Moonai
Moonai
Moonai
Ending the pain. Period.
Ending the pain. Period.
Ending the pain.
Period.
About the project
For many, menstrual pain is an unavoidable part of the period cycle. While there exists some options for recourse like pain-relieving medication and birth control, the most common “solution” to this problem is: deal with it. Moonai proposes an alternate, innovative course of action against period pain with sound science.
For many, menstrual pain is an unavoidable part of the period cycle. While there exists some options for recourse like pain-relieving medication and birth control, the most common “solution” to this problem is: deal with it. Moonai proposes an alternate, innovative course of action against period pain with sound science.
For many, menstrual pain is an unavoidable part of the period cycle. While there exists some options for recourse like pain-relieving medication and birth control, the most common “solution” to this problem is: deal with it. Moonai proposes an alternate, innovative course of action against period pain with sound science.
my role
Product Designer
Graphic Designer
Product Designer
Graphic Designer
Product Designer
Graphic Designer
Project team
Amanda Nguyen, Helena Rodemann Dios, Laura-June Clarke
Amanda Nguyen, Helena Rodemann Dios, Laura-June Clarke
Amanda Nguyen, Helena Rodemann Dios, Laura-June Clarke
project goal
I had 3 months to design Moonai's MVP
I had 3 months to design Moonai's MVP
I had 3 months to design Moonai's MVP
Founded in 2020, Moonai is developing the first mobile application designed to relieve period pain and improve body literacy with the science of sound. Through scientifically-engineered sound therapy and data insights, Moonai seeks to provide its users with transformative tools for period pain relief and increased body literacy.
Founded in 2020, Moonai is developing the first mobile application designed to relieve period pain and improve body literacy with the science of sound. Through scientifically-engineered sound therapy and data insights, Moonai seeks to provide its users with transformative tools for period pain relief and increased body literacy.
Founded in 2020, Moonai is developing the first mobile application designed to relieve period pain and improve body literacy with the science of sound. Through scientifically-engineered sound therapy and data insights, Moonai seeks to provide its users with transformative tools for period pain relief and increased body literacy.
I was brought onto the team in May of 2021. My primary objectives were to:
Design the ideal user experience for Moonai's mobile application based on research and usability test findings
Prepare Moonai's first product for handoff to development team by the end of August 2021
I was brought onto the team in May of 2021. My primary objectives were to:
Design the ideal user experience for Moonai's mobile application based on research and usability test findings
Prepare Moonai's first product for handoff to development team by the end of August 2021
I was brought onto the team in May of 2021. My primary objectives were to:
Design the ideal user experience for Moonai's mobile application based on research and usability test findings
Prepare Moonai's first product for handoff to development team by the end of August 2021
discovery
Interviews and secondary research helped to better understand the problem space
Interviews and secondary research helped to better understand the problem space
Interviews and secondary research helped to better understand the problem space
25% of women who menstruate experience debilitating levels of period pain
25% of women who menstruate experience debilitating levels of period pain
25% of women who menstruate experience debilitating levels of period pain
~84% of women want a solution to period pain that is non-clinical and non-intrusive
~84% of women want a solution to period pain that is non-clinical and non-intrusive
~84% of women want a solution to period pain that is non-clinical and non-intrusive
(according to 181 research interviews)
user interviews
What would users need to see in a mobile app solution?
What would users need to see in a mobile app solution?
What would users need to see in a mobile app solution?
MVP prototype testing validated the core concept of Moonai's Sound feature: By having the user answer a period pain assessment, Moonai would give a personalized sound recommendation from its digital library. These sounds would be uniquely produced by Moonai's team of engineers and scientists to ensure its efficacy.
I conducted additional qualitative research by interviewing 10 participants to understand what kind of a product our users would want to see:
MVP prototype testing validated the core concept of Moonai's Sound feature: By having the user answer a period pain assessment, Moonai would give a personalized sound recommendation from its digital library. These sounds would be uniquely produced by Moonai's team of engineers and scientists to ensure its efficacy.
I conducted additional qualitative research by interviewing 10 participants to understand what kind of a product our users would want to see:
MVP prototype testing validated the core concept of Moonai's Sound feature: By having the user answer a period pain assessment, Moonai would give a personalized sound recommendation from its digital library. These sounds would be uniquely produced by Moonai's team of engineers and scientists to ensure its efficacy.
