Why?
It goes without saying that 2020 and the year that followed have been crazy the world over with everyone being directly affected by the covid-19 pandemic in some form. One of the biggest talking points and side effects of the numerous lockdowns in the UK has been about the mental health of people and young people in particular. Many students spents weeks isolated in halls away from their loved ones and everyone spent time away from their friends leading to lonliness and increased mental health conditions.
'A quarter of adults and young people who tried to access support were unable to do so. Not feeling comfortable using phone/video call technology has been one of the main barriers to accessing support.'
This means that the vast amounts of charities and organisations dedicated to helping aren’t being utilised. Whilst there is a selection of apps aimed at mental health, none offer an all-round solution. It’s apparent that a social media style space for people to talk, seek help and break the taboo of mental health is the way forward in tackling and also preventing problems in young adults. The idea for Taboo was born.
Aim
To build an app that acts as a social media space for mental health and wellbeing.
To have an app interface that utilises a design that aids mental health by way of the colours, fonts and layouts used and will be used to show some carefully considered features including mood tracking as this is proven to help with people’s mental wellbeing.
To get people breaking the taboo of mental health and being proactive in making improvements. Users will be able to share their moods and use them as a springboard to access support via an instant chat function that is confidential.
To ensure that the interface not only looks appealing and beneifts the purpose of the cause but does so in the way in which it works also. The usability will be integral to ensuring that the features are easy and quick to access and enhances the users experience.
Audience
Although Taboo is aimed at 18-35 year olds, in reality it can be used by any and every one. Taboo is designed with the aim to help individuals not only with exisiting mental health conditions but also to support people who don’t struggle and would like to maintain that.
'75% of mental health problems are established by the age of 24’