Better Mind: For Soft, Supportive Mental Health
Better Mind is a mental health app designed for people seeking a judgment-free space to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Whether it’s chatting with emotionally aware AI agents, speaking to a therapist, or engaging with peers, Better Mind creates a safe, gentle environment tailored to each user’s comfort level.
2025
Health
Challenge
Mental health challenges are growing worldwide. According to WHO, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. In Nigeria alone, over 20 million people live with anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders, yet professional help remains difficult to access due to cost, stigma, and fear of judgment.
Key Problems Identified
64% wanted to explore help anonymously before committing
72% preferred starting with an AI agent or community before engaging a therapist
80% wanted a single app combining therapist access, peer support, and AI-powered chat
Insights From Research
The UI decisions were directly shaped by user research, especially from those who were new to therapy, Preferred anonymity, Felt overwhelmed by clinical-looking apps and Neded warmth, not just functionality.
After interviewing 12 participants and running a survey with 100+ respondents. Key findings included:
Anonymity is essential: Users want to explore without creating an account.
AI feels safer than humans (at first): Most prefer AI or community support before speaking to a therapist.
Tone matters: Robotic bots discourage engagement. Users need warmth and empathy.
Complex apps increase anxiety: Heavy menus and clinical interfaces push users away.
Community matters: Peer spaces help people feel understood and reduce isolation.
Design Flow
The case study features things that makes BetterMind different. From it'sAI features, to the peer section and to the therpists.
Home
Research Insight:
“I just want to talk, not figure out how to use the app.”
Design Response:
A chat-first interface as the home screen, removing unnecessary navigation complexity
Quick options beneath input field: Talk to Therapist, Rant in Community, Talk to AI Agent
Voice chat option for accessibility
AI agents trained to reply with soft, warm tone instead of robotic scripts
After each conversation, users are gently prompted:
“Would you like to connect with a therapist about this?”
Communty Forum
Research Insight:
“I love anonymous group chats where I can talk to people who feel like me.”
Design Response:
Topic-based discussion areas: Anxiety Corner, Family, etc
Anonymous Sign Up
Anonymous participation using soft-colored pseudonyms (no profile photos)
Focus on emotional relief and shared experiences, not social media dynamics
Therapists
Research Insight:
“Therapists feel random. I want someone who gets my exact issue.”
Design Response:
Smart filters: Specialty, Gender, Language, Availability
Humanized profiles with warm CTAs
Focus on relational UX rather than clinical listing design
AI Implementation
Multiple agents with distinct tones: calm, warm, logical
Scripted for empathy: avoiding repetitive, robotic responses
Therapist routing: AI suggests relevant therapists only when users express readiness
Example Response:
“I hear you. This is a lot to carry. Would you like me to help you find someone to talk to?”
Prototype Testing
92% completed onboarding (anonymous-first reduced friction), 68% engaged with the AI chat more than once in their first session and 35% converted from AI support to exploring therapist options within the app
Conclusion
BetterMind was built around one belief:
“Mental health support should feel like a hug, not a hospital.”
By combining anonymous onboarding, warm conversational AI, therapist access, and peer support, the app provides a judgment-free entry point to care. Every screen whispers:
“You’re not alone.”