I conducted additional qualitative research by interviewing 10 participants to understand what kind of a product our users would want to see:
Convenient
Convenient
10/10 participants said their ideal resource for period pain relief would be in a mobile application
10/10 participants said their ideal resource for period pain relief would be in a mobile application
10/10 participants said their ideal resource for period pain relief would be in a mobile application
Empowering
Empowering
"[My ideal experience] would look like freedom to not plan so much & not put certain things on hold"
"[My ideal experience] would look like freedom to not plan so much & not put certain things on hold"
"[My ideal experience] would look like freedom to not plan so much & not put certain things on hold"
Validated
Validated
9/10 participants are skeptical of period-related information and solutions on the internet
9/10 participants are skeptical of period-related information and solutions on the internet
9/10 participants are skeptical of period-related information and solutions on the internet
first designs
New features based on user needs
New features based on user needs
New features based on user needs
Following user interviews, I worked closely with our Head of Product and Head of Business to discuss findings and determine what solutions we wanted to implement for this launch. I designed an iteration of Moonai that included new features in addition to the already-validated Sounds feature.
Following user interviews, I worked closely with our Head of Product and Head of Business to discuss findings and determine what solutions we wanted to implement for this launch. I designed an iteration of Moonai that included new features in addition to the already-validated Sounds feature.
Following user interviews, I worked closely with our Head of Product and Head of Business to discuss findings and determine what solutions we wanted to implement for this launch. I designed an iteration of Moonai that included new features in addition to the already-validated Sounds feature.
Sounds
Sounds
Sounds
Users receive a personalized sound recommendation by completing an assessment on their current period pain and emotions.
Users receive a personalized sound recommendation by completing an assessment on their current period pain and emotions.
Users receive a personalized sound recommendation by completing an assessment on their current period pain and emotions.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Users view period patterns and trends based on their previous inputs in period assessments, and receive predictive sound recommendations.
Users view period patterns and trends based on their previous inputs in period assessments, and receive predictive sound recommendations.
Users view period patterns and trends based on their previous inputs in period assessments, and receive predictive sound recommendations.
Learn
Learn
Learn
Users can read originally written articles about the menstrual cycle as well as suggestions on how to relieve period symptoms.
Users can read originally written articles about the menstrual cycle as well as suggestions on how to relieve period symptoms.
Users can read originally written articles about the menstrual cycle as well as suggestions on how to relieve period symptoms.
usability testing
Initial designs did not provide the right information
Initial designs did not provide the right information
Initial designs did not provide the right information
After designing a functioning prototype, I wanted to gauge its usability and validate the new features. Following a research plan I developed, I conducted usability testing with five participants.
After designing a functioning prototype, I wanted to gauge its usability and validate the new features. Following a research plan I developed, I conducted usability testing with five participants.
After designing a functioning prototype, I wanted to gauge its usability and validate the new features. Following a research plan I developed, I conducted usability testing with five participants.
Usability test findings
Usability test findings
Usability test findings
Moonai's feature concepts were validated, but users had issues with the execution
Moonai's feature concepts were validated, but users had issues with the execution
Moonai's feature concepts were validated, but users had issues with the execution
Insights page did not provide the type of information users want to see
Insights page did not provide the type of information users want to see
Users wanted to better understand how Moonai's sound science worked
Users wanted to better understand how Moonai's sound science worked
UI was visually overloading and hard to read
UI was visually overloading and hard to read
design reiteration
Refined designs based on user feedback and stakeholder input
Refined designs based on user feedback and stakeholder input
Refined designs based on user feedback and stakeholder input
UI Updates
UI Updates
UI Updates
Moonai initially wanted to utilize AI to create unique, personalized sound loops. However, soon after making designs I learned that the AI would likely not adhere to the sound science necessary to provide period relief. Designs in the audio player had to shift again to accommodate the product change.
Moonai initially wanted to utilize AI to create unique, personalized sound loops. However, soon after making designs I learned that the AI would likely not adhere to the sound science necessary to provide period relief. Designs in the audio player had to shift again to accommodate the product change.
Moonai initially wanted to utilize AI to create unique, personalized sound loops. However, soon after making designs I learned that the AI would likely not adhere to the sound science necessary to provide period relief. Designs in the audio player had to shift again to accommodate the product change.
Revising user flows
Revising user flows
Revising user flows
I felt our Sounds feature was seeping into other corners of the product, making Moonai feel repetitive (a noted issue during prototype testing). I consulted business & engineering stakeholders to decide what features could be saved for future updates, while still maintaining user and business goals in mind for launch where possible.
