules and learn how to identify negative thought patterns on their own.

ADDRESSING OPPORTUNITY #2

How might I help high-achievers understand and define imposter syndrome?

Users will get an in-depth understanding of imposter syndrome by having access to five informative modules, each defining the five types of imposter syndrome.

ADDRESSING OPPORTUNITY #3

How might I make this product time-efficient and appealing to use?

The short user flow allows for limited engagement with the app to the bare necessity, perfect for those who are short on time. Also, the product does not require an account to provide its services.

USER TESTING

11 unmoderated test participants revealed key pain points that helped refocus visual contrast, navigation, and app engagement

STYLE GUIDE

Considering accessibility through color choices

The product's visual design is accentuated by soothing gradients that evoke a bright, relaxing feeling for those who come feeling doubtful of themselves. Moreover, I made this system with accessibility in mind, ensuring that each card and module met a minimum web color contrast ratio of 4:1.

PROJECT TAKEAWAYS

I learned: How important thorough research is for empathizing with your target audience. This project was challenging due to the amount of phycological/scientific research I had to do. Despite the challenge, I found that the more I knew, the more I could understand the hardships and emotions that my target audience was going through.

I improved: My visual design skills for creating a user-friendly experience that meets web content accessibility standards. This project allowed me to learn about web color contrast ratios and other visual guidelines for accessibility.

Future steps: I would love to have quantitative data to measure the impact and value of my product. What is the conversion rate? How satisfied are my users? How does my product meet business-oriented goals? Knowing this would allow for further iteration.