Mental health App: Leafy

In a world where mental health apps are abundant but often overwhelming or time-consuming, our team set out to create something different: a wellness app that felt approachable, fun, and genuinely helpful for people who struggle to make time for their mental health. Inspired by real-world challenges and WHO’s definition of mental well-being, our goal with Leafy was to empower users to care for their minds through small, meaningful daily actions.

We began by validating our hypothesis through user research. The data showed that 94% of people cited a lack of time and 56% a lack of motivation as major barriers to caring for their mental health. Many also shared feelings of loneliness or a lack of understanding from those around them. These insights led us to define our user persona, Helena—a busy individual who values emotional support and structure but struggles to prioritize self-care.

From here, we entered the ideation phase, using Crazy 8’s and collaborative sketching to brainstorm creative, bite-sized solutions. After exploring features like affirmation messages, AI chatbots, panic-mode options, and even “Tinder for therapists,” we narrowed our focus to three core pillars:

Daily Mini-Challenges – Fast, fun tasks that reduce stress and require minimal time.

Progress Tracking – A motivating visual growth system (like a growing tree) to reward consistency.

Community Support – Users can connect with others via groups and chat to feel less isolated.

To ensure the app matched user needs, we built out flows, wireframes, and tested with real users. Through usability testing, we refined key features, like making daily challenges swipeable and improving onboarding personalization. Users responded positively to the gamified streak system, the option to connect with a like-minded community, and the gentle, uplifting tone throughout the app.

Visually, we wanted Leafy to stand apart. Our UI design focused on creating a playful, inspiring, and vibrant atmosphere—one that feels more like a game than a chore. We built a clear, cheerful interface that invites users back daily with gentle encouragement, not pressure.

With Leafy, users can choose their own path: pick a daily mental health challenge, share their journey, chat with others, and track their personal growth—all in just a few minutes a day. It’s a small step toward wellness that feels doable, personal, and genuinely rewarding.