Motiv. Fitness App
Motiv. Fitness App
Motiv. Fitness App
Motiv. Fitness App
How might we motivate and inform those with anxiety and depression about the discovered benefits of physical activity on their mental health through digital means?
How might we motivate and inform those with anxiety and depression about the discovered benefits of physical activity on their mental health through digital means?
How might we motivate and inform those with anxiety and depression about the discovered benefits of physical activity on their mental health through digital means?
How might we motivate and inform those with anxiety and depression about the discovered benefits of physical activity on their mental health through digital means?
TLDR
Motiv is a mobile app designed to empower individuals with anxiety and depression by integrating the mental health benefits of physical activity. By delivering personalized workouts, empathetic guidance, and community support, Motiv helps users build resilience and sustainable healthy habits—transforming exercise into a practical tool for improved mental well-being.
TLDR
Motiv is a mobile app designed to empower individuals with anxiety and depression by integrating the mental health benefits of physical activity. By delivering personalized workouts, empathetic guidance, and community support, Motiv helps users build resilience and sustainable healthy habits—transforming exercise into a practical tool for improved mental well-being.
Overview
Client:
University of Las Vegas Nevada
My Role:
UX/UI Designer
Year:
2023
Tools Used:
Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator
Mental health and physical activity are deeply connected, yet traditional fitness apps focus on performance rather than the emotional barriers that prevent people from getting started. Many individuals struggling with anxiety and depression find it difficult to stay motivated or even know where to begin.
Motiv was designed to bridge this gap by combining personalized workouts, empathetic guidance, and community support to make exercise more approachable. Instead of pressuring users with performance-driven goals, Motiv fosters resilience, self-efficacy, and sustainable habits through an experience tailored to mental well-being.
This case study explores how research, user insights, and iterative design helped shape an experience that empowers users to take control of their mental and physical health—one step at a time.
Discovery
Understanding the Problem
Subtitle Spacing
Having several people close to me suffer from anxiety and depression, this issue remains close to my heart. To understand them I first had to validate this research was significant enough to build a product around.
Discovery
Understanding the Problem
Having several people close to me suffer from anxiety and depression, this issue remains close to my heart. To understand them I first had to validate this research was significant enough to build a product around.
Discovery
Understanding the Problem
Having several people close to me suffer from anxiety and depression, this issue remains close to my heart. To understand them I first had to validate this research was significant enough to build a product around.
Discovery
Understanding the Problem
Subtitle Spacing
Having several people close to me suffer from anxiety and depression, this issue remains close to my heart. To understand them I first had to validate this research was significant enough to build a product around.
User Surveys & Interviews
I surveyed 37 participants (ages 18–29, all genders, with anxiety and depression) about their physical activity habits, mental health, motivation, and what they knew about physical activities impact on their cognition. Here are the common threads I found:
User Surveys & Interviews
I surveyed 37 participants (ages 18–29, all genders, with anxiety and depression) about their physical activity habits, mental health, motivation, and what they knew about physical activities impact on their cognition. Here are the common threads I found:
User Surveys & Interviews
I surveyed 37 participants (ages 18–29, all genders, with anxiety and depression) about their physical activity habits, mental health, motivation, and what they knew about physical activities impact on their cognition. Here are the common threads I found:
User Surveys & Interviews
I surveyed 37 participants (ages 18–29, all genders, with anxiety and depression) about their physical activity habits, mental health, motivation, and what they knew about physical activities impact on their cognition. Here are the common threads I found:
Physical Activity
Feedback
I enjoy working out with friends when possible, usually keeping a low to moderate pace, and I track my progress with mental notes or an app.
Insights
Activity is a social event
Minimum to moderate effort
No physical record is common
Motivation
Feedback
I prioritize working out for my mental health, but discipline and mental hurdles often hold me back, even though I always feel much better afterward.
Insights
Trouble getting motivated
Always sees improvement after
Works out for mental health
Mental Health
Feedback
When I’m feeling depressed, I talk to my friends, and despite knowing I’ll have a good outcome I often need convincing to start moving.
Insights
People need community when depression hits
Knowing the outcome makes little difference
From these aggregated facts I was able to make an inference on who my target users would be. This persona takes into account the most common issues the survey group expressed.
From these aggregated facts I was able to make an inference on who my target users would be. This persona takes into account the most common issues the survey group expressed.
From these aggregated facts I was able to make an inference on who my target users would be. This persona takes into account the most common issues the survey group expressed.
