Type:
Mobile App (iOS)
Company:
Music Health
Year:
2023
Role:
Managing the design process, research,
UI design, prototyping and creating artefacts forpresentations
Tools:
Figma & Plugins, Notion
Adobe Suite (Photoshop and Premiere)
We want to help mothers.
We have an idea of a new product that we've not seen in the market yet and where we feel our precision music technology could prove very beneficial. Our goal is to develop a product to provide precision music to support females and their babies during their pregnancies and through the initial years of care.
The objective is to help stimulate the brain of the baby and the mother and create a deeper connection through music which is already scientifically proven. Additionally, to create a feedback loop using healthGPT and/or wearables.
Research
We wanted to understand Music Health's goals clearly, as the app is designed for both pregnant women and mothers. Our aim was to investigate whether the needs of women intersect during prenatal and postnatal stages.
Our research process began with secondary research, focusing on pregnancy symptoms, childbirth planning, challenges during trimesters, and physical and hormonal changes. Additionally, we conducted interviews with 9 women at various stages of motherhood. Following these interviews, we created empathy maps for each user to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives.
To conduct a competitive analysis, we explored the list of possible competitors provided by the client and further analyzed "feel better" apps that incorporate sound/music features.
Pregnancy Experience Map
Hormonal Changes
Matrescence:
“like adolescence, this is a time of hormonal fluctuation, body morphing, and identity shifting”
Alexandra Sacks. M.D Reproductive Psychiatrist
User Interviews
We conducted interviews with 9 users at different stages of the motherhood journey, aiming to understand their physical and emotional challenges, psychology, daily routines, preparations, habits, and, most importantly, their relationship with music.
Post-interviews, we developed empathy maps for each user, facilitating a profound understanding and empathy towards them. Through analyzing the user quotes, we concluded that women have varying needs and experience changing reactions and emotions during and after the pregnancy period.
Affinity Mapping
Empathy Maps
User Quotes
Common pain points
Competitive Analysis
After examining the list of competitors provided by Music Health, we found that three focused on in-person therapy, while the remaining two were similar music apps. Following further research, we analyzed the Kindermusik app and prepared a list of additional relevant competitors.
With the project's goal of promoting well-being for mothers in mind, we closely examined mindfulness and "feel better" apps with media player functionality. Assessing each app's strengths and weaknesses, we created a feature inventory to understand their offerings. Additionally, we developed a user flow for one competitor app to better comprehend how user preferences and needs influenced their experience. To conclude our research, we also explored the integration of HealthKit and medical wearables into these apps, providing valuable insights to inform the development of the Music Health app and enhance user experience.
Define
Drawing upon our extensive research and the data collected from our comprehensive affinity mapping, we came to the realization that a woman's journey through pregnancy and early motherhood is everchanging and multi-faceted. As a result, we developed two distinct personas: one representing a pregnant woman and the other a mother of two.
Upon analyzing the overall research, we observed the significant diversity in these experiences. It became evident that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as women may encounter similar symptoms but have unique needs at each stage of their journey. This discovery prompted the question, "How can we create a flexible and adaptive tool?" as we recognized the importance of catering to individual variations in their experiences and requirements.
Personas
use music as an adaptive tool that helps mothers with the their everchanging needs?
Women need a flexible tool to support their wellbeing because their needs change throughout their journey of motherhood.
Problem Statement
How might we...
Motherhood Journey Map
Ideate
In the Ideate stage, we began by defining the key features and functionality of the Lullaby.ai app. We identified four main features: account set-up for gathering user data to personalize the experience, goal-setting based on mood to play appropriate music, a music player, and a feedback loop with performance statistics. User flows were developed for these features, and we conducted a comparative analysis to understand competitor solutions. Subsequently, we sketched our ideas and created wireframes to explore proportions and layout, laying the groundwork for our interactive prototype.
Key Features
Account Set Up: motherhood stage + music taste
Mood Check-in/ Set Goal
Music Player
Stats + Performance
User Flows
Prototype
we focused on building a foundational design system and guidelines to ensure a visually consistent interactive prototype. Our aim was to create an aesthetically pleasing and soothing experience, employing soft colors and line drawings as our graphic style. Additionally, we integrated dynamic, animated color fields to assist users experiencing anxiety throughout their motherhood journey.
UI Design - Music Player
Interactive Prototype
Click to Play Video
Click to Play Video
Click to Play Video
Click to Play Video
Click to Play Video
Click to Play Video
Click to Play Video
Test & Iterate
We conducted two rounds of usability tests. After the first round, we implemented user feedback and recommendations, leading to iterations of the prototype. The second round of testing enabled us to provide our recommendations to the client for further app development.
Both usability tests were successful, with users providing positive feedback and expressing excitement about the app's potential release. The visual style, color palette, and dynamic colored animations received high appreciation from the users. Their positive response has reinforced our confidence in the app's potential to meet user needs and expectations.
Usability Testing v1.0 + Iterations
Usability Testing v2.0 + Recommendations
Outcomes
The outcomes of our project were highly positive, driven by the feedback received from the client, Music Health, and users. The client expressed excitement and was impressed with our comprehensive research and our ability to deliver a detailed, visually appealing, and interactive prototype. Users and Music Health alike were enthusiastic about the development and release of this product, reinforcing its potential for success and positive impact.
Feedback from Music Health
"You need to be unmuted when you clap, people! Let's all clap together because, honestly, it's a great presentation. I love it; it's really impressive! From a client perspective, it definitely nails the brief based on all the conversations we had. For me, you've ticked all the boxes, and more importantly, you considered the feedback as we went on."
- After the presentation
"People were very excited about our previous product, but they have been much more excited about this project and your work - men included, which was actually a surprise to me. Some feedback we received was 'My wife would love this!' I just want to say 'Bravo!' and we're very excited about this project."
Nicc Johnson, Founder and CEO of Music Health
User Feedback
“Oh great, I like it. When are you doing this product?”
“I love the stats. I can see things at a glance. The colour coding and colour consistency between them is great.”
"Too good! Good, intuitive app."
Self Reflection
I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. It provided a valuable opportunity to practice empathy, considering I'm biologically not capable of becoming a mother. Receiving positive feedback from both the client and users brought genuine happiness. Additionally, the project allowed me to enhance my prototyping skills, making it a valuable learning experience. As a team, we performed exceptionally well by actively listening to each other, collaborating, brainstorming, and designing together.
If you would like to know more about the project