EASE
EASE
EASE
EASE
EASE
Many individuals with social anxiety struggle to form genuine friendships due to intense fears of judgment, unfamiliar social environments, and difficulty initiating conversations. This often leads to isolation, lower self-esteem, and a lack of safe opportunities to practice social skills.
EASE provides structured, approachable lessons for socially anxious users to engage in social activities, connect with like-minded people, and gradually build confidence through guided experiences.
Many individuals with social anxiety struggle to form genuine friendships due to intense fears of judgment, unfamiliar social environments, and difficulty initiating conversations. This often leads to isolation, lower self-esteem, and a lack of safe opportunities to practice social skills.
EASE provides structured, approachable lessons for socially anxious users to engage in social activities, connect with like-minded people, and gradually build confidence through guided experiences.
Many individuals with social anxiety struggle to form genuine friendships due to intense fears of judgment, unfamiliar social environments, and difficulty initiating conversations. This often leads to isolation, lower self-esteem, and a lack of safe opportunities to practice social skills.
EASE provides structured, approachable lessons for socially anxious users to engage in social activities, connect with like-minded people, and gradually build confidence through guided experiences.
Many individuals with social anxiety struggle to form genuine friendships due to intense fears of judgment, unfamiliar social environments, and difficulty initiating conversations. This often leads to isolation, lower self-esteem, and a lack of safe opportunities to practice social skills.
EASE provides structured, approachable lessons for socially anxious users to engage in social activities, connect with like-minded people, and gradually build confidence through guided experiences.
Many individuals with social anxiety struggle to form genuine friendships due to intense fears of judgment, unfamiliar social environments, and difficulty initiating conversations. This often leads to isolation, lower self-esteem, and a lack of safe opportunities to practice social skills.
EASE provides structured, approachable lessons for socially anxious users to engage in social activities, connect with like-minded people, and gradually build confidence through guided experiences.
Role: UX Designer
Role: UX Designer
Role: UX Designer
Sector: Mental Health
Sector: Mental Health
Sector: Mental Health
Duration: Three Months
Duration: Three Months
Duration: Three Months
Project Type: Self Directed
Project Type: Self Directed
Project Type: Self Directed
The Solution
The Solution
The Solution
The Solution
The Solution
Guiding the socially anxious flourish in social spaces.
Guiding the socially anxious flourish in social spaces.
Guiding the socially anxious flourish in social spaces.
Guiding the socially anxious flourish in social spaces.
Guiding the socially anxious flourish in social spaces.
By guiding users through approachable social experiences and connecting them with others who share similar interests and social levels, the app creates a safe space for gradual growth and exposure. This solution aims to ease the social anxiety journey, building meaningful friendships and building long-lasting social skills.
By guiding users through approachable social experiences and connecting them with others who share similar interests and social levels, the app creates a safe space for gradual growth and exposure. This solution aims to ease the social anxiety journey, building meaningful friendships and building long-lasting social skills.
By guiding users through approachable social experiences and connecting them with others who share similar interests and social levels, the app creates a safe space for gradual growth and exposure. This solution aims to ease the social anxiety journey, building meaningful friendships and building long-lasting social skills.
By guiding users through approachable social experiences and connecting them with others who share similar interests and social levels, the app creates a safe space for gradual growth and exposure. This solution aims to ease the social anxiety journey, building meaningful friendships and building long-lasting social skills.
By guiding users through approachable social experiences and connecting them with others who share similar interests and social levels, the app creates a safe space for gradual growth and exposure. This solution aims to ease the social anxiety journey, building meaningful friendships and building long-lasting social skills.
Why this would work based on surveys & interviews:
Why this would work based on surveys & interviews:
Why this would work based on surveys & interviews:
Why this would work based on surveys & interviews:
Increase
Engagement
Increase
Engagement
Increase
Engagement
Increase
Engagement
%
%
%
Connecting with others who shared similar experiences and interests.
Connecting with others who shared similar experiences and interests.
Connecting with others who shared similar experiences and interests.
Connecting with others who shared similar experiences and interests.
Increase In Social Confidence
Increase In Social Confidence
Increase In Social Confidence
Increase In Social Confidence
%
%
%
Gradual exposure will aid in their ability to engage in
real-life social interaction.
