Self Savior
A habit-forming application, helping users take small steps toward their goals & achieve their desired self
EMPLOYER
Design strategy course, MDes program at UC
TEAM
Product designer and researcher (me), 3 design students
YEAR & DURATION
2021_1 month
OUTCOME
“For the first time, my goals felt within reach—and the story I wrote about who I wanted to become gave me a deep sense of commitment and purpose.”
BACKGROUND
This project has been selected along with UN Sustainable Goal #3.
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UN Sustainable Goals - Goal #3
Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages.
Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being by 2030
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
Literature review
Including studies about mental health disorder, causes and methods of treatment.
"Over 43 million people experience mental health disorders in a year globally"
In-depth interview
with three students who declared they went through a difficult mental state
DESIGN RATIONALS & RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Influenced by above researches
Low motivation
"I keep losing my motivation to pursue my plans"
"Sometimes bad mood kills my motivation"
No consistency
"The unfinished goals doubles my depression"
"I know what's good but I cannot keep my routine"
No compelling reason
"I sometimes lose the reason of trying to change"
"What will happen if I change?"
The Power of self-narrative
"Creating a personal narrative about yourself increases serotonin"
Gratification through progress
"Happiness & gratification often comes from accomplishing something, learning something or improving something"
"Happiness Hypothesis"
PERSONA
Bessie Cooper
Freelance designer
25 years old
NY city
About
Bessie has a depression. She understands how depression negatively impacts her life. She keeps trying multiple ways to overcome her mental disorder, but eventually she loses interest and motivation and gives up!
“I can see how my mental disorder is negatively affecting my life, but after a while, I usually give up and lose motivation to attempting to treat it”
Goals
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Stay motivated
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Combat her mental disorder
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Stick to plans
Frustrations
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Worry about the negative results of depression on life
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Loose carrier and opportunities
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worry that bad emotions might have negative physically effects
BESSIE'S USER STORY
As a freelance designer, I want to be more motivated by my goals, so that I might see my aspirations come true and get over my depression.
BESSIE'S PROBLEM STATEMENT
Bessie is a freelance designer living with depression, which makes it difficult for her to plan for the future or stay committed to her goals. Her lack of motivation leaves her feeling stuck and disconnected from the life she wants to live. Despite this, she is determined to change her situation and is seeking a gentle, supportive way to rebuild her routine and regain control over her life.
IDEATION
How Might We motivate people with depression to follow any goal they establish for themselves?
leader board
Points
Free subscription
Therapy session coupons
Readings
Videos
Tutor
Podcast
Workshops
Personal coach
Companion
Making story
Showing results
Sharing
Reminders
Group classes
Summary
Making movie of dreams
Motivation
Tracking
Coach
Reward
Education
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
HI-FI PROTOTYPE
Heal Through Small Steps
Self Savior is a routine tracker designed to support individuals battling depression by helping them take small, manageable steps toward personal growth. At its core, the app encourages users to define their dream personality—the version of themselves they aspire to become—and commit to daily activities that align with that vision. Crafting a strong, hopeful personal story has been shown to increase serotonin levels, contributing to more sustained happiness, and a greater sense of purpose and commitment.
These consistent efforts and meaningful accomplishments foster a deep, long-term sense of gratification over time, especially when they connect with real human needs. Each completed step becomes a building block for confidence, self-worth, and emotional resilience.
Additionally, by repeating an activity consistently for 15 to 40 days, it starts to become second nature—an unconscious part of the user’s daily rhythm. These small wins accumulate and slowly reshape behavior, turning healthy habits into a natural lifestyle.
Step 1
Sign up and enter your biographical information.
Talk about your recent feelings or emotions. How do you feel right now?
Step 2
Narrate your own story of "ideal self"
Describe your dream personality—the version of yourself you aspire to become.
Who do you want to be? Write a story about your ideal new self in your own words.
Then select activities you want to make part of your lifestyle and routine. Finally, take a picture of yourself and let the application make your avatar.
Step 3
Heal Through Small Steps
Small daily steps toward your dreams don’t just lead to progress—they also nurture a healthier, more positive mindset along the way.
You will develop the desirable personality you specified in the initial stage by staying on track.
