Restify Sleep App
My case study focuses on contemporary dangers. The project requires us to identify dangers unique to the modern era and explore how a digital product might protect or safeguard us. With this concept in mind, my team and I designed a sleep app to address sleep deprivation. The app is dedicated to enhancing users' sleep quality. By leveraging data-driven insights, we aim to ensure a more refreshing wake-up experience, empowering users to achieve truly restful sleep.
SCOPE
12 Weeks
TEAM
3 members
MY ROLES
UX Researcher
UI Designer
Interaction designer
Visual Designer
Content Strategist
Discovery
We began by identifying the issue of sleep deprivation, exploring why it is a danger and how it manifests in various ways. By understanding these aspects, we established a concrete foundation for addressing the problem and determining how our solution will help people.
Research
Our focus is on individuals with busy schedules, including students and working professionals. After defining our target audience, I did a secondary research on sleep deprivation. Following this, I conducted user research by interviewing six people to learn more about their sleep routines, their knowledge of sleep deprivation, and the factors contributing to their sleep problems.
Secondary research
According to the NCBI, 50% of college students feel sleepy during the day and 70% feel like they get insufficient sleep
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Inadequate sleep hygiene, alcohol, caffeine/energy drinks, stimulants, and technology are some of the leading causes of sleep deprivation
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In a survey of 1,845 students, 27% were subject to a minimum of one sleeping disorder – sleep apnea, insomnia, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, hypersomnia, etc.
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Some consequences of sleep deprivation include poor mood (or sudden mood changes), a decrease in GPA/academic performance, development of sleeping disorders, poor driving performance, etc.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, “89% of adults and 75% of children have at least one electronic device in their bedrooms”
User research
Key stories from the interview
“I find that engaging in projects, studying for exams, and meeting deadlines often leads to late-night study sessions, impacting my ability to maintain a consistent sleep routine.” -Linh
“I often find myself confused about my sleep issues. However, when I search for answers online, struggle to find solutions that match my specific situation. I'm eager to access reliable and professional resources to gain a better understanding of my current sleep status.” -Matthew
“Because right now I’m in a long-distance relationship so I would say I use electronic devices every time before bed” -Anthony
Quantitative data
We created 3 Pie Charts as a quantitative data based on the interview to gain a broader perspective on the sleep deprivation problem and it was a stepping stone for us to learn more deeply about the underlying reasons behind it.
How long does it take for you to fall
asleep on average?
How many hours of sleep do you get
each night on average?
How many nights per week do you get
less than 7 hours of sleep?
Qualitative data
My team and I also created an empathy map to gather insights from our interviewees about what they say, do, think, and feel. This empathy map helps us stay focused on users' needs as we design the app.
Competitive analysis
We conducted a SWOT analysis of existing apps to gain a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, as well as to identify gaps in the market. This analysis helped us determine how we could improve our app
Sleep Cycle
Calm
Headspace
Ideation & Decision
3 main problems from insight research
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The inconsistency of sleep schedules is a common issue among our interviewees, many of whom are students and working professionals. Managing a consistent bedtime routine can be challenging due to their busy schedules
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The excessive use of electronic devices before bed
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Lack of accessible resources and expert advice on managing and preventing sleep deprivation is also a common concern among our interviewees. Many find it difficult to access experts and the associated costs can be expensive
Solution
Storyboards and HMW questions
We then began ideating storyboards for each feature of our solution, illustrating the concept of use and how the app would be utilized. I was responsible for the "Connect with Expert" feature.
Sketches
Connect with expert feature
Low-fidelity wireframes
Final Design
UI Design
We had two factors in mind when contemplating the general aesthetic and direction of the app's appearance:
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It is a sleep application so it needs to be simple.
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It will probably be used a lot in the evening so a darker UI is essential.
High-fidelity wireframes
What I've learned
Working as a designer in a team to create a sleep app was an enriching experience. I was responsible for creating the icons, setting the color palette, and contributing to the overall design of the app. Additionally, I played a key role in developing the "Connect with Expert" feature. Collaborating with my team allowed us to combine our diverse skills and ideas, leading to a well-rounded and user-focused product. This project not only honed my design skills but also taught me the importance of effective communication and teamwork in achieving a common goal.