Gradual exposure will aid in their ability to engage in real-life social interaction.
Gradual exposure will aid in their ability to engage in real-life social interaction.
Gradual exposure will aid in their ability to engage in
real-life social interaction.
Decreased
Anxiety
Decreased
Anxiety
Decreased
Anxiety
Decreased
Anxiety
%
%
%
Less anxious after attending meetups organized through the app.
Less anxious after attending meetups organized through the app.
Less anxious after attending meetups organized through the app.
Less anxious after attending meetups organized through the app.
The Results
The Results
The Results
The Results
See your social growth unfold.
See your social growth unfold.
See your social growth unfold.
See your social growth unfold.
See your social growth unfold.
Track your progress with ease and gain insights into your social interactions. Our profile dashboard helps you visualize your journey, celebrate milestones, and stay motivated as you build confidence and meaningful connections.
Track your progress with ease and gain insights into your social interactions. Our profile dashboard helps you visualize your journey, celebrate milestones, and stay motivated as you build confidence and meaningful connections.
Track your progress with ease and gain insights into your social interactions. Our profile dashboard helps you visualize your journey, celebrate milestones, and stay motivated as you build confidence and meaningful connections.
Track your progress with ease and gain insights into your social interactions. Our profile dashboard helps you visualize your journey, celebrate milestones, and stay motivated as you build confidence and meaningful connections.
Track your progress with ease and gain insights into your social interactions. Our profile dashboard helps you visualize your journey, celebrate milestones, and stay motivated as you build confidence and meaningful connections.
Transform fear into connection.
Transform fear into connection.
Transform fear into connection.
Transform fear into connection.
Transform fear into connection.
A series of impactful lessons designed to help users break through social anxiety, develop strong coping strategies, and turn social interactions into positive, empowering experiences.
A series of impactful lessons designed to help users break through social anxiety, develop strong coping strategies, and turn social interactions into positive, empowering experiences.
A series of impactful lessons designed to help users break through social anxiety, develop strong coping strategies, and turn social interactions into positive, empowering experiences.
A series of impactful lessons designed to help users break through social anxiety, develop strong coping strategies, and turn social interactions into positive, empowering experiences.
A series of impactful lessons designed to help users break through social anxiety, develop strong coping strategies, and turn social interactions into positive, empowering experiences.
Social confidence starts with understanding yourself.
Social confidence starts with understanding yourself.
Social confidence starts with understanding yourself.
Social confidence starts with understanding yourself.
Social confidence starts with understanding yourself.
Engage in our unique card games designed to foster deep understanding and build social confidence. Explore diverse perspectives in a safe, supportive environment, making this an essential tool for overcoming social anxiety.
Engage in our unique card games designed to foster deep understanding and build social confidence. Explore diverse perspectives in a safe, supportive environment, making this an essential tool for overcoming social anxiety.
Engage in our unique card games designed to foster deep understanding and build social confidence. Explore diverse perspectives in a safe, supportive environment, making this an essential tool for overcoming social anxiety.
Engage in our unique card games designed to foster deep understanding and build social confidence. Explore diverse perspectives in a safe, supportive environment, making this an essential tool for overcoming social anxiety.
Engage in our unique card games designed to foster deep understanding and build social confidence. Explore diverse perspectives in a safe, supportive environment, making this an essential tool for overcoming social anxiety.
Overcoming anxiety together.
Overcoming anxiety together.
Overcoming anxiety together.
Overcoming anxiety together.
Overcoming anxiety together.
Connect with a supportive community of individuals who understand your struggles. Through shared experiences and encouragement, you'll build lasting bonds, conquer fears, and grow in confidence, all within a safe and welcoming space.
Connect with a supportive community of individuals who understand your struggles. Through shared experiences and encouragement, you'll build lasting bonds, conquer fears, and grow in confidence, all within a safe and welcoming space.
Connect with a supportive community of individuals who understand your struggles. Through shared experiences and encouragement, you'll build lasting bonds, conquer fears, and grow in confidence, all within a safe and welcoming space.
