Thrive: A Habit-Building Application for Neurodivergent Users

Problem statement
Neurodivergent individuals often face significant challenges in managing daily routines, with existing habit-building applications lacking personalized recommendations and real-time feedback mechanisms tailored to their specific needs.

The aim of Thrive was to create a user-centered solution that addresses time management issues, decision paralysis, and mental health triggers while enhancing users' capacity to build sustainable habits.
MY ROLE
Lead UX Designer
Research Partner
Duration
🗓️ 6 months
Tools
Notion, Figma, Miro, Illustrator
MONTH 1
MONTH 2
MONTH 3
MONTH 4
🚩
Problem Definition
Literature Review
🎙️
User interviews
EMPATHIZE
📋
Thematic analysis
🎙️
Thematic maps
🧢
Personas
📂
User stories
📂
Information Architecture
DEFINE
🗂️
Card sorting
TEST
✍🏻
Low-fidelity protoypes
📱
Wireframes
IDEATE
User test
🖥️
High-fidelity prototypes
User test
💎
Refinements
🚀
Delivery
TEST

Approach

This case study demonstrates a human-centered design approach and technical expertise in creating accessible, impactful products for users with specialized needs. It provided deepened understanding of the importance of inclusive design. Working closely with neurodivergent users highlighted how vital it is to create adaptable solutions that meet diverse needs. The most significant impact was the feedback from participants, who noted feeling more understood by the product's personalized approach.

Scope

Designing a personalized, data-driven habit-building mobile application aimed at neurodivergent users to improve their mental well-being and help them manage symptoms associated with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and anxiety.

Research & Empathize

Through qualitative research involving five in-depth interviews with neurodivergent participants, we aimed to understand their unique struggles. We identified common pain points, such as:

- Difficulty focusing and managing time
- Feelings of overwhelm from task overload
- Anxiety and decision paralysis when presented with too many choices.

To supplement user insights, the team conducted a literature review on neurodiversity and mental health technology, as well as principles of habit formation and behavior change. The findings showed that users needed more adaptive systems to manage distractions and motivate them to stay on track.

Design Process

The insights informed the creation of two detailed user personas representing diagnosed ADHD/ASD individuals and those with VAST traits.

Developed user stories and mapped an information architecture (IA) for the habit-building application. The IA included core features such as a dashboard, quick relief options, personalized goals, and an explore section for activity recommendations.
Built low- and mid-fidelity prototypes using atomic design principles to ensure consistency and inclusivity. The prototypes emphasized visual elements aligned with neurodivergent users' needs, employing semiotics and Gestalt principles for clarity.

Testing

User testing focused on evaluating the usability and effectiveness of the mid-fidelity prototype designed for neurodivergent individuals. Two participants, one diagnosed with ADHD and another self-identified with VAST traits, were recruited for the testing.

Key Objectives:
- Assess navigation ease and overall user flow.
- Evaluate the clarity of core features such as Quick Relief, Dashboard, and Goals.
- Gather feedback on the visual design, icons, and information hierarchy.

Techniques:
- Think-Aloud Method: Participants verbalized their thoughts while performing tasks.
- Observations: Recorded user behavior, pain points, and areas of confusion.

Outcome:
The user testing validated the core design while highlighting opportunities for improvement in onboarding and notifications. The feedback was incorporated into the high-fidelity prototype to enhance usability and alignment with neurodivergent user needs.

Key takeaways

This project underscored the crucial role of empathy and inclusivity in creating digital health tools that genuinely address the needs of neurodivergent users. By deeply understanding their unique challenges—such as decision paralysis, difficulty with time management, and heightened sensitivity to information overload—the design process moved beyond conventional user experience principles to focus on real, lived experiences.

Importance of Personalization

Data-driven insights and AI recommendations tailored to individual habits and routines can significantly enhance user engagement and well-being.

User-Centered Design

Understanding the unique challenges of neurodivergent users, such as decision paralysis and anxiety, led to crafting features like personalized recommendations and quick-relief tools.
Bottom navigation of the application

Visual Communication Matters

Utilizing clear, intuitive icons and adhering to semiotic and Gestalt principles improves comprehension, especially for users with ASD
Design process using atomic design showing user interface elements grouped as atoms, molecules and organisms

Iterative Prototyping

Building prototypes using atomic design in stages (low to high fidelity) allowed for continuous refinement, ensuring the final product met both user needs and accessibility standards.

Main features

Results & Impact

↗️ Enhanced Usability

The app reduces cognitive load with a minimalist design, clear icons, and personalized features. It organizes information intuitively, offers quick-relief tools for stressful moments, and provides adaptive notifications to avoid overwhelming users. This streamlined approach helps neurodivergent individuals focus  and manage tasks more easily.

👍🏻 Positive User Feedback

Participants appreciated the personalized approach, especially the adaptive quick-relief features and goal tracking. These elements addressed their specific needs, such as managing focus and reducing anxiety.

🧠 Inclusive Design Success

By applying empathy-driven research and inclusive design principles, the app demonstrated significant potential to support neurodivergent individuals in building sustainable routines and improving their overall mental well-being.