MyPCOSJourney is a mobile application designed to address the often-overlooked mental health challenges associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). While most tools focus solely on physical symptoms, this product provides accessible, evidence-based support for managing anxiety, depression, and body image concerns — all common but under-discussed aspects of living with PCOS.
Following a human-centred design approach grounded in empathy and research, I began by understanding the lived experiences of women with PCOS through user interviews and secondary research. Using the insights gathered, I prioritised clarity, accessibility, and emotional sensitivity to ensure a product that truly supports users mentally and emotionally.
I conducted 8 in-depth interviews with women diagnosed with PCOS, focusing on their mental health experiences, including anxiety, depression, and body image struggles. I also analysed online support groups and reviewed academic research on PCOS-related mental health challenges.
From this research, I discovered that most women feel current health apps overlook emotional well-being. They expressed a strong need for tools that track mood, provide coping strategies, and offer community support to reduce feelings of isolation.
These insights shaped the direction to create a holistic app addressing both physical and mental health needs.
Using insights from interviews and research, I synthesised data to create detailed user personas that represent diverse experiences of women with PCOS, especially highlighting their mental health challenges. I identified key problem statements such as the lack of emotional support in existing apps and the difficulty in tracking mental health alongside physical symptoms.
I also mapped out pain points, revealing critical gaps — including insufficient mental health resources, low personalisation, and limited community interaction. These findings helped focus the design on addressing the overlooked psychological aspects of PCOS and creating a more supportive, integrated experience
To guide ideation, I created a user journey map outlining how women with PCOS currently manage their symptoms and emotional health. This helped visualize pain points at each stage — from symptom onset to seeking help — and revealed key moments of frustration, confusion, and isolation.
With key features defined, I translated ideas into high-fidelity wireframes to bring the concept to life. The focus was on creating a calm, supportive interface that’s easy to navigate and emotionally reassuring for users managing both PCOS and mental health challenges.
The project delivered a high-fidelity prototype that holistically addresses the mental and emotional challenges faced by women with PCOS. The design reflects deep user insights and centers on accessibility, empathy, and evidence-based support.
Key Takeaways:
Addressing mental health in chronic condition apps fills a critical gap
Empathy-led research uncovers needs that often go unspoken
Early ideation and journey mapping ensured solutions aligned with real emotional pain points
This project reinforced the value of designing with compassion—especially for health tools that serve underrepresented communities.
©2024 Faith Oluwale. All Rights Reserved.