YOUnivers
Gruppenarbeitsprojekt · 3. Semester
Ein Konzept für eine spielerisch gestaltete Journaling-App für Jugendliche, die dabei hilft, den Alltag zu strukturieren, Routinen aufzubauen und das mentale Wohlbefinden zu stärken. Die Idee verbindet digitales und analoges Schreiben durch ein smartes Hybrid-Journal, das Papier und Display miteinander kombiniert.
Projektsprache: Englisch
Programme:
Problem Statment
TASK: Supporting young people in their mental health wellbeing
"Approximately one in five young people (21 percent) exhibit mental health problems."
Children and adolescents whose parents often or very often experience financial problems are particularly affected. Among them, the proportion of those who describethemselves as having mental health problems is 33 percent. According to parents, 24 percent of students require support due to mental health problems. Even after the coronavirus pandemic, mental health problems remain at a higher level overall than before the pandemic (17.6 percent according to the Child Public Health [COPSY] study).
Research
At the beginning of the project, research was conducted on mental health to generate initial ideas.
To gain a deeper understanding of the subject, interviews were conducted with individuals affected by mental health issues, as well as with a social worker experienced in child and adolescent psychiatry.
In the first few weeks, Marianella Chamorro-Koc from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane was also invited to deliver a talk as part of the course, providing valuable feedback on our initial ideas. This external input offered valuable professional insights and greatly aided the further development and refinement of the project concept.
Overall Idea
The main Idea is to create a playfully designed journaling app that helps structure daily life and routines while promoting mental well-being, as well as providing an overview that can be shared with a therapist.
A key insight from the research and interview was that analog writing and drawing on paper is often preferred over digital input; therefore, the project aims to seamlessly connect digital and analog journaling through a hybrid solution that combines paper with a digital display.
Testing
Prototyping
In the initial design phase, multiple screen layouts were sketched on paper to explore different ideas and gain an early understanding of the app’s structure, functionality, and user interface before moving on to digital design.
Survey
To further identify the features and functions relevant to our target group, a survey was conducted with participants within the defined target age range. The results helped to better understand user needs and informed the selection and prioritization of features for the application.
Usability Testing
As the development process evolved with new insights, we also evaluated the usefulness and user-friendliness of the proposed features and navigation. Usability tests were constantly conducted with participants from the target group.
We were also happy to show the social workers the wireframe and receive their feedback on the design, as well as advice on how to ensure the app is accepted by adolescents.
Low Fedelity Prototype
Moodboards
Screen Design
A grid system was used to structure the layouts, organize interface elements, and accurately maintain proportions, for example in the sizing and placement of buttons.
Upon first use of the application, users complete an introductory tutorial in which the core functionalities are explained and a primary personal goal is defined.
The survey results indicated a strong appreciation for customization options. Users can therefore tailor the main menu by keeping only the features they wish to use, rearranging icons freely, and personalizing the interface with stickers, quotes, and changes to their virtual pet.
Upon first use of the application, users complete an introductory tutorial in which the core functionalities are explained and a primary personal goal is defined.
© 2026 Eva Maria Beck