LUMA
Your Mind, Your Quest.
My Role: Product Designer
Tools: Figma & Procreate
Project Type: Thesis Project
Total Hours: 100
Luma is an AI-powered, calming visual game designed for neurodivergent users that helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and support emotional regulation, with an always-available emotional support chatbot, Nook, for when you need someone to talk to.
The Problem
Many neurodivergent individuals struggle with managing anxiety, maintaining focus, and regulating emotions, while existing solutions often feel overwhelming or lack personalized, real-time support.
Research & Discovery
01. Research Data
“Gamification in mental health apps has been shown to increase user engagement and motivation, making therapeutic activities more accessible and effective, particularly for individuals who may struggle with traditional forms of support.”
JMIR Mental Health
02. Benchmark Analysis
03. PACT Analysis
The Solution
An AI-powered interactive app that provides personalized, calming game experiences and real-time emotional support to help neurodivergent users manage anxiety, improve focus, and regulate their emotions.
User Modelling
01. System Map
02. User Personas
Visual Research
Simple, Clean, Modern, Calming
My visual inspiration focused on creating a simple, clean, modern, and calming experience for a mental wellness app. I drew from interfaces that use soft colours and gentle visual elements to create a sense of ease and comfort. The goal was to design a space that feels non-overwhelming and relaxing, allowing users to engage with the app in a way that promotes emotional balance and reduced anxiety.
High Fidelity Prototype
Landing Page
Luma’s landing page offers a simple, calming entry point with easy access to start, profile, and settings, creating a clear and non-overwhelming space that helps users feel grounded from the moment they open the app.
StillGrove
StillGrove is a peaceful, home-like hub where users can return to relax, featuring gentle visuals, subtle animations, and Nook always present to provide comfort and support whenever it’s needed.
World Selection
The map view guides users through Luma’s calming world, with Stillgrove as a safe home base, Bloomreach offering interactive games for focus and relaxation, and Quiet Hollow providing soothing visuals and animations to help users unwind.
BloomReach
Bloomreach offers gentle, interactive games like sorting glowing fireflies from largest to smallest into a jar, helping users improve focus, encourage mindfulness, and promote a calm, relaxing state through simple, engaging play.
AI Chat
Nook is an AI-powered companion that offers real-time emotional support, guiding users through their feelings while suggesting calming visuals, gentle tasks, and interactive games to help regulate emotions and restore a sense of balance.
QuietHollow
Quiet Hollow offers three calming modes: Relax, Sleep, and Focus. Each designed with guided prompts and gentle animated visuals to help users unwind, improve concentration, or prepare for rest in a peaceful, immersive environment.
Character Design
Meet Nook - your AI companion
Meet Pebble - Nooks companion
Design System
01. Typeface
02. Main Colour System
Lessons Learned
Through this project, I learned the importance of designing with empathy and truly understanding the needs of neurodivergent users. I realized that simplicity and clarity are key in creating a calming, non-overwhelming experience, and that even small design choices, like animations, colour, and interaction can have a significant impact on emotional well-being. I also learned how powerful personalization and AI can be in creating supportive, adaptive experiences that feel meaningful and accessible in everyday life.
Next Steps
I aim to refine the interface through user testing, improve personalization features with AI, and expand calming activities and interactions to better support a wider range of user needs.