From these aggregated facts I was able to make an inference on who my target users would be. This persona takes into account the most common issues the survey group expressed.
"I love exercising, but it’s so hard to motivate myself to do even the simplest things."
Persona Name
Amber
Age
23
Location
Urban Area
Education
Engineering Student at University
Occupation
Part-time bar-back
Income level
Moderate to low disposable income
"I love exercising, but it’s so hard to motivate myself to do even the simplest things."
"I love exercising, but it’s so hard to motivate myself to do even the simplest things."
Amber's Bio
Amber experiences mild anxiety & occasional depression, worsened by academic pressures & the pandemic. Her physical activity has declined, & she’s seeking non-medication ways to boost mental health. Active on Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit, she engages with mental health & wellness communities.
Frustrations
Lack of motivation: Finds it hard to take the first step toward regular exercise.
Overwhelming information: Online wellness tips feel too generic and not actionable.
Physical activity feels intimidating: Gym culture or running alone can seem unwelcoming and isolating.
Motivations
Science-backed insights: Wants to know the impact of actions on mental health.
Social accountability: Being part of a community or having a virtual “buddy” keeps them engaged.
Small wins: Prefers quick, actionable, and achievable goals
Goals
Improve mental/physical health
Create sustainable habits
Feel connected
Market Research
After extensive research on the Google and Apple app stores I found where physical activity and mental health meet is a hole in the market for an app that can solve issues related to motivation, connection, and activity recommendation. The apps that do involve mental health don’t involve physical activity as a potential remedy.
Market Research
After extensive research on the Google and Apple app stores I found where physical activity and mental health meet is a hole in the market for an app that can solve issues related to motivation, connection, and activity recommendation. The apps that do involve mental health don’t involve physical activity as a potential remedy.
Market Research
After extensive research on the Google and Apple app stores I found where physical activity and mental health meet is a hole in the market for an app that can solve issues related to motivation, connection, and activity recommendation. The apps that do involve mental health don’t involve physical activity as a potential remedy.
Market Research
After extensive research on the Google and Apple app stores I found where physical activity and mental health meet is a hole in the market for an app that can solve issues related to motivation, connection, and activity recommendation. The apps that do involve mental health don’t involve physical activity as a potential remedy.
Hypothesis
We believe users that struggle with anxiety and depression may benefit from an app that changes behavior using social motivation, daily personalized recommendation, and useful information about how to improve.
Hypothesis
We believe users that struggle with anxiety and depression may benefit from an app that changes behavior using social motivation, daily personalized recommendation, and useful information about how to improve.
Hypothesis
We believe users that struggle with anxiety and depression may benefit from an app that changes behavior using social motivation, daily personalized recommendation, and useful information about how to improve.
Hypothesis
We believe users that struggle with anxiety and depression may benefit from an app that changes behavior using social motivation, daily personalized recommendation, and useful information about how to improve.
UX Design Process
My Approach
Subtitle Spacing
I will create a supportive mobile app that helps users manage anxiety and depression through movement. By combining empathetic guidance with actionable motivation, it fosters resilience, self-efficacy, and lasting habits. Users receive personalized workouts, track progress, and connect with a supportive community, making exercise a sustainable tool for mental well-being.
UX Design Process
My Approach
I will create a supportive mobile app that helps users manage anxiety and depression through movement. By combining empathetic guidance with actionable motivation, it fosters resilience, self-efficacy, and lasting habits. Users receive personalized workouts, track progress, and connect with a supportive community, making exercise a sustainable tool for mental well-being.
UX Design Process
My Approach
I will create a supportive mobile app that helps users manage anxiety and depression through movement. By combining empathetic guidance with actionable motivation, it fosters resilience, self-efficacy, and lasting habits. Users receive personalized workouts, track progress, and connect with a supportive community, making exercise a sustainable tool for mental well-being.
UX Design Process
My Approach
Subtitle Spacing
I will create a supportive mobile app that helps users manage anxiety and depression through movement. By combining empathetic guidance with actionable motivation, it fosters resilience, self-efficacy, and lasting habits. Users receive personalized workouts, track progress, and connect with a supportive community, making exercise a sustainable tool for mental well-being.
Challenges
Mental health is difficult to talk about. How can we design empathetically as to not suggest this solution is the only solution for everyone? What choices can we make to not overwhelm the user and add to their already difficult time? How do we motivate the hardest demographic to motivate?
How do we motivate the hardest demographic to motivate?
