CULTURALLY-ACCESSIBLE, ALL-IN-ONE MENTAL HEALTH EXPERIENCE TAILORED FOR BLACK MEN
CULTURALLY-ACCESSIBLE, ALL-IN-ONE MENTAL HEALTH EXPERIENCE TAILORED FOR BLACK MEN
CULTURALLY-ACCESSIBLE, ALL-IN-ONE MENTAL HEALTH EXPERIENCE TAILORED FOR BLACK MEN
Join a community designed to support and uplift Black men as they navigate their mental health journeys.
Join a community designed to support and uplift Black men as they navigate their mental health journeys.
Join a community designed to support and uplift Black men as they navigate their mental health journeys.
MindStrong
MindStrong
MindStrong
ROLE
ROLE
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
UX/UI Designer
UX/UI Designer
TEAM
TEAM
TEAM
Independent project
UofT UX/UI Design Bootcamp
Independent project
UofT UX/UI Design Bootcamp
Independent project
UofT UX/UI Design Bootcamp
DURATION
DURATION
DURATION
4 weeks
Sept 23rd - Oct 21st, 2024
4 weeks
Sept 23rd - Oct 21st, 2024
4 weeks
Sept 23rd - Oct 21st, 2024
Background
Background
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.
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.
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.
Early Insights
Early Insights
Early Insights
A platform that bridges these gaps by providing culturally tailored content, self-coping tools, and a supportive community. Access to professionals who understand their experiences could help users break stigma, build connections, and take control of their mental well-being.
A platform that bridges these gaps by providing culturally tailored content, self-coping tools, and a supportive community. Access to professionals who understand their experiences could help users break stigma, build connections, and take control of their mental well-being.
A platform that bridges these gaps by providing culturally tailored content, self-coping tools, and a supportive community. Access to professionals who understand their experiences could help users break stigma, build connections, and take control of their mental well-being.
Constraints
Constraints
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.
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.
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.
Design Process
Design Process
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.
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.
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
Empathize
Empathize
Define
Define
Define
Ideate
Ideate
Ideate
PROTOTYPE
PROTOTYPE
PROTOTYPE
Testing
Testing
Testing
UX Research Plan
Proto Persona
Surveys & Interviews
UX Research Plan
Proto Persona
Surveys & Interviews
Research Insights & Data
Affinity Diagram, Empathy Map
User Persona, Problem Statement
Research Insights & Data
Affinity Diagram, Empathy Map
User Persona, Problem Statement
HMW, Prioritization Matrix
User scenario
Storyboard, Journey map
HMW, Prioritization Matrix
User scenario
Storyboard, Journey map
Paper Sketches
Mobile screens in Figma
Prototype
Paper Sketches
Mobile screens in Figma
Prototype
User Feedback
Design Reiteration
User Feedback
Design Reiteration
Week 1
Week 1
Week 2
Week 2
Week 3
Week 3
Week 4
Week 4
Empathize
Empathize
Empathize
To understand the mental health challenges Black men face, I conducted a survey (17 responses) and interviews (5 participants) from diverse backgrounds. This research uncovered their experiences, pain points, and barriers to seeking support
To understand the mental health challenges Black men face, I conducted a survey (17 responses) and interviews (5 participants) from diverse backgrounds. This research uncovered their experiences, pain points, and barriers to seeking support
To understand the mental health challenges Black men face, I conducted a survey (17 responses) and interviews (5 participants) from diverse backgrounds. This research uncovered their experiences, pain points, and barriers to seeking support
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.
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.
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.
Target Users
Target Users
Target Users
Black Adult Men (Primary).
Mental Health Professionals, Community Organizations, Academic Researchers and Supporters/Allies of Black Me (Secondary).
Black Adult Men (Primary).
Mental Health Professionals, Community Organizations, Academic Researchers and Supporters/Allies of Black Me (Secondary).
Black Adult Men (Primary).
Mental Health Professionals, Community Organizations, Academic Researchers and Supporters/Allies of Black Me (Secondary).
User Persona
User Persona
User Persona
Persona
Persona
Persona
Emeka Okafor
Emeka Okafor
Emeka Okafor
Age
Age
Age
27
27
27
Burnaby, British Columbia
Burnaby, British Columbia
Burnaby, British Columbia
Single
Single
Single
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
African (Nigerian)
African (Nigerian)
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. He seeks a supportive community that resonates with his experiences and helps him navigate his mental health journey.
