Research | Design | Interaction Design | AR Prototyping
January 2024
Research, UX design, UI design, Interaction Design & Prototyping, AR Design
As a designer with a keen interest in emerging technologies, I undertook this passion project to design a meditation app tailored for the Apples Vision OS platform. Targeting C-suite executives in large pharmaceutical companies, I sought to create a personalized and effective solution for stress management and mental well-being within this demanding demographic.
Fast-Paced Lifestyle: Distill needed to be accessible and convenient for on-the-go executives with frequent travel and a demanding workload.
Habit building is also another huge challenge for people.
Understanding peoples relationship with stress.
Designing for a Newer Interface: Distill needed to break away from conventional meditation app aesthetics and leverage the unique capabilities of Vision OS Pro.
Interactive Meditation Environment: Users can personalize the visual elements of their meditation space within the app.
Promoting Well-being: Distill aimed to combat stress and anxiety, encouraging users to prioritize their mental health amidst their busy schedules.
Monitor progress and encouraging healthier habits
Easier access through AI recommendations
Creating a getaway from the hectic life through audio and visual interaction
Extensive research informed the design of Distill.
Several design concepts were explored for both the user interface and the overall aesthetic, focusing on functionality and a seamless experience within Vision OS Pro.
User Onboarding: A personalized introduction guides users through the app's features and benefits, tailoring the experience to their goals and needs.
Recommendation Engine: Leverages user surveys, biofeedback data (through Vision Pro wearables), and environmental factors to recommend personalized meditations, soundscapes, and breathwork exercises.
Meditation Categories: A curated library offers options for stress reduction, focus enhancement, sleep improvement, and more, catering to specific professional and personal needs.
Mood Check-In: A daily mood check allows users to track their emotional well-being and receive personalized recommendations based on their current state.
Notifications: Customizable notifications gently remind users to incorporate meditation into their busy schedules, promoting consistency in practice.
Voice Search Functionality: Hands-free control allows users to initiate meditations, adjust volume, or explore the app with voice commands, ideal for on-the-go practice.
Fully Immersive Experience: Distill provides high-quality guided meditations, nature soundscapes, and the option to integrate with VR experiences (through Vision Pro) for a truly immersive environment.
User Profile: Users can personalize their experience by setting goals, tracking progress, and customizing preferences for notifications and recommendations.
Interactive Elements: Incorporating subtle animations and interactive visuals to enhance user engagement during meditation sessions.
Customization of the Meditation Environment: Allowing users to personalize the visual aspects of their meditation space within the app, creating a calming environment tailored to their preferences.
Modular Meditation Session Design: Breaking down meditation practices into customizable modules like guided prompts, music selection, and breathwork exercises, catering to individual needs and time constraints.
Spatial Design Principles
The design of Distill, a meditation app, was heavily influenced by spatial design principles. These principles, often used in architecture and interior design, focus on creating environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally impactful. By applying these principles to the digital realm, Distill aims to create a virtual sanctuary that fosters relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of calm.
Minimalist Aesthetic
One of the core principles guiding Distill's design is minimalism. A clean, uncluttered interface is essential for creating a sense of tranquility and focus. The app avoids overwhelming users with excessive visual elements, instead opting for a minimalist approach that allows the user to concentrate on the meditation experience. Subtle gradients and dynamic visuals are used to add depth and interest without distracting from the overall serenity of the app.
Adaptive Color Palettes
Distill employs a dynamic color palette that adapts based on the user's chosen meditation goal. For example, calming blues might be used for stress reduction, while energizing oranges could be used for focus. This adaptive color palette helps to create a personalized and immersive experience, tailoring the visual environment to the user's specific needs.
Immersive Soundscapes
Sound plays a crucial role in creating a meditative atmosphere. Distill incorporates high-quality soundscapes with spatial audio to transport users to various calming environments. These soundscapes can range from gentle ocean waves to rustling leaves in a forest, providing a multi-sensory experience that enhances the meditation practice.
Intuitive Interactions
The design of Distill emphasizes intuitive interactions. Hover states are carefully designed to avoid unnecessary animations or distractions. The app's interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing users to focus on their meditation without being hindered by complex controls.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a key consideration in Distill's design. The app ensures that users with visual impairments can easily read the text, even in dim lighting. This attention to accessibility makes Distill accessible to a wider range of users, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that everyone can benefit from the app's features.
Elevates the User Experience: Distill offers a groundbreaking design language that surpasses conventional meditation apps and provides an engaging user experience.
Personalized Journey: Users receive highly customized meditations and environments based on their individual needs and biofeedback data.
Leverages Technology: Distill seamlessly integrates with Vision OS Pro's advanced features to create a personalized and insightful experience.
- Reduce stress and anxiety levels amongst users.
- Enhance sleep quality and overall well-being.
- Promote mindfulness and focus for a focused and productive lifestyle.
- Foster a sense of calmness and inner peace through personalized meditation.
Distill demonstrates the power of design and technology to forge a new path in the meditation app industry. By focusing on user needs, personalized data insights, and a groundbreaking design, Distill empowers Vision OS Pro users to cultivate well-being and mindfulness in a completely captivating way.