What choices can we make to not overwhelm the user and add to their already difficult time?
Mental health is difficult to talk about. How can we design empathetically as to not suggest this solution is the only solution for everyone?
Challenges
Mental health is difficult to talk about. How can we design empathetically as to not suggest this solution is the only solution for everyone? What choices can we make to not overwhelm the user and add to their already difficult time? How do we motivate the hardest demographic to motivate?
How do we motivate the hardest demographic to motivate?
What choices can we make to not overwhelm the user and add to their already difficult time?
Mental health is difficult to talk about. How can we design empathetically as to not suggest this solution is the only solution for everyone?
Challenges
Mental health is difficult to talk about. How can we design empathetically as to not suggest this solution is the only solution for everyone? What choices can we make to not overwhelm the user and add to their already difficult time? How do we motivate the hardest demographic to motivate?
How do we motivate the hardest demographic to motivate?
What choices can we make to not overwhelm the user and add to their already difficult time?
Mental health is difficult to talk about. How can we design empathetically as to not suggest this solution is the only solution for everyone?
Challenges
Mental health is difficult to talk about. How can we design empathetically as to not suggest this solution is the only solution for everyone? What choices can we make to not overwhelm the user and add to their already difficult time? How do we motivate the hardest demographic to motivate?
How do we motivate the hardest demographic to motivate?
What choices can we make to not overwhelm the user and add to their already difficult time?
Mental health is difficult to talk about. How can we design empathetically as to not suggest this solution is the only solution for everyone?
Key Features
Key Features
Subtitle Spacing
Key Features
Key Features
Activity Tracker
By keeping track of the users mental health they can see visual see improvement per workout or overtime.
A personalized activity based on the users questionnaire answers will give the user perceived behavioral control.
A personalized activity based on the users questionnaire answers will give the user perceived behavioral control.
A personalized activity based on the users questionnaire answers will give the user perceived behavioral control.
Personalized Recommendations
A personalized activity based on the users questionnaire answers will give the user perceived behavioral control.
Community Page
The user can keep track of their mental state after the activity, and determine what worked for them.
A personalized activity based on the users questionnaire answers will give the user perceived behavioral control.
A personalized activity based on the users questionnaire answers will give the user perceived behavioral control.
A personalized activity based on the users questionnaire answers will give the user perceived behavioral control.
Fidelity Process
Low-fi
Naturally with a health app there will be many metrics to decipher. The goal was to not overwhelm users with too many suggestions or graphs right away since being active is the main target. So, how do we create a homepage which offers value but remains pleasing to be on?
Fidelity Process
Low-fi
Naturally with a health app there will be many metrics to decipher. The goal was to not overwhelm users with too many suggestions or graphs right away since being active is the main target. So, how do we create a homepage which offers value but remains pleasing to be on?
Fidelity Process
Low-fi
Naturally with a health app there will be many metrics to decipher. The goal was to not overwhelm users with too many suggestions or graphs right away since being active is the main target. So, how do we create a homepage which offers value but remains pleasing to be on?
Fidelity Process
Low-fi
Naturally with a health app there will be many metrics to decipher. The goal was to not overwhelm users with too many suggestions or graphs right away since being active is the main target. So, how do we create a homepage which offers value but remains pleasing to be on?
Mid-Fi Revisions
Simplifying the apps system and nailing the homepage was a challenge. I wanted to give encouraging and helpful information without having visual clutter, pushing away the vulnerable user base. Initial designs involved a card carousel and disjointed sections giving little information. Through a survey I learned users prefer more accurate looking metrics and positive feedback to keep them motivated.
Mid-Fi Revisions
Simplifying the apps system and nailing the homepage was a challenge. I wanted to give encouraging and helpful information without having visual clutter, pushing away the vulnerable user base. Initial designs involved a card carousel and disjointed sections giving little information. Through a survey I learned users prefer more accurate looking metrics and positive feedback to keep them motivated.
Mid-Fi Revisions
Simplifying the apps system and nailing the homepage was a challenge. I wanted to give encouraging and helpful information without having visual clutter, pushing away the vulnerable user base. Initial designs involved a card carousel and disjointed sections giving little information. Through a survey I learned users prefer more accurate looking metrics and positive feedback to keep them motivated.
Mid-Fi Revisions
Simplifying the apps system and nailing the homepage was a challenge. I wanted to give encouraging and helpful information without having visual clutter, pushing away the vulnerable user base. Initial designs involved a card carousel and disjointed sections giving little information. Through a survey I learned users prefer more accurate looking metrics and positive feedback to keep them motivated.
