Overview
Where support meets convenience, one chat at a time. SafeChat is an academic mobile-app concept exploring how readily accessible, on-demand mental-health support could address the unique challenges faced by University of Washington students.
User Research
We conducted semi-structured interviews with students to understand the challenges they faced when seeking mental-health resources.
- Awareness: Many students were unaware of available resources.
- Accessibility: Cost and availability limited access.
- Communication: Students preferred indirect channels for discussing mental health.
- Skepticism: Participants questioned AI-based mental-health support.
Research Synthesis
User Personas
Based on our research, we developed personas to represent students' needs and behaviors and to guide later design decisions.
Erica persona
Mike persona
User Journey Map
We mapped the experience of seeking mental-health support to identify confusion, accessibility barriers, and opportunities for relief.
Mike's user journey map
- Initial confusion about available resources
- Frustration with accessibility barriers
- Relief after finding an appropriate support option
Concept Development
Storyboards
Storyboards helped us examine the situations surrounding students' support needs before committing to an interface.
Interface Sketches
Early sketches let us compare possible layouts and interaction patterns quickly.
Interface Design
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
We used low-fidelity wireframes to establish the main layout and functionality before refining the visual design.
High-Fidelity Prototype
Our team refined the prototype through feedback and testing. I later completed an independent redesign to improve the interface and interaction details.
My Team's Original UI
My Redesigned UI
Reflection
The project underscored the importance of early-stage research, user feedback, and iterative design when working in a sensitive domain.
- Early Research: Initial interviews clarified students' needs and pain points.
- User Feedback: Usability testing helped us refine the experience.
- Inclusivity: Broader representation would strengthen future research.
- Iteration: My independent redesign showed the value of revisiting decisions as new insights emerged.