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. He seeks a supportive community that resonates with his experiences and helps him navigate his mental health journey.
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. He seeks a supportive community that resonates with his experiences and helps him navigate his mental health journey.
Needs
Needs
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
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
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
Pain points
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
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
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
Motivations
Motivations
Motivations
Struggling to balance work and life due to mental health issues
Craving emotional support and stability
Recent breakdown increased urgency for help
Wants tools to manage mental health on his own
Believes mental health care will improve overall well-being
Family and friends are concerned
Struggling to balance work and life due to mental health issues
Craving emotional support and stability
Recent breakdown increased urgency for help
Wants tools to manage mental health on his own
Believes mental health care will improve overall well-being
Family and friends are concerned
Goals
Goals
Goals
Maintain a healthy work-life balance
Maintain a healthy work-life balance
Maintain a healthy work-life balance
Seek emotional well-being and stability
Seek emotional well-being and stability
Seek emotional well-being and stability
Find and prioritize healthy coping methods
Find and prioritize healthy coping methods
Find and prioritize healthy coping methods
Connect with a community that understands him
Connect with a community that understands him
Connect with a community that understands him
Break the stigma around mental health
Break the stigma around mental health
Break the stigma around mental health
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
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
Defined Problem
Defined Problem
Defined Problem
Black men 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.
Black men 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.
Black men 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.
Ideating Solutions
Ideating Solutions
Ideating Solutions
I used HMW questions and a Prioritization Matrix to identify key opportunities, then mapped the user journey and scenarios to refine the experience. Storyboarding helped visualize interactions, leading to paper sketches that set the foundation for my final prototype.
I used HMW questions and a Prioritization Matrix to identify key opportunities, then mapped the user journey and scenarios to refine the experience. Storyboarding helped visualize interactions, leading to paper sketches that set the foundation for my final prototype.
I used HMW questions and a Prioritization Matrix to identify key opportunities, then mapped the user journey and scenarios to refine the experience. Storyboarding helped visualize interactions, leading to paper sketches that set the foundation for my final prototype.
User Flow
User Flow
User Flow
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
Explore the MindStrong mobile prototype to see how users can navigate mental wellness support with ease.
Kindly note that the prototype might take some time to fully load.
Explore the MindStrong mobile prototype to see how users can navigate mental wellness support with ease.
Testing
Testing
Testing
User testing via FaceTime and screen sharing highlighted the need for a clear, intuitive, and responsive interface to enhance engagement. Users valued the community and wellness features, appreciating both control over their mental health and a supportive network. These insights were integrated into the final prototype for a more user-centered experience.
User testing via FaceTime and screen sharing highlighted the need for a clear, intuitive, and responsive interface to enhance engagement. Users valued the community and wellness features, appreciating both control over their mental health and a supportive network. These insights were integrated into the final prototype for a more user-centered experience.
User testing via FaceTime and screen sharing highlighted the need for a clear, intuitive, and responsive interface to enhance engagement. Users valued the community and wellness features, appreciating both control over their mental health and a supportive network. These insights were integrated into the final prototype for a more user-centered experience.
Takeaways
Takeaways
Takeaways
The study underscores the need for culturally relevant mental health resources tailored to Black men’s experiences. Creating safe, non-judgmental spaces fosters open conversations, reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior.
Ultimately, the project emphasizes how addressing these challenges can create a lasting impact, improving both individual well-being and future generations' mental health.
The study underscores the need for culturally relevant mental health resources tailored to Black men’s experiences. Creating safe, non-judgmental spaces fosters open conversations, reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior.
Ultimately, the project emphasizes how addressing these challenges can create a lasting impact, improving both individual well-being and future generations' mental health.
The study underscores the need for culturally relevant mental health resources tailored to Black men’s experiences. Creating safe, non-judgmental spaces fosters open conversations, reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior.
Ultimately, the project emphasizes how addressing these challenges can create a lasting impact, improving both individual well-being and future generations' mental health.
View Figma Project
View Figma Project
View Figma Project
Let’s Get in Touch.
Let’s Get in Touch