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Affirmation & Gratitude Journal
1. Project Brief
This project aims to develop an AI-powered app that helps users build consistent journaling and affirmation habits. The app addresses challenges like finding inspiring content, difficulties in self-reflection, and generic affirmations, supporting personal growth with tailored, meaningful guidance.
2. Research
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Competitor Analysis
Day One Journal
Supports multiple journals and has a dark mode.
IFTTT integration, Android availability, and quick setup.
Free version, large writing space, photo integration, and calendar view.
Social media integration adds extra flexibility.
No web access, with limited platform support (Mac only, no PC).
Lacks in-app mental health resources and journal prompts.
Free version restricts users to one daily entry with one photo.
Limited features for Android; exclusive features for Apple users.
5 Minute Journal
Guided journaling with easy navigation via timeline or calendar view.
Track progress, mood, and access past entries securely with passcode/biometric authentication.
Morning/evening prompts for gratitude and reflection, plus daily quotes and weekly mindfulness challenges.
No web or desktop version.
Paid plan required for image/video integration.
Limited customization, social sharing, export options, and personalization.
Subscription cost for premium features and potential data security concerns.
Daylio Journal
Seven-day free trial and comprehensive free version.
User-friendly, customizable, and ideal for non-writers with bullet journal format.
Built-in mood tracker, calendar views, and advanced statistics for progress tracking.
Customizable themes, goal-setting, and journaling for motivation and self-care.
Primarily focused on mindfulness, not suited for standard digital bullet journaling.
Lacks desktop or browser accessibility.
Limited options for extensive writing; mood tracking could be deeper.
No prompts or community space; minimal writing involvement.
Reflectly
Daily mood tracking, journal prompts, and habit tracking for reflection and growth.
User-friendly sign-up and interface, ideal for beginners.
Comprehensive free version with mood check-ins, daily prompts, and inspirational quotes.
Ability to edit and revisit entries for deeper reflection.
Unclear premium features and inconsistent pricing between platforms.
Complex discounts and trial options.
Focus on mindfulness may not appeal to those seeking traditional journaling.
Limited availability with no web or desktop version.
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Nethnography
Pros
Cons
3. Ideation
Ideation Phase involved building on the insights gathered during the Research phase, where I conducted Competitor Analysis and Netnography. Using these findings, I created the User Persona, User Empathy Map, and Problem Statement to clearly define user needs and challenges. Based on these outputs, I brainstormed creative solutions to identify the Key Features and Use Cases, setting the foundation for the next phase of the project.
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User Persona
Alex is a recent college graduate in their mid-20s, passionate about personal development and self-improvement. They have a background in computer science and currently work as a junior software developer at a tech startup. Alex leads an active lifestyle, enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in their free time.
Alex Smith - 24 - Male
Junior Software Developer
"Every day is a chance to become a better version of myself."
Goals
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Advance in their career as a software developer.
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Cultivate healthy habits and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
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Learn new skills and stay updated with industry trends.
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Establish a daily routine that promotes productivity and well-being.
Motivations
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Desire for personal growth and self-improvement.
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Passion for technology and innovation.
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Aspiration to make a positive impact through their work.
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Pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Frustrations
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Struggling to find a work-life balance in a demanding job.
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Feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced nature of the tech industry.
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Difficulty in staying focused and motivated amidst distractions.
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Lack of guidance on how to achieve long-term goals.
Skills
Technical proficiency
Time Management
Problem Solving
Problem Solving
Personality
Introverted
Curious
Goal-oriented
Analytical
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Problem Statement
Alex is a Junior Software Developer who needs a tool that seamlessly integrates into his busy schedule and supports his personal growth journey because he struggles to maintain consistency and find inspiration amidst his demanding job and active lifestyle.
4. UI Design
In response to the need for holistic self-reflection identified during research, MindSwell was designed to offer customizable templates, multimedia integration, mood tracking, AI-driven insights, daily challenges, and unique weekly prompts, providing a dynamic and personalized journaling experience.
MindSwell
Ride the Wave of Inner Discovery
Color Palette
Aa
Nunito
Modern sans-serif font that offers a clean and friendly aesthetic, making it ideal for conveying a sense of accessibility and ease. Its rounded edges and balanced letterforms create a soft and approachable appearance.
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Daily Reflections
A curated collection of reflection prompts assigns a unique prompt to each day of the week, promoting varied self-reflection and introspection throughout the week.
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Daily Challenges
Users are presented with daily challenges designed to encourage growth, creativity, and self-improvement, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
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Templates & Themed Journaling
Users can select from a variety of templates tailored to different journaling purposes, enabling personalization based on individual preferences and objectives.
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Multimedia Integration
Users can seamlessly incorporate photos, videos, and voice recordings into their journal entries, enhancing the expressive and reflective nature of their content.
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Mood Check-in
The app offers robust tracking capabilities for monitoring mood, activities, and other relevant metrics, providing valuable insights into users' overall well-being and habits.
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AI-Driven Insights
Advanced AI algorithms analyze users' journal entries and tracking data to generate personalized insights and statistics, facilitating deeper self-awareness and progress tracking.
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Affirmations Library
Users can access a diverse collection of affirmations tailored to their needs, designed to inspire positivity, boost confidence, and promote a healthy mindset.
