MindStrong
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
TEAM
Independent project
UofT UX/UI Design Bootcamp
DURATION
4 weeks
Sept 23rd - Oct 21st, 2024
Background
Black men in Canada face unique mental health challenges shaped by systemic racism, societal pressure, social isolation, and cultural stigma. Leading to intergenerational trauma, strained relationships, and systemic setbacks. A survey found that 60% of Black Canadians would be more willing to seek help if the provider were Black, highlighting a deep mistrust of existing mental health services.
Problem
Black men often lack access to culturally relevant mental health support, leading to misinformation and distrust in wellness strategies. Traditional masculinity norms further discourage seeking help, leaving many to struggle in silence.
Solution
A platform that bridges these gaps by providing culturally tailored content, self-coping tools, and a supportive community. With access to professionals who understand their experiences to help users can break stigma, build connections, and take control of their mental well-being.
Constraints
Limited access to culturally relevant mental health services leaves Black men without support that truly resonates with them
Deep-rooted stigma around mental health can lead to hesitation, making it challenging to foster trust and participation.
Additionally, financial constraints and lack of insurance coverage may limit access to professional care further discouraging those in need.
Expectations
Ultimately, users will feel empowered to prioritize their well-being. They will gain a deeper understanding of mental health challenges, including their root causes, cultural stigma, and barriers. By bridging the knowledge gap and creating awareness, users will learn effective coping strategies, build connections, and foster a supportive space.
Target Users
Black Adult Men (Primary)/
Mental Health Professionals, Community Organizations, Academic Researchers and Supporters/Allies of Black Me (Secondary).
Design Process
I independently drove the product design process from research to high-fidelity design, conducting user interviews, creating wireframes, and establishing the design system. I crafted the interview script, led research efforts, and translated insights into an intuitive product experience.
Empathize
Define
Ideate
PROPTOTYPE
Testing
UX Research Plan
Proto Persona
Surveys & Interviews
Research Insights & Data
Affinity Diagram, Empathy Map
User Persona, Problem Statement
HMW, Prioritization Matrix
User scenario
Storyboard, Journey map
Paper Sketches
Mobile screens in Figma
Prototype
User Feedback
Design Reiteration
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Research Data
I conducted a survey (17 responses) and interviews (5 participants) with Black men from diverse backgrounds, here are the key insights:
Mental Health Challenges:
Only 23.5% acknowledge mental health struggles, but interviews reveal many suffer in silence due to stigma.
Financial stress and societal pressure are top contributors.
Access & Support Gaps:
53% are dissatisfied with available support; only 18% find services accessible.
82% believe stigma limits mental health discussions.
Community & Digital Solutions:
88% have never used a mental health app, yet peer support ranks as the top priority (15/17 respondents).
53% say education can help normalize mental health conversations.
What Users Want:
A culturally relevant space for peer discussions, mentorship, and education.
Preference for community support over traditional therapy.
User Persona
Persona
Emeka Okafor
Age
27
Burnaby, British Columbia
Single
Data Analyst
African (Nigerian)
Emeka Okafor is a 27-year-old Data Analyst living in Burnaby, Canada. Growing up in a strict Nigerian household, he values hard work and respect but often grapples with feelings of isolation and burnout due to his demanding career. Kofi seeks a supportive community that resonates with his experiences and helps him navigate his mental health journey.
Needs
An App specifically helping Black men, made by Black people
Opportunities to connect with other Black men for shared experiences and support.
A personalized platform that allows for discreet exploration of mental health topics without judgment.
A very accessible app with some prompts/ reminders of activities that can help boost overall mood
Pain points
His demanding work schedule leaves him unaware of mental health services available to him
Disguises need for help due to traditional views on masculinity (“I don’t want anyone to come to my aid”)
Experiences symptoms of burnout due to high stress and job Volatility
Financial concern regarding the expenses that comes with mental health services
Characteristics
Driven, ambitious, analytical, but sometimes feels isolated.
Technology, gaming, sports, and cultural events.
Family, respect, hard work, and self-improvement.
Prefers online communication; values deep connections but struggles to form them due to a busy schedule.
Goals
Maintain a healthy work-life balance
Seek emotional well-being and stability
Find and prioritize healthy coping methods
Connect with a community that understands him
Break the stigma around mental health
User Flow
Start
User opens MindStrong App
Exit MindStrong App
Menu tab (Navigation Bar)
Select Wellness tools tab
Save for later
Add to My wellness tools
Select Services sub tab
View Available Services
Select Therapy
Select Therapist of choice
Select appointment type & time
Select payment type & method
Fill out quick questionnaire
System Response
System Response
System Response
End (Log out)
Navigate to Menu tab
Navigate to Community tab
Home screen
System Response
Community tab
(Navigation Bar)
Enter email & password
Complete Sign up form
User Sign in
User Sign up
Fill out quick questionnaire
Pick reminder or prompt option
Pick applicable conditions
Add,
save for later or exit?
Browse all Communities
Community list (A-Z)
Exit Community
My Communities
Select desired Community
Select desired Community
See Community info, view or engage, etc
See Community info, view or engage, etc
System Response
System Response
Apply filters
Add preferences
& filters
Add to My Communities
or Exit
Find Communities
or later?
System Response
System Response
Enter
payment info
Book appointment
YES
FIND
ADD
YES
YES
SAVE
ADD
EXIT
MAYBE LATER
EXIT
NO
NO
NO
LEGEND
Start
End
Input
Output
Process/ Steps
Decision
Main Task
Sub Task 1
Sub Task 2
MAIN TASK
Book a therapy appointment
SUB TASK 1
Enter and join community space
SUB TASK 2
Add wellness tools to your Profile
Let’s Get in Touch