Connect with a supportive community of individuals who understand your struggles. Through shared experiences and encouragement, you'll build lasting bonds, conquer fears, and grow in confidence, all within a safe and welcoming space.
Connect with a supportive community of individuals who understand your struggles. Through shared experiences and encouragement, you'll build lasting bonds, conquer fears, and grow in confidence, all within a safe and welcoming space.
“No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself.” - Madonna
“No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself.” - Madonna
“No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself.” - Madonna
“No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself.” - Madonna
“No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself.” - Madonna
Research
Research
Research
Research
Everything starts with you and ends with you.
Everything starts with you and ends with you.
Everything starts with you and ends with you.
Everything starts with you and ends with you.
Method: Literature Review, Card Sorting
To gain a better understanding of the topic, I read several books on overcoming social anxiety and building meaningful friendships. I identified various themes based on these notes. Next, I grouped these themes into broader categories to organize my thoughts effectively, ultimately helping me develop in-depth questions for my user interview.
Here’s what I learned:
Method: Literature Review, Card Sorting
To gain a better understanding of the topic, I read several books on overcoming social anxiety and building meaningful friendships. I identified various themes based on these notes. Next, I grouped these themes into broader categories to organize my thoughts effectively, ultimately helping me develop in-depth questions for my user interview.
Here’s what I learned:
Method: Literature Review, Card Sorting
To gain a better understanding of the topic, I read several books on overcoming social anxiety and building meaningful friendships. I identified various themes based on these notes. Next, I grouped these themes into broader categories to organize my thoughts effectively, ultimately helping me develop in-depth questions for my user interview.
Here’s what I learned:
Method: Literature Review, Card Sorting
To gain a better understanding of the topic, I read several books on overcoming social anxiety and building meaningful friendships. I identified various themes based on these notes. Next, I grouped these themes into broader categories to organize my thoughts effectively, ultimately helping me develop in-depth questions for my user interview.
Here’s what I learned:
Sense of Self
Be Intentional
Embrace Fear
Journey > Race
Insight’s from user interviews.
Insight’s from user interviews.
Insight’s from user interviews.
Insight’s from user interviews.
Method: User Interviews, Card Sorting
I conducted additional research to gather firsthand experiences from individuals who have faced social anxiety. Through interviews with five participants, I asked questions aimed at understanding their thoughts, behaviour's, and strategies for dealing with social anxiety. The goal was to gain valuable insights into how users navigate and cope with social anxiety in their lives and how this affects their ability to make genuine friendships.
Method: User Interviews, Card Sorting
I conducted additional research to gather firsthand experiences from individuals who have faced social anxiety. Through interviews with five participants, I asked questions aimed at understanding their thoughts, behaviour's, and strategies for dealing with social anxiety. The goal was to gain valuable insights into how users navigate and cope with social anxiety in their lives and how this affects their ability to make genuine friendships.
Method: User Interviews, Card Sorting
I conducted additional research to gather firsthand experiences from individuals who have faced social anxiety. Through interviews with five participants, I asked questions aimed at understanding their thoughts, behaviour's, and strategies for dealing with social anxiety. The goal was to gain valuable insights into how users navigate and cope with social anxiety in their lives and how this affects their ability to make genuine friendships.
Method: User Interviews, Card Sorting
I conducted additional research to gather firsthand experiences from individuals who have faced social anxiety. Through interviews with five participants, I asked questions aimed at understanding their thoughts, behaviour's, and strategies for dealing with social anxiety. The goal was to gain valuable insights into how users navigate and cope with social anxiety in their lives and how this affects their ability to make genuine friendships.
Fear of
Judgment
Fear of Judgment
Fear of Judgment
Fear of Judgment
Avoidant Behaviors
Avoidant Behaviors
Avoidant Behaviors
Avoidant Behaviors
Struggle to Overcome
Struggle to Overcome
Struggle to Overcome
Struggle to Overcome
Understanding the socially anxious.
Understanding the socially anxious.
Understanding the socially anxious.
Understanding the socially anxious.
Method: Persona
By creating a persona that captures their core characteristics, challenges, and needs, I can align design decisions more closely with real user experiences. This approach ensures the features and interactions I create genuinely address their struggles and support their growth.
