Palette Pages
Capturing Life's Colors
Human Computer Interaction
Introduction
Designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, the app provides features such as mood-assessment questions, anonymous sharing options, and virtual journaling, ensuring users of all backgrounds can benefit. By blending visual, auditory, and interactive elements, Palette Pages fosters self-reflection, community connection, and mental well-being in a contemporary and user-friendly way.
Research
- Art therapy is a therapeutic discipline that leverages art as a means of expression to alleviate distress and enhance emotional, social, and mental well-being.
- Inclusive nature: It can be practised without a certified therapist, allowing individuals to benefit regardless of their artistic skills, age or background.
- Fosters insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency
- Mental health challenges have become increasingly prevalent in modern society, especially among adolescents and young adults. Factors such as economic stressors, growing wealth inequalities and environmental issues contribute to this rise.
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Statistics indicate that:
20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year, 50% of mental health issues established by age 14 and 75% by age 24. - In response to these challenges, art therapy offers a unique approach to understanding and expressing emotions, providing a valuable tool for those struggling to verbalise their experiences. It is recognised for its ability to offer fresh perspectives on emotions and thoughts, ultimately contributing to improved mental health and overall well-being.
23 years old
Description/Background:
Emma is a recent finance graduate working in a fast-paced corporate job in a large city. She has been feeling overwhelmed with the pressure and stress from the significant changes in her life since graduation.
Problem:
She finds it hard to manage a healthy work-life balance and is looking for a way to relax her mind inmid the transition to post-university life.
Goal:
- Better her mental well-being
- Discover activities that bring her joy
15 years old
Description/Background:
Alex is a high school student with a strong passion for art. Due to financial difficulties caused by rising inflation, his family is struggling, and he has to share a room and a laptop with his older brother.
Problem:
Alex lacks the funds to purchase art supplies and, due to sharing the laptop, has limited time each day to use it for his creative pursuits.
Goal:
- Find a creative outlet despite limited resources
- Purpose: Palette Pages bridges emotional expression and digital accessibility, addressing modern mental health challenges through personalised art journaling
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Features:
- Begins with mood-assessment questions to create tailored environments
- Generates matching colour palettes and curated music based on the user’s emotional state - Allows users to sync their music library for familiarity and comfort -
Interactive Creativity:
- Enables users to create 1–3 drawings per session, saved in a virtual, timestamped journal for reflection
- Offers a community-driven experience by showcasing anonymous drawings from others with similar emotional states
- Provides customisable privacy settings for users to control their sharing preferences -
Accessibility:
- Available on tablets and computers, ensuring users can engage with their creative journey anytime, anywhere
Development
- Logo and App Icon Design: The app's logo plays a pivotal role in shaping brand identity and influencing user perception. Inspired by the alliteration in the app’s name, the design incorporates a grid—a nod to both colour palettes and calendars—symbolising artistic expression and the concept of a timely journal.
- Design Approach: Incorporating vibrant colours and art-related elements, the logo creates a simple yet impactful representation of the app's creative and functional purpose.
- Color Palette Design: Thoughtfully crafted to reflect a range of emotions, the palettes balance psychological research with inclusivity, encouraging emotional expression while fostering positivity.
- Guided Creativity: Curated palettes empower users to explore artistic freedom with purpose, helping them acknowledge emotions while staying creative.
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Question Display Design:
Initial designs featured a simple, visually appealing layout with one question per page, but oversimplified emotion categories limited user engagement. A second iteration addressed this with a more detailed approach but lacked excitement due to dense text. The final design balanced aesthetics with functionality, combining clarity, visual appeal, and comprehensive options for a more engaging user experience.
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Technicalities:
- Addition of a "Help" button in case of confusion or need for assistance- Enhanced settings for Profile, Journal, Sound and Accessibility- Incorporation of more colour without overwhelming the user
- Refinement of navigation flow through the app -
Account Privacy and Login:
Users create a username, password, and a convenient 3-digit PIN during setup. Initial logins require both username and password, while subsequent logins use only the PIN, ensuring enhanced privacy with a streamlined process.
Outcome
To explore the enhanced and final version of the „Palette Pages“ app, simply follow the visual journey from left to right in the iteration showcased below. Witnessing the realization of the initial concept, transformed through ongoing improvements and thorough research.
Reflections
Looking ahead, expanding community features and enhancing accessibility options—such as colour-blind-friendly palettes and screen reader compatibility—can make Palette Pages more inclusive and engaging. These advancements position the app as a versatile tool for creativity, self-expression, and connection in the digital age.
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