XHALE
A breathwork app concept.
The Problem: Users presently have access to meditation apps, but have difficulty accessing information and instruction on breathing techniques. The app space presently has a gap in providing breathwork instruction, plans, and access.
The Solution: Xhale is a breathing app that is seamless for users to use and gain the benefits of practicing their purposeful breathing without the hassle of accounts or the cognitive load of thinking about what to do when.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
UX Designer, Group Project
3 Week Timeline
Figma, Miro, InVision
RESEARCH
DATA GATHERING
5 User Interviews I 48 Google Survey Participants
Research Question: What are users perceptions and familiarity with breathwork and meditation? How do users engage with technology and these topics?
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Objective 1: Understand what users know about breathwork.
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Objective 2:Understand the best way to approach this subject with users through technology.
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Objective 3: Understand user pain points and barriers in attempting to access breathwork.
PAIN POINTS
The team conducted interviews. The following pain point themes were found to be present:
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Users had difficulty forming a routine to include breathwork, although they very much wanted to.
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Users knew that breathwork has benefits, but didn’t know much about them (i.e. knowledge of breathwork).
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Users had difficulty with motivation to start and continue a practice of breathwork, and found that current apps require too much access the actual practice.
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Users find many current meditation apps distracting and too overwhelming.
Following this research, a user persona was created. This persona's goals included the following:
DEFINITION & IDEATION
THE PROBLEM
How might we improve the breathwork app space so that our customers are successful based on a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure and an increase in feelings of wellness?
We have observed that current meditation apps in the market aren’t providing breathwork opportunities that are easy to access and complete, which is causing this users to lack access to breathing exercises and routines.
Xhale was designed to achieve a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure in users, and increased perceived feelings of wellness. It is aimed at helping users get into a short routine and provide breathwork exercises that are easy to complete.
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Competitor 1: Calm
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Calm has multiple different types of meditations, specifics for different types of day. It has lots of choices, is easy to use, and is easy to access.
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Calm’s premium version, which users need to access the majority of the features, is noted to be expensive. Users note that there are too many visuals/prompts, and that they cannot choose individual preferences on meditations. In consideration of these weaknesses, our team may consider adding in some individual preferences options and lessening the visual engagement needed.
Competitor 2: Paced Breathing
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Paced breathing exercises that help users regulate their breathing and reduce stress and anxiety. It offers real-time visual and audio feedback to help users stay on track and a built-in timer to help users track the duration of their breathing exercises.
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While the app offers effective guided breathing exercises, it may not have as many additional features as other breathing apps on the market, such as relaxation music or meditation exercises. Users may find that they would like even more control over their breathing exercises, such as the ability to customize the audio cues or use their own music. Users also may find it difficult to be motivated to start or continue using the app. Our team may consider the use of customizable reminders, and customizable exercises.
PROTOTYPING
First, paper prototypes were created. Then, after user testing on the paper prototype, wireframes were created in Figma.
PROTOTYPE USER TESTING
Rapid user tests were created on wireframes to understand the user flow, and iterate the project based on user needs.
A way to bypass the apple watch flow
More clear flow in the exercise
More direction after a complete flow
Add user options during flow
Iterated color palette and vibe of the prototype to help users feel more peaceful
Help users be more familiar with how to use the flow
ITERATIONS
NEXT STEPS
In the future, I would like to explore a social and community flow option, as well as profile creation.