Version 1
Version 2
Hi-fi
After collaborating with some colleagues on which layout would work best we arrived at the one that would inform a design system that fit the goal. It includes motivating imagery, texture overlays, solid color blocking and an approachable tone. Several solutions made the final cut and define the product as a multi-step approach to dampening depression and anxiety.
Hi-fi
After collaborating with some colleagues on which layout would work best we arrived at the one that would inform a design system that fit the goal. It includes motivating imagery, texture overlays, solid color blocking and an approachable tone. Several solutions made the final cut and define the product as a multi-step approach to dampening depression and anxiety.
Hi-fi
After collaborating with some colleagues on which layout would work best we arrived at the one that would inform a design system that fit the goal. It includes motivating imagery, texture overlays, solid color blocking and an approachable tone. Several solutions made the final cut and define the product as a multi-step approach to dampening depression and anxiety.
Hi-fi
After collaborating with some colleagues on which layout would work best we arrived at the one that would inform a design system that fit the goal. It includes motivating imagery, texture overlays, solid color blocking and an approachable tone. Several solutions made the final cut and define the product as a multi-step approach to dampening depression and anxiety.
Branding
Motiv. in the Making
Naturally with a health app there will be many metrics to decipher. The goal was to not overwhelm users with too many suggestions or graphs right away since being active is the main target. So, how do we create a homepage which offers value but remains pleasing to be on?
Branding
Motiv. in the Making
Naturally with a health app there will be many metrics to decipher. The goal was to not overwhelm users with too many suggestions or graphs right away since being active is the main target. So, how do we create a homepage which offers value but remains pleasing to be on?
Branding
Motiv. in the Making
Naturally with a health app there will be many metrics to decipher. The goal was to not overwhelm users with too many suggestions or graphs right away since being active is the main target. So, how do we create a homepage which offers value but remains pleasing to be on?
Branding
Motiv. in the Making
Naturally with a health app there will be many metrics to decipher. The goal was to not overwhelm users with too many suggestions or graphs right away since being active is the main target. So, how do we create a homepage which offers value but remains pleasing to be on?
Logo Exploration
A logo mark was key to conveying the brand's essence, especially at app size. Drawing inspiration from social interaction, growth, and physical activity, I sketched 6 initial concepts guided by these keywords:
Logo Exploration
A logo mark was key to conveying the brand's essence, especially at app size. Drawing inspiration from social interaction, growth, and physical activity, I sketched 6 initial concepts guided by these keywords:
Logo Exploration
A logo mark was key to conveying the brand's essence, especially at app size. Drawing inspiration from social interaction, growth, and physical activity, I sketched 6 initial concepts guided by these keywords:
Logo Exploration
A logo mark was key to conveying the brand's essence, especially at app size. Drawing inspiration from social interaction, growth, and physical activity, I sketched 6 initial concepts guided by these keywords:
Health
Modernity
Vitality
Vibrance
Organic
Health
Modernity
Vitality
Vibrance
Organic
Health
Modernity
Vitality
Vibrance
Organic
Health
Modernity
Vitality
Vibrance
Organic
Meet Motiv.
Motiv. uses hues found in inviting and familiar environments to invoke emotions outside of the user. Depression requires hope for the future and motivation to move forward, to dig ourselves out of a hole. These hues motivate and recall feelings of excitement but are used in ways that don't overwhelm. The mark combines ideas of a psychology and movement using straight lights that form a brain making a simple but effective logo.
Meet Motiv.
Motiv. uses hues found in inviting and familiar environments to invoke emotions outside of the user. Depression requires hope for the future and motivation to move forward, to dig ourselves out of a hole. These hues motivate and recall feelings of excitement but are used in ways that don't overwhelm. The mark combines ideas of a psychology and movement using straight lights that form a brain making a simple but effective logo.
Meet Motiv.
Motiv. uses hues found in inviting and familiar environments to invoke emotions outside of the user. Depression requires hope for the future and motivation to move forward, to dig ourselves out of a hole. These hues motivate and recall feelings of excitement but are used in ways that don't overwhelm. The mark combines ideas of a psychology and movement using straight lights that form a brain making a simple but effective logo.
Meet Motiv.