Method: Persona
By creating a persona that captures their core characteristics, challenges, and needs, I can align design decisions more closely with real user experiences. This approach ensures the features and interactions I create genuinely address their struggles and support their growth.
Method: Persona
By creating a persona that captures their core characteristics, challenges, and needs, I can align design decisions more closely with real user experiences. This approach ensures the features and interactions I create genuinely address their struggles and support their growth.
Method: Persona
By creating a persona that captures their core characteristics, challenges, and needs, I can align design decisions more closely with real user experiences. This approach ensures the features and interactions I create genuinely address their struggles and support their growth.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Where competitors fall short.
Where competitors fall short.
Where competitors fall short.
Where competitors fall short.
Method: Usability Testing, SWOT Analysis
I asked three socially anxious users to test out three popular apps on the App Store for a week to evaluate their effectiveness. My aim was to understand how well these apps actually support users in managing social anxiety, identify any shortcomings, and gather insights into the specific features that helped (or hindered) users' progress toward building confidence and social connections.
Here’s what I discovered:
Method: Usability Testing, SWOT Analysis
I asked three socially anxious users to test out three popular apps on the App Store for a week to evaluate their effectiveness. My aim was to understand how well these apps actually support users in managing social anxiety, identify any shortcomings, and gather insights into the specific features that helped (or hindered) users' progress toward building confidence and social connections.
Here’s what I discovered:
Method: Usability Testing, SWOT Analysis
I asked three socially anxious users to test out three popular apps on the App Store for a week to evaluate their effectiveness. My aim was to understand how well these apps actually support users in managing social anxiety, identify any shortcomings, and gather insights into the specific features that helped (or hindered) users' progress toward building confidence and social connections.
Here’s what I discovered:
Method: Usability Testing, SWOT Analysis
I asked three socially anxious users to test out three popular apps on the App Store for a week to evaluate their effectiveness. My aim was to understand how well these apps actually support users in managing social anxiety, identify any shortcomings, and gather insights into the specific features that helped (or hindered) users' progress toward building confidence and social connections.
Here’s what I discovered:
Headspace
Headspace
Calm
Calm
Rootd
Rootd
Content lacked depth, making it difficult to engage user or encourage them.
Content lacked depth, making it difficult to engage user or encourage them.
Content lacked depth, making it difficult to engage user or encourage them.
Content lacked depth, making it difficult to engage user or encourage them.
Content all had the same tactic of daily practice and general guidance.
Content all had the same tactic of daily practice and general guidance.
Content all had the same tactic of daily practice and general guidance.
Content all had the same tactic of daily practice and general guidance.
Program was focused more on quantity of topics vs quality.
Program was focused more on quantity of topics vs quality.
Program was focused more on quantity of topics vs quality.
Program was focused more on quantity of topics vs quality.
Main Features
A strategic focus on what works.
A strategic focus on what works.
A strategic focus on what works.
A strategic focus on what works.
Method: Impact/Effort Matrix, How can we statement.
With so many potential features to develop, it’s essential to focus on what truly matters to users. Doing this makes it easy to pinpoint which features will have the greatest impact with minimal effort. This way, I can ensure users get a supportive, user-friendly experience tailored to their needs without unnecessary complexity.
Method: Impact/Effort Matrix, How can we statement.
With so many potential features to develop, it’s essential to focus on what truly matters to users. Doing this makes it easy to pinpoint which features will have the greatest impact with minimal effort. This way, I can ensure users get a supportive, user-friendly experience tailored to their needs without unnecessary complexity.
Method: Impact/Effort Matrix, How can we statement.
With so many potential features to develop, it’s essential to focus on what truly matters to users. Doing this makes it easy to pinpoint which features will have the greatest impact with minimal effort. This way, I can ensure users get a supportive, user-friendly experience tailored to their needs without unnecessary complexity.
Method: Impact/Effort Matrix, How can we statement.
With so many potential features to develop, it’s essential to focus on what truly matters to users. Doing this makes it easy to pinpoint which features will have the greatest impact with minimal effort. This way, I can ensure users get a supportive, user-friendly experience tailored to their needs without unnecessary complexity.
