MY ROLE
Lead Product Designer
TYPE
Full-time Role
PRODUCTS SHIPPED
iOS and Android App, Design System
TIME
Jan 2022 - Jan 2025
LOCATION
Mumbai
OVERVIEW
As lead product designer, I designed their iOS and Android app from 0→1, replacing a manual booking process with a scalable platform for therapy discovery, booking, and self-care. I led the process from design to implementation to the final launch in September 2023!
IMPACT
50K users in first month after launch
Replaced manual DM-based scheduling with in-app booking, reducing time-to-book by 70%
4.8 rating on iOS
Built day/night activity flows and curated content to drive daily active engagement
End-to-end design system (color, typography, components)
OVERVIEW
Background and Team
Adapt is a mental health organization, that provides therapy services to user through a network of verified therapists. I joined as the first and lead product designer to build their mobile app from conception to launch. I worked directly with the co-founders to translate their vision into a successful mental health app
UX RESEARCH
The Problem Space
Accessing therapy shouldn't feel like navigating a maze. But for users, there was no clear path, and most gave up before they found one.
Adapt struggled to expand its user base due to structural challenges and changing user preferences. These issues were compounded by societal stigma and a lack of awareness about mental health.
REQUIREMENTS
Initial examination of Business Problems
BOTTLENECKS
Unscalable Operations
Manual processes couldn't keep up with growing demand.
Limited user understanding
No insight into why users dropped off or what they needed.
Restricted reach
Without softer entry points, stigma kept potential users away.
USER RESEARCH
Reframing and moving towards User Research
After an initial examination of the current business process, I conducted extensive user research to identify the key pain points and needs of existing and potential users, aiming to understand their struggles and approaches to managing their mental well-being.
18 User Interviews
Conducted in-person & via Zoom, consisting of existing/new clientele.
80 Data Surveys
Collected quantitative user data through 80+ Google Surveys.
Meetings with Stakeholders
Stakeholders, Marketing Teams and Engineering teams.
USER INSIGHTS
Discovering User Patterns through empathy mapping
INSIGHTS
What did we learn?
1/ Lack of personalized services
Users rely on self-care coping mechanisms but struggle to find therapists they relate to preventing meaningful progress.
2/ Need for holistic approach
Mental health isn't just therapy. Users need a combination of professional guidance and daily self-care practices.
3/ Instant Connections
Users want to take action when they're ready, not wait for someone to respond or schedule on their behalf.
FEATURES
Design Vision and Reframing Approach
How might we make accessing mental health support feel less daunting and give users control over their own care journey?
Connecting users to therapists that are most suited to address their concerns and build a safe space that encourages daily engagement with self-care.
WIREFRAMES
Iteration and Ideation
INTRODUCING
Adapt-Wellness Your Way
HOME SCREEN
Curated Self Care and Therapist Connect
It was crucial to give users access to all important information pertaining to therapists in order to give them agency and flexibility in decision-making and choosing the therapist best suited for them.
ONBOARDING
Quick, easy and simple onboarding
THERAPY
Therapist Matching and details at your fingertips
THERAPY
Therapist Matching and details at your fingertips
DESIGN SYSTEM
UI Components, Color & Typography
We built a lightweight design system for key design UI elements for the entire end-to-end experience. We used playful colors, expressive icons, and micro-interactions to weave the brand through the experience and draw audience in.
CONCLUSION
Key Takeaways
Working with the wonderful team of Adapt taught me immensely about design, strategy, and development. Collaborating with the development team taught me why and how design pivots are necessary for smooth app operation. But most importantly, I learnt the importance of working in harmony with a diverse group of peope.