Research
Topic / Preventing Burnout and Autopilot
Idea / AI Planner App
Same shit, different day.
The goal here is to reduce or eliminate the state of burnout and autopilot from routine work in an effort to improve user well-being.
The topic stems from having experienced these lows personally. As a design student, I find it a highly relatable issue as I observe many friends around me experiencing the same problem. Not only does burnout affect productivity and energy levels, but it also spills over negatively onto other areas of life.
The premise of this idea is an app which outputs a schedule based on input preferences, location, and reviews online. For example, a user establishes their profile to try more adventurous activities — the app would then schedule an appointment to the closest rock-climbing centre with the best ratings. The idea is to provide a new experience, something people would use when they're free to keep things exciting.
I particularly enjoy this idea because it allows me to experiment with creating unique flows using logic. If not the idea, then I enjoy the challenge of tackling this topic since it's something I have personally experienced and have discussions about regularly with others. I also like the concept of spontaneity and play because it provides an opportunity to delight.
INSPIRATIONS
My inspirations for this stems from virtual assistants. J.A.R.V.I.S from Marvel's Iron Man series is a much more advanced, but notable inspiration. More inspiration taken from productivity apps like Notion, ToDoist, Google Calendar, etc.
ARTICLES
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The topic stems from having experienced these lows personally. As a design student, I find it a highly relatable issue as I observe many friends around me experiencing the same problem. Not only does burnout affect productivity and energy levels, but it also spills over negatively onto other areas of life.
The premise of this idea is an app which outputs a schedule based on input preferences, location, and reviews online. For example, a user establishes their profile to try more adventurous activities — the app would then schedule an appointment to the closest rock-climbing centre with the best ratings. The idea is to provide a new experience, something people would use when they're free to keep things exciting.
I particularly enjoy this idea because it allows me to experiment with creating unique flows using logic. If not the idea, then I enjoy the challenge of tackling this topic since it's something I have personally experienced and have discussions about regularly with others. I also like the concept of spontaneity and play because it provides an opportunity to delight.
INSPIRATIONS
My inspirations for this stems from virtual assistants. J.A.R.V.I.S from Marvel's Iron Man series is a much more advanced, but notable inspiration. More inspiration taken from productivity apps like Notion, ToDoist, Google Calendar, etc.
ARTICLES
1 2 3
Side Topic / Health and Fitness
Idea / Motivational Dietary Consumption Tracker
You are what you eat.
The goal of this project is to promote healthy eating, as well as educate users on the importance of doing so.
I've recently gotten into the process of exercising to become healthier. However, all the exercise in the world doesn't matter unless there is a good, balanced diet. I find that while meal prepping, it is difficult to keep track of the nutritional value overall. Although there are existing apps already aiming to achieve the same goal, I felt that the experience given was more menial and not very streamlined. Apps like MyFitnessPal do the bare minimum for keeping track of diet, making it difficult to stick to a consistent diet. I feel that there are ways to improve the current flow so that users would be more motivated to use the app.
ARTICLES
1 2
I've recently gotten into the process of exercising to become healthier. However, all the exercise in the world doesn't matter unless there is a good, balanced diet. I find that while meal prepping, it is difficult to keep track of the nutritional value overall. Although there are existing apps already aiming to achieve the same goal, I felt that the experience given was more menial and not very streamlined. Apps like MyFitnessPal do the bare minimum for keeping track of diet, making it difficult to stick to a consistent diet. I feel that there are ways to improve the current flow so that users would be more motivated to use the app.
ARTICLES
1 2
How Might We Workshop
How Might We Summarized
The How Might We Workshop helped immensely, many good points were shared which has helped me gain a broader perspective of potential ideas to consider while thinking about my project.
One of the common themes that I found within the questions was how I might implement a social aspect into the mix especially since user engagement would increase if other people were to participate in activities together. Another theme that emerged from the list was how might we consider user's of different personalities and goals. This one is particularly important as I want the product to be inclusive and have potential to be used on a recurring basis. As well, one question that stuck out to me was 'how might we get user feedback to adjust plans accordingly'. Listening is important as it can keep the user engaged if they feel that the app can cater to their preferences.
