MDes Graduation Project
Conducted as part of the graduation program at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, this project centers on the creation of a digital toolkit for long-term life planning, with a focus on UX/UI design principles.
The toolkit is designed to empower users in crafting and pursuing their life goals through a range of interactive features. These include goal-setting functionalities, progress-tracking mechanisms, and resources for personal development. By integrating innovative design strategies with insights from psychology, the toolkit offers a comprehensive platform for users to navigate their life journeys effectively.
This project exemplifies the intersection of design, psychology, and personal development. For a deeper exploration of the research methodologies and findings, click the button below to read the full graduate thesis.
UI/UX Design
”Time Machine”
Stage-1
I divide this gamified digital toolkit prototype-“Time Machine”, into four stages. The built-in AI guides users through all the steps, creating at least one executable long-term plan by the end of stage 4. While the tool has some gamification features and graphics, it is not a playable toy that provides entertainment. Each of the four stages is explained below.
Stage 1: Creating Avatar and Baseline Assessment
User begins by creating an avatar in the toolkit and undergoes a baseline assessment by interacting with an AI. The AI prompts User to reflect on their life satisfaction and generates a completion report based on their responses.
Stage-2
Stage 2: Setting Timeline and Establishing Goals
The user sets a timeline from the current day to any period in future and outlines multiple goals. The examples shown are aspirations to work for Apple or to pursue a master's degree. The AI advises users to consult a trusted advisor to refine their goals further.
Stage-3
Stage 3: Consulting Advisor and Planning Adventures
User collaborates with their trusted advisor(s) to discuss their goals and decide on the first steps of their plan. They divide the five-year timeline into months and establish milestones to achieve the User's objectives.
Stage-4 & Archive
Step 4 & Archive: Generating Unexpected Event(s) and Reflecting on Decisions
The user utilizes AI to simulate an unexpected event—a fictional job offer in 2025, eg. After discussing the implications with their advisor, the User records their thoughts in a journal interface provided by the AI. In this example, they reaffirm their commitment to pursuing higher education despite the enticing job offer.
In the 'Archives' interface, users can engage with a variety of trusted advisors to discuss all the plan paths they have established and record the discussions or conclusions within the toolkit. The purpose of these dialogues is to help users clarify what they truly desire for their future and begin executing plans to achieve it. Once a user selects a path and begins execution, the toolkit provides progress check functionalities, reminding and rewarding users for reaching milestones at different stages.
