This is the continuation of my project called LadyMind, and I’m very excited to share the progress I have made in designing my app. The main goal of LadyMind is to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with the user, so that they are not just interacting with an app, but also with a sense of peace.
First, let’s talk about the app architecture. I want my app to be simple and not complicated. The app is designed to help build habits with the user, and even though it may seem empty, users will find it interesting. I’ll discuss this more later on.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the architecture of my app. I want to make it more exclusive in terms of its capabilities, so that users don’t feel overwhelmed. Many meditation apps collect a lot of data and offer too many options and unnecessary personalization. I want users to feel like they can focus on their meditation practice without being distracted by extraneous features.
During the onboarding process, you’ll enter your name to personalize your experience and choose your preferred meditation time to receive daily reminders and build a consistent practice — no unnecessary data collection, just trusty meditation guidance.
Unlike other meditation apps that may have a home screen with various options to explore, LadyMind takes a unique approach. Building a consistent meditation practice is the most important goal of the app, and I’ve designed our user experience to reflect that. When you open LadyMind, you’ll be greeted with a personalized message and then directed straight to your meditation session, depending on the time you’re on your phone. Many meditation apps have too many options and distractions, making it difficult for users to stay focused and committed to their practice. With LadyMind, I prioritize simplicity and habit-building.
You have also the option to meditate again, and the greetings you receive will depend on the time of day. I know this approach may seem strict since users will be redirected to the meditation screen, but just hold on — I have an exciting feature to share.
Once the user begins their meditation session, they will be prompted to select how they’re feeling. It is used to determine which screen should appear next and tailor the meditation experience to the user’s current state of mind.
Before starting the actual meditation, it’s important to clear your mind and focus on the present in order to create the future you want. Depending on your current mood, you have two options: If you’re feeling good, write about the things you’re grateful for. If you’re feeling down, write about the things you want to let go of.
LadyMind’s timer has three phases that indicate what will happen during the 15-minute meditation. This idea was inspired by a movie I mentioned in my last article.
Phase 1: Abstract Ladybug (0–2 minutes)
At the beginning of the 15-minute meditation session, the ladybug is represented in an abstract form. This abstract representation could be a simple outline or a series of shapes that gradually come together to form the ladybug. The purpose of this phase is to help users transition from their initial state of mind into a more focused and relaxed state.
Phase 2: Gradual Formation (2–12 minutes)
During this phase, the abstract ladybug gradually takes shape and transforms into a complete ladybug. The various elements of the ladybug, such as its body, wings, and spots, come together in a slow and calming manner. This progression creates a visually engaging experience for the user while maintaining a serene ambiance. The ladybug’s formation signifies the user’s deepening state of meditation and serves as a visual cue for them to stay present and focused.
Phase 3: Glow for Ending (12–15 minutes)
As the meditation session nears its end, the ladybug starts to emit a gentle glow. This glow serves as a subtle reminder to the user that the session is coming to a close. It helps the user gradually shift their attention back to their surroundings without any abrupt interruptions. The soft illumination can be accompanied by a soothing sound or vibration to further enhance the user’s awareness of the session’s conclusion.
The feature that sets LadyMind apart from other meditation apps is called ‘Blip.’ This is a random message and scene that will appear at unexpected moments, adding an element of surprise and delight to your meditation experience.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the process of designing LadyMind. It’s one of the biggest and most important projects I’ve ever undertaken and I’m loving every single second of it. Creating something that I truly want and love has been a wonderful experience.
That’s all for now, everyone. Thank you for reading up to this point. The next step is to bring LadyMind to life which is incredibly important to me. Stay tuned for updates on the app’s progress.