I felt our Sounds feature was seeping into other corners of the product, making Moonai feel repetitive (a noted issue during prototype testing). I consulted business & engineering stakeholders to decide what features could be saved for future updates, while still maintaining user and business goals in mind for launch where possible.
I felt our Sounds feature was seeping into other corners of the product, making Moonai feel repetitive (a noted issue during prototype testing). I consulted business & engineering stakeholders to decide what features could be saved for future updates, while still maintaining user and business goals in mind for launch where possible.
before and after of the audio player ui
lo-fi explorations
Insights data needed a digestible visualization
Insights data needed a digestible visualization
Insights data needed a digestible visualization
Users wanted to be informed of patterns and trends from their previous cycles, but needed a clear way to visualize it. Initial designs did not provide enough visual information, so I explored further designs that would better show this data.
Users wanted to be informed of patterns and trends from their previous cycles, but needed a clear way to visualize it. Initial designs did not provide enough visual information, so I explored further designs that would better show this data.
Users wanted to be informed of patterns and trends from their previous cycles, but needed a clear way to visualize it. Initial designs did not provide enough visual information, so I explored further designs that would better show this data.
Explorations #1 and #2 had too many interactive components and could not provide full data without visual overload. I continued with Exploration #3, which gave users the most concise breakdown of data and provided the information users wanted to see.
Explorations #1 and #2 had too many interactive components and could not provide full data without visual overload. I continued with Exploration #3, which gave users the most concise breakdown of data and provided the information users wanted to see.
Explorations #1 and #2 had too many interactive components and could not provide full data without visual overload. I continued with Exploration #3, which gave users the most concise breakdown of data and provided the information users wanted to see.
Exploration #1
Exploration #1
Exploration #1
An improvement on the existing design, where users can view multiple variables of their assessment inputs
Exploration #2
Exploration #2
Exploration #2
A heat map calendar, where users can see which cycle dates had more severe inputs for their period assessment
Exploration #3
Exploration #3
Exploration #3
A polygonal diagram, where users can see level of severity in their period assessment variables sorted by date
ui and visual design
A strong visual brand identity
A strong visual brand identity
A strong visual brand identity
Moonai's visual brand was inspired by a magician archetype: safe yet mystic, calming yet ethereal. I opted for a dark UI pattern with bold purples. Throughout the exploration process for Moonai's visual design, I ensured we were meeting AAA accessibility standards.
Moonai's visual brand was inspired by a magician archetype: safe yet mystic, calming yet ethereal. I opted for a dark UI pattern with bold purples. Throughout the exploration process for Moonai's visual design, I ensured we were meeting AAA accessibility standards.
Moonai's visual brand was inspired by a magician archetype: safe yet mystic, calming yet ethereal. I opted for a dark UI pattern with bold purples. Throughout the exploration process for Moonai's visual design, I ensured we were meeting AAA accessibility standards.
illustrations
I affirmed Moonai's brand with original illustrations
I affirmed Moonai's brand with original illustrations
I affirmed Moonai's brand with original illustrations
To further convey Moonai's visual brand, another product designer and I created several original illustrations for our home screen as well as our audio player. I sought to create graphics that guided the user to primary CTAs without distracting from other content.
To further convey Moonai's visual brand, another product designer and I created several original illustrations for our home screen as well as our audio player. I sought to create graphics that guided the user to primary CTAs without distracting from other content.
To further convey Moonai's visual brand, another product designer and I created several original illustrations for our home screen as well as our audio player. I sought to create graphics that guided the user to primary CTAs without distracting from other content.
final designs
Welcome to Moonai
Welcome to Moonai
Welcome to Moonai
Personalized sound recommendations
Personalized sound recommendations
Personalized sound recommendations
By completing a short assessment, the user is given a personalized sound recommendation. These sounds alter the brain's state and mood, thereby relieving pain. Users can pause, stop, set sleep timers, and minimize their audio player to further tailor their experience.
By completing a short assessment, the user is given a personalized sound recommendation. These sounds alter the brain's state and mood, thereby relieving pain. Users can pause, stop, set sleep timers, and minimize their audio player to further tailor their experience.
By completing a short assessment, the user is given a personalized sound recommendation. These sounds alter the brain's state and mood, thereby relieving pain. Users can pause, stop, set sleep timers, and minimize their audio player to further tailor their experience.
