SUMMARY
This project addresses the lack of community for individuals living with chronic heart conditions. Beginning with interviews and research, I explored their needs, challenges, and desires for connection. I developed personas, journey maps, and interactive workshops to gain insight into what a supportive digital community could look like. The result is a wellness-focused app concept designed to foster belonging, provide resources, and encourage meaningful connections online and in person. By addressing isolation, this project highlights the importance of community for improving mental health and overall well-being.
challenge
Through interviews, research, and empathy mapping, I identified key needs for people with chronic heart conditions: a sense of belonging, accessible resources, and financial support. Stakeholders often feel isolated due to limited peer connections and face barriers in navigating their health journey. Gaps include a lack of platforms offering both emotional support and practical tools. This led to the opportunity to create a wellness app that combines community building, in-person meetups, and tailored resources, addressing these needs while improving mental health and social engagement.
Outcome
The project evolved into a wellness-focused app designed to foster community for people with chronic heart conditions. Key features include online forums, local meetup coordination, financial aid resources, and access to expert guidance. This outcome directly addresses stakeholders' needs by reducing isolation, offering tailored support, and creating opportunities for connection and empowerment. By integrating practical tools with emotional support, the app fills a market gap and enhances users’ sense of belonging, mental health, and overall quality of life.
