UX case study: AURA BALANCE

Problem statement

I redesigned the time spent reminder because, as an Instagram user, I often forget about it or simply dismiss the notification after reaching my set time limit. Users tend to ignore existing time-limit notifications on Instagram, which leads to excessive screen time and feelings of guilt afterward. Current reminders are easy to bypass and do not actively engage users to reflect on their screen-time habits.

Solution

The solution is the "Aura Balance" feature, which introduces a non-intrusive but engaging "commit" interaction. Users are notified about their approaching screen-time limit and prompted to commit to stopping after a specified period. A visual countdown element circle aura semaphor reinforces their commitment. Additionally, the solution provides long-term progress tracking, with rewards and sharing options to motivate users to adopt healthier habits. The design focuses on enhancing digital well-being without reducing engagement with the app.

Design process

My design process is a user-centered approach that starts with understanding the problem through research and competitive analysis. I define user needs by creating personas, empathy maps, and user journeys. Next, I ideate solutions with user flows, then design detailed wireframes and prototypes. Finally, I would test the solution by gathering feedback, refining the design, and considering future improvements.

Target Audience

Primary Audience 

•  Young Adults (18–29) - Active Instagram users who frequently experience guilt or struggle with time limits. This group is the most affected by overuse and highly likely to engage with mindfulness features. 

Secondary Audience 

• Gen Z (under 25) - Youung people on social media who struggle with addiction traits and expect innovative solutions like gamification.

• Millennial (25–40) - Professionals looking for work-life balance, interested in tools to reduce overuse and improve productivity.

User research

My design process is a user-centered approach that starts with understanding the problem through research of the problem and competitive analysis. I define user needs by creating personas, empathy map, and user journey. Next, I ideate solutions with user flows, then design detailed wireframes and prototypes.

Quantitative research

• Data on time spent on social media (e.g., an average of 2-3 hours per day).

• Statistics on the impact on mental health (e.g., correlation between excessive use and increased stress).

Global Trends: Approximately 210 million people worldwide are estimated to suffer from social media and internet addiction.
source: https://www.addictionhelp.com/social-media-addiction/statistics

Mental Health Impact: Excessive social media usage has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly among teenagers. Source: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health

Youth Vulnerability: A 2023 survey reveals that 57% of girls between the ages of 16 and 18 believe they might have a social media addiction. Source: https://influencermarketinghub.com/social-media-addiction-stats/

Brain Effects: Social media interactions can trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward, which can lead to addictive. Source: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health

Why it matters

These findings validate the need for effective tools like “Aura Balance” where time limits are communicated in a way that encourages mindfulness and self-commitment.

User personas

Goals

• Balance professional social media use with personal downtime.

• Reduce stress and improve focus by spending less time mindlessly scrolling.

• Build a healthier relationship with social media.

Frustrations

• Finds herself scrolling past her time limit due to Instagram's addictive design.

• Feels guilty and stressed after spending excessive time online.

• Existing reminders feel easy to dismiss and ineffective.

Tech Habits

• Active on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

• Uses mindfulness apps like Headspace occasionally.

Goals

• Manage screen time to prioritize studies while staying connected with friends.

• Track and improve his digital habits over time.

• Share positive achievements with peers to inspire them.

Frustrations

• Feels like he’s always procrastinating because of Instagram.

• Wants more engaging tools to remind him of his screen-time goals.

• Thinks current notifications lack any reward or sense of progress.

Tech Habits

• Primarily uses Instagram, TikTok, and Discord.

• Enjoys gamified apps like Duolingo for self-improvement.

Empathy MAP

Customer journey map

COMPETITIVE ANALYSE

Time usage status

HIGH FIDELITY SCREEN

Product overview

Aura Balance is a UX case study focused on designing a new feature that helps users limit their time on the platform without negatively impacting the user experience. The project addresses the issue of users ignoring existing notifications about exceeding their time limit and proposes effective yet non-intrusive reminders. 

Responsibility : UX research, UI design

Tools: Figma, Miro, Adobe Illustrator