Interlude
App
A mobile application that allows high-school students to connect with their music sharing pen-pal.
In partnership with The Guild 501(3)(c).
Project Type. Mobile App, UI/UX, Needfinding, User Research
Project Brief. The goal of this project was to respond to the need of the community. Here, we focused on High-School students and the fostering a a space for mindfulness and community in the face of mental health.
Project Overview. I created Interlude which is a unique app designed for music lovers who enjoy discovering new songs and connecting with others. Allowing users to anonymously share their favorite music with pen pals from their local communities or around the world.
Project Outcome. This project process and idea was presented to The Guild Theatre a nonprofit 501(3)c, David Kelley (Founder of IDEO), and Kelley Schmutte (Found of Perfect Pointe) and an audience of 75+.
CHALLENGE
A need for community and mindness.
High schoolers often face significant mental health challenges due to academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal development. These issues can impact their academic performance, attendance, and long-term well-being. Addressing mental health needs in high school is crucial for promoting academic success, preventing long-term mental health issues, and improving overall well-being.
SOLUTION
In a world often filled with distractions, we believe that music has the power to create moments of pause and connection.
The Idea.
An app that anonymously connects users through music, fostering mindfulness, community, and self-reflection
PROTOTYPE
Home Page
In the app's design, we wanted to emphasize music and mindfulness. This inspired the name of the app and it's logo.
Onboarding Survey
To gain a better understanding of each music user's individual taste, we created an onboarding survey to better match users with their music pen pal.
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Sharing Music
Connect with your match, and share music by answering daily prompts.
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Connect with your community
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See what music others in your community are sharing!
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DESIGN THINKING PROCESS
What I learned...
UX Research
The Power of Storytelling
Contribution to Community
Conducting thorough user experience research was crucial in understanding the specific needs and preferences of high school students. This insight informed the app's design and ensured it met the users' expectations and provided real value.
Developing an app that addressed a genuine community need highlighted the importance of designing with empathy and purpose. Creating a platform that fosters connection and supports mental health reinforced the value of contributing positively to the community.
Storytelling played a significant role in promoting the app and engaging users. By sharing stories of connection and the impact of music on mental well-being, we were able to create a compelling narrative that resonated with users and encouraged them to participate.