Other points that I found interesting were: account for a user's budget; helping the user identify when they may be experiencing burnout; define a user's history/breakdown of their plans, habits, and preferences; utilize a chat bot; adding connectivity with existing scheduling apps. These ideas can be considered to make features which enhance the overall user experience into something fun and exciting.
One of the common themes that I found within the questions was how I might implement a social aspect into the mix especially since user engagement would increase if other people were to participate in activities together. Another theme that emerged from the list was how might we consider user's of different personalities and goals. This one is particularly important as I want the product to be inclusive and have potential to be used on a recurring basis. As well, one question that stuck out to me was 'how might we get user feedback to adjust plans accordingly'. Listening is important as it can keep the user engaged if they feel that the app can cater to their preferences.
Other points that I found interesting were: account for a user's budget; helping the user identify when they may be experiencing burnout; define a user's history/breakdown of their plans, habits, and preferences; utilize a chat bot; adding connectivity with existing scheduling apps. These ideas can be considered to make features which enhance the overall user experience into something fun and exciting.
Statement of Intent
refreshed, animated, productive, surprise
The primary goal for this application is to reduce the feeling of burnout from everyday work by providing users with new experiences based on their preferences. I feel that this is a relevant issue that negatively affects many people who work routine schedules. The secondary goal for this app is to connect users with others who may have similar preferences. Making connections with other people is a strong way to create a more meaningful user experience.
I'll be using a mobile platform as I feel the product should be on-the-go. With spontaneous planning, I think it's important to have easy access to planned details so there won't be frustrations forgetting about plans. Other mediums like wearable technology (Apple Watch) can be expanded into as well since the topic deals with scheduling.
By guiding the user to experiences they may not have considered previously, I believe that this project will provide the small push necessary to disrupt the zombie-like routine which many people follow. If not, than to provide renewing experiences to individuals who feel unmotivated. This project will aim to solve these human problems on a psychological level.
This project's intended audience is for workers who lead a mundane life in performing the same tasks repeatedly, or for indecisive friend groups looking for new activities. There is no target age demographic as this project aims to reach different audiences through different features. Younger age groups may simply want to use the app to help them decide on plans, while older adults may be looking for a new hobby.
Users will find that recurring usage will provide a better experience as the app constantly adjusts with each use to locate new activities that the user may prefer. Users will also find encouragement through notifications, and the project's potential social aspect. To really nail this, it is important to market this in a way that users think about this experience whenever they feel a sense of boredom.
The unique value proposition of this project is that it provides users with a fresh experience that isn't completely random. Using variables such as preferences, location, and budget allows the process of planning much more personalized.
I can evaluate the success of my interface by observing how often users use the application and through the collection of feedback. As well, by observing the application's ease of use in the planning process.
I'll be using a mobile platform as I feel the product should be on-the-go. With spontaneous planning, I think it's important to have easy access to planned details so there won't be frustrations forgetting about plans. Other mediums like wearable technology (Apple Watch) can be expanded into as well since the topic deals with scheduling.
By guiding the user to experiences they may not have considered previously, I believe that this project will provide the small push necessary to disrupt the zombie-like routine which many people follow. If not, than to provide renewing experiences to individuals who feel unmotivated. This project will aim to solve these human problems on a psychological level.
This project's intended audience is for workers who lead a mundane life in performing the same tasks repeatedly, or for indecisive friend groups looking for new activities. There is no target age demographic as this project aims to reach different audiences through different features. Younger age groups may simply want to use the app to help them decide on plans, while older adults may be looking for a new hobby.
Users will find that recurring usage will provide a better experience as the app constantly adjusts with each use to locate new activities that the user may prefer. Users will also find encouragement through notifications, and the project's potential social aspect. To really nail this, it is important to market this in a way that users think about this experience whenever they feel a sense of boredom.
The unique value proposition of this project is that it provides users with a fresh experience that isn't completely random. Using variables such as preferences, location, and budget allows the process of planning much more personalized.
I can evaluate the success of my interface by observing how often users use the application and through the collection of feedback. As well, by observing the application's ease of use in the planning process.