Laavu Psychological Coaching

Overview

Laavu Performance provides Psychological Coaching for businesses and business leaders. This project aimed to create digital tool which helps clients document reflections, set themes with their coaches, and create self-defined action points. The app also includes a material bank and features for coaches to manage their clients effectively. As a solo designer and external member of Laavu's development team, I was  involved in the concept design, user experience (UX), user interface (UI), and visual guidelines for this project. This case study outlines our comprehensive design process and the strategies used to develop the Laavu Psychological Coaching Tool.

Concept Design

Objectives

Our primary goal was to develop an intuitive and supportive tool that facilitates meaningful interactions between users and their coaches. The objectives were:

• Enable users to create and organize notes on their reflections.
• Facilitate theme setting and goal tracking with coaches.
• Provide a repository of resources (material bank) for continuous learning.
• Offer tools for coaches to efficiently manage their clients.

Ideation Process

We began identifying key user needs which were:

• Easy note-taking and reflection documentation.
• Seamless communication and goal setting with coaches.
• Access to curated educational materials.
• Effective client management tools for coaches.

From these insights, we brainstormed potential features, such as:

• User-friendly note-taking interfaces.
• Interactive theme-setting and goal-tracking modules.
• A comprehensive material bank with categorized resources.
• Coach dashboards for client management and session tracking.

User Experience Design

User Journey Mapping

We mapped out detailed user journeys to understand the various interactions users would have with the tool. Key stages included:

1. Onboarding: Streamlined sign-up process with initial assessments.
2. Daily Use: Easy access to note-taking, reflection, and resource materials.
3. Coaching Sessions: Tools for setting themes and tracking progress with coaches.
4. Action Points: Features to create and monitor self-defined action points.
5. Coach Management: Dashboards for coaches to manage client information and session history.

Wireframing

Wireframes were created to visualize the tool's layout and structure, focusing on:

• Navigation: Ensuring smooth and intuitive navigation.
• Content Layout: Structuring content to be engaging and easy to access.
• Interactivity: Incorporating interactive elements to enhance engagement.

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User Interface Design

Visual Design Principles

The UI design was guided by principles of clarity, empathy, and accessibility. Our aim was to create a modern, calming interface that instills trust and support. Key design elements included:

• Color Palette: Soft, calming colors to create a soothing environment.
• Typography: Clear, legible fonts for readability.
• Imagery: Supportive and uplifting images to motivate users.

Component Design

UI components were designed to be consistent and user-friendly, including buttons, icons, and input fields. Each component was crafted to ensure:

• Accessibility: Compliance with accessibility standards.
• Consistency: Uniform design across all screens.
• Intuitiveness: Easy to understand and interact with.

Visual Guidelines

Brand Identity

Comprehensive visual guidelines were developed to maintain brand consistency across all touchpoints. These guidelines covered:

• Logo Usage: Correct and incorrect uses of the Laavu logo.
• Color Schemes: Defined primary and secondary color palettes.
• Typography: Specifications for font styles, sizes, and hierarchy.
• Imagery: Guidelines for selecting and using images and icons.

Documentation

A detailed style guide was created to document all visual elements and their usage, serving as a reference for developers and future designers to ensure a cohesive and recognizable Laavu brand.

Conclusion

The design of the Laavu Psychological Coaching Tool was a collaborative and multidisciplinary effort that combined empathy, clarity, and user-centered design principles. By focusing on research, iterative testing, and meticulous attention to detail, we developed a tool that meets user needs and fosters a supportive and engaging environment for mental health improvement. This project highlights the importance of a holistic design approach in creating impactful digital health solutions.

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