Hiraku

Project Overview

Hiraku is a mental wellness app concept designed to support users facing stress, burnout, or unhelpful habits without stigma or labels. The challenge was to create an experience that feels gentle, approachable, and inclusive — avoiding the overwhelming, clinical, or overly “self-improvement” tone of many existing wellness apps.

The Problem / Gaps Identified

1. Stigma in wellness apps – Many tools use heavy-handed language that discourages users from engaging.
2. Over-complicated tracking – Users feel pressured by rigid progress charts and gamified metrics.
3. High cost barriers – Subscriptions are often too expensive for everyday users.
4. Lack of inclusivity – Few apps design for users who don’t identify with traditional “mental health” labels.
5. Disjointed experiences – Interfaces often overwhelm with cluttered flows and poor usability.

Goals

• Create a subtle, stigma-free wellness experience.
• Make reflection and habit support approachable through gentle check-ins.
• Design a system for non-linear progress — allowing users to pause and return without penalty.
• Keep the app affordable and accessible.
• Build a consistent, calming design system with inclusivity at its core.

Process & Work Steps

1. Research
   • Competitor analysis of Calm, Headspace, and journaling apps.
   • Simulated user interviews and affinity diagramming revealed the need for subtlety, inclusivity, and affordable pricing.
2. Information Architecture
   • Focused on three flows: Mood Check-In → Habit Reflection → Community/Support.
   • Reduced friction by minimizing steps and visual clutter.
3. Wireframes
   • Low-fidelity sketches tested different tones of voice and interaction styles.
   • Iterations balanced usability with a calming, non-intrusive look.
4. Design System
   • Soft colors, rounded typography, and fluid spacing to reduce stress.
   • Created reusable UI components for scalability.
5. Prototyping & Testing
   • Usability testing focused on emotional tone as much as function.
   • Iterations refined copy to feel supportive, not prescriptive.

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Solutions Delivered

• Gentle Mood Check-Ins → Users can reflect without pressure or judgment.
• Habit Reflection → Encourages small, achievable steps instead of rigid tracking.
• Affordable Model → Designed around accessible pricing to reach more users.
• Inclusive UX Language → Stigma-free copywriting built on emotional intelligence.
• Calming Design System → Cohesive colors, typography, and components create a safe, welcoming space.

Outcome

The Hiraku concept app redefines digital wellness by prioritizing subtlety, inclusivity, and user empowerment. By addressing the stigma, cost, and usability gaps in existing tools, Hiraku offers an approachable way for people to reflect, grow, and find balance — on their own terms.

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