"How might we make socializing less overwhelming for individuals with social anxiety?"
"How might we make socializing less overwhelming for individuals with social anxiety?"
"How might we make socializing less overwhelming for individuals with social anxiety?"
"How might we make socializing less overwhelming for individuals with social anxiety?"
Ideation
Your first idea isn’t always your best idea.
Your first idea isn’t always your best idea.
Your first idea isn’t always your best idea.
Your first idea isn’t always your best idea.
Method: Sketches, Hi-Fidelity Wireframes, Users Testing
After several iterations I created my first concept. I was pretty confident in the design…However, after user feedback/testing I realized there was a lot of small things that needed to be improved and worked on. I realized that my overall design was not conveying the right message to my users. I thought about my goals, what I wanted to achieve and went back and read all my research notes again to give more clarity on how I can solve this Issue.
Method: Sketches, Hi-Fidelity Wireframes, Users Testing
After several iterations I created my first concept. I was pretty confident in the design…However, after user feedback/testing I realized there was a lot of small things that needed to be improved and worked on. I realized that my overall design was not conveying the right message to my users. I thought about my goals, what I wanted to achieve and went back and read all my research notes again to give more clarity on how I can solve this Issue.
Method: Sketches, Hi-Fidelity Wireframes, Users Testing
After several iterations I created my first concept. I was pretty confident in the design…However, after user feedback/testing I realized there was a lot of small things that needed to be improved and worked on. I realized that my overall design was not conveying the right message to my users. I thought about my goals, what I wanted to achieve and went back and read all my research notes again to give more clarity on how I can solve this Issue.
Method: Sketches, Hi-Fidelity Wireframes, Users Testing
After several iterations I created my first concept. I was pretty confident in the design…However, after user feedback/testing I realized there was a lot of small things that needed to be improved and worked on. I realized that my overall design was not conveying the right message to my users. I thought about my goals, what I wanted to achieve and went back and read all my research notes again to give more clarity on how I can solve this Issue.
Final Design
Final Design
Final high - fidelity screens.
Final high - fidelity screens.
Final high - fidelity screens.
Final high - fidelity screens.
Conclusion
Conclusion
What did I learn...?
What did I learn...?
What did I learn...?
What did I learn...?
What did I learn...?
I’ve learned that effective design goes beyond aesthetics - it’s about communicating with purpose, directly addressing the user’s needs and the challenges they face. Every element, from colors to visuals to interactions, plays a crucial role in shaping the experience. Each choice must be intentional and cohesive, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout.
I’ve learned that effective design goes beyond aesthetics - it’s about communicating with purpose, directly addressing the user’s needs and the challenges they face. Every element, from colors to visuals to interactions, plays a crucial role in shaping the experience. Each choice must be intentional and cohesive, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout.
I’ve learned that effective design goes beyond aesthetics - it’s about communicating with purpose, directly addressing the user’s needs and the challenges they face. Every element, from colors to visuals to interactions, plays a crucial role in shaping the experience. Each choice must be intentional and cohesive, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout.
I’ve learned that effective design goes beyond aesthetics - it’s about communicating with purpose, directly addressing the user’s needs and the challenges they face. Every element, from colors to visuals to interactions, plays a crucial role in shaping the experience. Each choice must be intentional and cohesive, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout.
GREAT design starts with a conversation.
GREAT design starts with a conversation.
GREAT design starts with a conversation.
GREAT design starts with a conversation.
Got a cool idea, a job opportunity, or just want to say hey? I’m all ears! Let’s team up, create something awesome, and turn ideas into impact. Don’t be shy - let’s connect!
Got a cool idea, a job opportunity, or just want to say hey? I’m all ears! Let’s team up, create something awesome, and turn ideas into impact. Don’t be shy - let’s connect!
Got a cool idea, a job opportunity, or just want to say hey? I’m all ears! Let’s team up, create something awesome, and turn ideas into impact. Don’t be shy - let’s connect!
Got a cool idea, a job opportunity, or just want to say hey? I’m all ears! Let’s team up, create something awesome, and turn ideas into impact. Don’t be shy - let’s connect!
ashleybutac@outlook.com
