Navigating social anxiety can be a daily challenge, but what if there was a digital companion designed to provide immediate support? Enter Wallflower, an innovative browser-based app created by students from Drexel University’s User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) program.
Understanding the Challenge
The journey began when Kara Butler, a member of the team, experienced social anxiety at a public event and found existing resources lacking. This personal insight sparked the question: How can we assist people in managing feelings of social anxiety without long-term commitment?
Research and Discovery
The team embarked on a six-month project, initially facing challenges in gathering qualitative data due to ethical guidelines surrounding psychological research. Instead, they turned to reputable sources like the National Institute of Mental Health and the Mayo Clinic to understand the causes and symptoms of social anxiety.
Competitive analysis revealed that existing apps often focused on single tools or long-term therapy, missing the mark on providing immediate, accessible support. Surveys of Philadelphia students aged 18-25 further highlighted diverse needs, leading to the creation of user personas like Lorne, Darla, and Barry.
The Solution: Wallflower
Wallflower offers seven content types designed to relax, uplift, and inspire:
- Affirmations: Motivational phrases for courage.
- Icebreakers: Phrases to initiate conversations.
- Sounds: Soothing tracks backed by science.
- Meditations: Grounding exercises.
- Articles: Advice from credible sources.
- Puzzles: Hands-on distractions.
- Journal: A private space for reflection.
Users can save content, filter by category, and access an S.O.S. section with hotlines, all without requiring a login.
The Design Process
The team embraced an agile workflow, dividing into App and Projects teams to handle multimedia, usability testing, content injection, development, and marketing. Visual design was inspired by the clematis vine, symbolizing support, with a color palette evoking fresh, warm, garden scenes.
However, not every idea made it to the final product. A chatbot feature and texting integration were cut due to feasibility and ethical concerns, while a mood-tracking journal was scrapped due to limitations in data analytics.
User Feedback and Impact
Through iterative testing and feedback, the team refined Wallflower’s aesthetics and functionality. Ultimately, Wallflower aims to provide a bit of extra support to those who may feel like a wallflower in social situations, offering tools to grow and thrive.