Why?
Why?
Why?
Users want a solution to their period pain that is non-intrusive and easy to access. A simple two-step assessment greatly shortens the effort needed to find pain relief.
Users want a solution to their period pain that is non-intrusive and easy to access. A simple two-step assessment greatly shortens the effort needed to find pain relief.
Users want a solution to their period pain that is non-intrusive and easy to access. A simple two-step assessment greatly shortens the effort needed to find pain relief.
Period insights based on data
Period insights based on data
Period insights based on data
Users will receive insight analysis on occurring trends across current and previous period cycles, using data from previous period pain assessments. To ensure accurate insight analysis on period cycles, the user can review and edit their past active period dates.
Users will receive insight analysis on occurring trends across current and previous period cycles, using data from previous period pain assessments. To ensure accurate insight analysis on period cycles, the user can review and edit their past active period dates.
Users will receive insight analysis on occurring trends across current and previous period cycles, using data from previous period pain assessments. To ensure accurate insight analysis on period cycles, the user can review and edit their past active period dates.
Why?
Why?
Why?
Users want a solution that does the analysis for them. By providing the user with insight trends on past and current cycles, they can begin to increase body literacy and feel in control of their period.
Users want a solution that does the analysis for them. By providing the user with insight trends on past and current cycles, they can begin to increase body literacy and feel in control of their period.
Users want a solution that does the analysis for them. By providing the user with insight trends on past and current cycles, they can begin to increase body literacy and feel in control of their period.
Learn how Moonai works
Learn how Moonai works
Learn how Moonai works
Moonai provides articles that explain the science behind its Sound and Insights functionality. The user can find additional articles about Moonai's process of identifying solutions to period pain, which are rooted in research and scientific review.
Moonai provides articles that explain the science behind its Sound and Insights functionality. The user can find additional articles about Moonai's process of identifying solutions to period pain, which are rooted in research and scientific review.
Moonai provides articles that explain the science behind its Sound and Insights functionality. The user can find additional articles about Moonai's process of identifying solutions to period pain, which are rooted in research and scientific review.
Why?
Why?
Why?
Providing resources for users to understand how Moonai works boosts trustability and reduces scientific skepticism, so they can feel more confident in Moonai as an effective alternative to period pain.
Providing resources for users to understand how Moonai works boosts trustability and reduces scientific skepticism, so they can feel more confident in Moonai as an effective alternative to period pain.
Providing resources for users to understand how Moonai works boosts trustability and reduces scientific skepticism, so they can feel more confident in Moonai as an effective alternative to period pain.
FINAL THOUGHTS AND TAKEAWAYS
Moonai's update led to global recognition and thousands of downloads
Moonai's update led to global recognition and thousands of downloads
Moonai's update led to global recognition and thousands of downloads
Moonai was among the top 12 finalists for the She Loves Tech competition in 2021 and was accepted into the FemTech Lab global accelerator program. We launched in 2022 with strong reception, garnering thousands of organic app downloads without paid advertisement or marketing.
Moonai was among the top 12 finalists for the She Loves Tech competition in 2021 and was accepted into the FemTech Lab global accelerator program. We launched in 2022 with strong reception, garnering thousands of organic app downloads without paid advertisement or marketing.
Moonai was among the top 12 finalists for the She Loves Tech competition in 2021 and was accepted into the FemTech Lab global accelerator program. We launched in 2022 with strong reception, garnering thousands of organic app downloads without paid advertisement or marketing.
As my collaboration with Moonai was sunsetting, I worked with the product team to create onboarding materials and documentation for future designers, including our design process, project roadmap, and brand identity. I also helped build plans to track data on engagement, customer satisfaction, retention, and conversion to measure app success. Moonai was awarded with Apple's "App of the Day" in 2022.
As my collaboration with Moonai was sunsetting, I worked with the product team to create onboarding materials and documentation for future designers, including our design process, project roadmap, and brand identity. I also helped build plans to track data on engagement, customer satisfaction, retention, and conversion to measure app success. Moonai was awarded with Apple's "App of the Day" in 2022.
As my collaboration with Moonai was sunsetting, I worked with the product team to create onboarding materials and documentation for future designers, including our design process, project roadmap, and brand identity. I also helped build plans to track data on engagement, customer satisfaction, retention, and conversion to measure app success. Moonai was awarded with Apple's "App of the Day" in 2022.