Motiv. uses hues found in inviting and familiar environments to invoke emotions outside of the user. Depression requires hope for the future and motivation to move forward, to dig ourselves out of a hole. These hues motivate and recall feelings of excitement but are used in ways that don't overwhelm. The mark combines ideas of a psychology and movement using straight lights that form a brain making a simple but effective logo.
+
+
=
=
Phthalo Green
#173B23
Outdoors
Tranquility
Prosperity
Yellow Green
#B9E84D
Young
Healthy
Natural
Mint
#EDF8F5
Healthcare
Tranquility
Prosperity
Canvas
#F4EFEA
Natural
Longevity
Calm
Crayola Orange
#ED784F
Enthusiasm
Excitement
Motivation
In Hindsight
This project took place at the end of my college courses and helped me lean into creative problem-solving and user centered design. The problem I was trying to solve still exists today and seems to grow every year. As we receive new data I'd like to keep updating this project to include new expanded features. Due to Adobe's discontinuation of XD, which was the most popular platform at the time, I will have to iterate on this in Figma which I am much more skilled in now then I ever was in XD. In the future I want to: 1. Post launch test more thoroughly. 2. Develop an onboarding process that helps the user understand the techniques at play. 3. Determine if a smart watch interface would benefit the user based on their feedback and current habits. 4. Test the return rate for user that experience higher levels of depression and anxiety. I want to make clear that this project deals with serious mental health issues and it is in no way suggesting activity is a "cure" or "remedy" for anxiety and depression in anybody. It is merely a way to dampen symptoms.
In Hindsight
This project took place at the end of my college courses and helped me lean into creative problem-solving and user centered design. The problem I was trying to solve still exists today and seems to grow every year. As we receive new data I'd like to keep updating this project to include new expanded features. Due to Adobe's discontinuation of XD, which was the most popular platform at the time, I will have to iterate on this in Figma which I am much more skilled in now then I ever was in XD. In the future I want to: 1. Post launch test more thoroughly. 2. Develop an onboarding process that helps the user understand the techniques at play. 3. Determine if a smart watch interface would benefit the user based on their feedback and current habits. 4. Test the return rate for user that experience higher levels of depression and anxiety. I want to make clear that this project deals with serious mental health issues and it is in no way suggesting activity is a "cure" or "remedy" for anxiety and depression in anybody. It is merely a way to dampen symptoms.
In Hindsight
This project took place at the end of my college courses and helped me lean into creative problem-solving and user centered design. The problem I was trying to solve still exists today and seems to grow every year. As we receive new data I'd like to keep updating this project to include new expanded features. Due to Adobe's discontinuation of XD, which was the most popular platform at the time, I will have to iterate on this in Figma which I am much more skilled in now then I ever was in XD. In the future I want to: 1. Post launch test more thoroughly. 2. Develop an onboarding process that helps the user understand the techniques at play. 3. Determine if a smart watch interface would benefit the user based on their feedback and current habits. 4. Test the return rate for user that experience higher levels of depression and anxiety. I want to make clear that this project deals with serious mental health issues and it is in no way suggesting activity is a "cure" or "remedy" for anxiety and depression in anybody. It is merely a way to dampen symptoms.
In Hindsight
This project took place at the end of my college courses and helped me lean into creative problem-solving and user centered design. The problem I was trying to solve still exists today and seems to grow every year. As we receive new data I'd like to keep updating this project to include new expanded features. Due to Adobe's discontinuation of XD, which was the most popular platform at the time, I will have to iterate on this in Figma which I am much more skilled in now then I ever was in XD. In the future I want to: 1. Post launch test more thoroughly. 2. Develop an onboarding process that helps the user understand the techniques at play. 3. Determine if a smart watch interface would benefit the user based on their feedback and current habits. 4. Test the return rate for user that experience higher levels of depression and anxiety. I want to make clear that this project deals with serious mental health issues and it is in no way suggesting activity is a "cure" or "remedy" for anxiety and depression in anybody. It is merely a way to dampen symptoms.
View Prototype
Motiv is a mobile app designed to empower individuals with anxiety and depression by integrating the mental health benefits of physical activity. By delivering personalized workouts, empathetic guidance, and community support, Motiv helps users build resilience and sustainable healthy habits—transforming exercise into a practical tool for improved mental well-being.
View Prototype
Motiv is a mobile app designed to empower individuals with anxiety and depression by integrating the mental health benefits of physical activity. By delivering personalized workouts, empathetic guidance, and community support, Motiv helps users build resilience and sustainable healthy habits—transforming exercise into a practical tool for improved mental well-being.