mAInd
AI-driven mental health platform integrating on-site support, regular monitoring, and assessment for early support in schools and universities.
Service Design
Conference
Health Care
mAInd
AI-driven mental health platform integrating on-site support, regular monitoring, and assessment for early support in schools and universities.
Service Design
Conference
Health Care
mAInd
AI-driven mental health platform integrating on-site support, regular monitoring, and assessment for early support in schools and universities.
Service Design
Conference
Health Care
My Role
My Role
UX Designer
Researcher
UI Designer
UX Designer
Researcher
UI Designer
Solo Project
Solo Project
Timeline
Timeline
Mar 2023 - Dec 2024
Mar 2023 - Dec 2024
Overview
Mental health issues among students aged 13–24 often go unnoticed and untreated due to several barriers, including stigma, lack of awareness, limited accessibility to professional help, and delayed intervention during crises. Schools and universities in India often lack to have robust systems in place for early mental health assessments in a preventive and proactive manner.
mAInd is a comprehensive mental health service for schools and universities, supporting students with on-campus resources and AI-driven tools.
Mental health issues among students aged 13–24 often go unnoticed and untreated due to several barriers, including stigma, lack of awareness, limited accessibility to professional help, and delayed intervention during crises. Schools and universities in India often lack to have robust systems in place for early mental health assessments in a preventive and proactive manner.
mAInd is a comprehensive mental health service for schools and universities, supporting students with on-campus resources and AI-driven tools.
Achievement
I presented my paper titled "An AI-Driven Multifaceted Approach to Mental Health: Leveraging Technology for Mental Well-Being." at 4th Asian Conference on Ergonomics and Design, Humanizing Work and Work Environment & BRICSplus HFE Conference 2023 and got accepted for Springer Publication.
I presented my paper titled "An AI-Driven Multifaceted Approach to Mental Health: Leveraging Technology for Mental Well-Being." at 4th Asian Conference on Ergonomics and Design, Humanizing Work and Work Environment & BRICSplus HFE Conference 2023 and got accepted for Springer Publication.
View Full Paper
Project Highlight
Project Highlight
mAInd App's primary focus is on AI-driven tools that analyzes student behavior to offer personalized support through chat, resources, audio-based journaling, and a vibration kit for instant relief.
mAInd App's primary focus is on AI-driven tools that analyzes student behavior to offer personalized support through chat, resources, audio-based journaling, and a vibration kit for instant relief.
Comfort Kit
Comfort Kit
Feature Set Visual Design
Feature Set Visual Design
My Story
My Story
This project is deeply personal to me and reflects my journey as a UX Designer. I started it in my second semester of college to address the mental health challenges students face on campus — something I relate to, as I’ve experienced anxiety myself. I noticed how bad mental health impacts productivity and social interactions, yet many avoid seeking help due to the stigma around it in India.
Using the Double Diamond Design Process and Service Design Principles, I worked to create a solution that makes mental health support accessible and stigma-free, involving multiple stakeholders to ensure a unified experience.
This project is deeply personal to me and reflects my journey as a UX Designer. I started it in my second semester of college to address the mental health challenges students face on campus — something I relate to, as I’ve experienced anxiety myself. I noticed how bad mental health impacts productivity and social interactions, yet many avoid seeking help due to the stigma around it in India.
Using the Double Diamond Design Process and Service Design Principles, I worked to create a solution that makes mental health support accessible and stigma-free, involving multiple stakeholders to ensure a unified experience.
PHASE 1 : RESEARCH
PHASE 1 : RESEARCH
You know how we always check up on our physical health—whether it’s a fever, a cold, or just feeling off ? Well, mental health needs the same attention, but it often gets ignored.
You know how we always check up on our physical health—whether it’s a fever, a cold, or just feeling off ? Well, mental health needs the same attention, but it often gets ignored.
Discovering the problem
Discovering the problem
In 2019, the Indian Journal of Psychiatry reported that at least 50 million children were struggling with mental health disorders. Yet, an overwhelming 80–90% never sought help. Not because they didn’t need it, but because they didn’t know where to go, whom to trust, or if their struggles even mattered.
SOURCE :
In 2019, the Indian Journal of Psychiatry reported that at least 50 million children were struggling with mental health disorders. Yet, an overwhelming 80–90% never sought help. Not because they didn’t need it, but because they didn’t know where to go, whom to trust, or if their struggles even mattered.
SOURCE :
In 2019, the Indian Journal of Psychiatry reported that at least 50 million children were struggling with mental health disorders. Yet, an overwhelming 80–90% never sought help. Not because they didn’t need it, but because they didn’t know where to go, whom to trust, or if their struggles even mattered.
SOURCE :
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified an already existing mental health crisis among Indian youth, isolating them from social interactions and routine stability.
SOURCE :
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified an already existing mental health crisis among Indian youth, isolating them from social interactions and routine stability.
SOURCE :
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified an already existing mental health crisis among Indian youth, isolating them from social interactions and routine stability.
SOURCE :
Mental illness in India is deeply stigmatized, forcing many to hide their struggles out of guilt and fear, often being unfairly labeled as "mad" and isolated instead of receiving support.
SOURCE :
Mental illness in India is deeply stigmatized, forcing many to hide their struggles out of guilt and fear, often being unfairly labeled as "mad" and isolated instead of receiving support.
SOURCE :
Mental illness in India is deeply stigmatized, forcing many to hide their struggles out of guilt and fear, often being unfairly labeled as "mad" and isolated instead of receiving support.
SOURCE :
In addition, the intense academic pressure in the Indian education system is driving rising anxiety and depression among students, contributing to an increasing dropout rate.
SOURCE :
In addition, the intense academic pressure in the Indian education system is driving rising anxiety and depression among students, contributing to an increasing dropout rate.
SOURCE :
In addition, the intense academic pressure in the Indian education system is driving rising anxiety and depression among students, contributing to an increasing dropout rate.
SOURCE :
Yet India's education system lacks adequate mental health support, with a shortage of counselors and limited awareness among students about symptoms and available help.
SOURCE :
Yet India's education system lacks adequate mental health support, with a shortage of counselors and limited awareness among students about symptoms and available help.
SOURCE :
Yet India's education system lacks adequate mental health support, with a shortage of counselors and limited awareness among students about symptoms and available help.
SOURCE :
A Ray of Light in the Dark- The India’s Union Budget for 2025-26 allocated approximately ₹99,858.56 crore (around $12 billion) to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
SOURCE :
A Ray of Light in the Dark- The India’s Union Budget for 2025-26 allocated approximately ₹99,858.56 crore (around $12 billion) to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
SOURCE :
A Ray of Light in the Dark- The India’s Union Budget for 2025-26 allocated approximately ₹99,858.56 crore (around $12 billion) to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
SOURCE :
Research shows that early mental health detection improves long-term outcomes, while AI and big data enable unbiased educational counseling for better career decisions.
SOURCE :
Research shows that early mental health detection improves long-term outcomes, while AI and big data enable unbiased educational counseling for better career decisions.
SOURCE :
Research shows that early mental health detection improves long-term outcomes, while AI and big data enable unbiased educational counseling for better career decisions.
SOURCE :
78%
Experience anxiety or restlessness in situations where they feel helpless.
70%
Believe that openly talking about their struggles might help them feel better.
81%
Never accessed counseling or professional support.
78%
Experience anxiety or restlessness in situations where they feel helpless.
70%
Believe that openly talking about their struggles might help them feel better.
81%
Never accessed counseling or professional support.
"Survey conducted with a sample size of 150 participants of age group 13 to 24"
"Survey conducted with a sample size of 150 participants of age group 13 to 24"
"I used affinity mapping to analyze insights from one-on-one interviews with a sample of 10 students."
"I used affinity mapping to analyze insights from one-on-one interviews with a sample of 10 students."
Diving deep into student’s mAInds
Diving deep into student’s mAInds
Based on secondary and primary research, I identified two key persona groups: Priyanka Jadhav, an introvert who is shy and struggles to express her feelings openly, and Tushar Sawant, an extroverted workaholic. Despite their differences, both face challenges in articulating their emotions. To deeply empathize with them, I explored their thoughts, words, actions, and feelings.
Based on secondary and primary research, I identified two key persona groups: Priyanka Jadhav, an introvert who is shy and struggles to express her feelings openly, and Tushar Sawant, an extroverted workaholic. Despite their differences, both face challenges in articulating their emotions. To deeply empathize with them, I explored their thoughts, words, actions, and feelings.
Understanding a scenario
Understanding a scenario
Enters the exam hall
Faces a tough jury
Leaves feeling disappointed
Returns to the hostel
Lies in bed, unable to sleep
Searches for online counseling
Feels uneasy as the website asks for personal details
Wishes for a safe space to talk
After understanding a scenario, I mapped each persona’s journey to identify moments of emotional decline. This helped uncover hidden opportunities, which I then explored using the How Might We technique to find possible solutions.
After understanding a scenario, I mapped each persona’s journey to identify moments of emotional decline. This helped uncover hidden opportunities, which I then explored using the How Might We technique to find possible solutions.
How Might We ...
How Might We ...
Make students feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts?
Make students feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts?
Integrate stress-relief activities into academic life?
Integrate stress-relief activities into academic life?
Provide accessible professional support on-campus?
Provide accessible professional support on-campus?
PHASE 2 : CONFERENCE
PHASE 2 : CONFERENCE
Research Paper Framework
Research Paper Framework
With the above vision in mind, I began writing a research paper to dig deeper into this subject by considering a wide variety of people. My research study addresses the psychological impact of the covid-19 epidemic, including financial struggles and stressors, loss and grief, fear and anxiety, and the psychological impact on specific populations such as LGBTQ+. It also discusses the role of psychotherapy (commonly known as talk therapy) in mental health interventions, and how research has shown that its benefits are primarily beneficial for stress management. Furthermore, I draw attention to music therapy, specifically how Indian traditional music stimulates emotions and serves as a foundation for therapeutic compositions. In addition, I discuss how modern AI-driven tools such as Textual Emotion Detection (TED) in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision can be used to detect and monitor these mental health concerns in their early phases, which are at present often hidden.
While challenges and ethical concerns remain, technology offers a promising path toward accessible, accurate, and effective mental health care, one that we must approach with responsibility and empathy.
With the above vision in mind, I began writing a research paper to dig deeper into this subject by considering a wide variety of people. My research study addresses the psychological impact of the covid-19 epidemic, including financial struggles and stressors, loss and grief, fear and anxiety, and the psychological impact on specific populations such as LGBTQ+. It also discusses the role of psychotherapy (commonly known as talk therapy) in mental health interventions, and how research has shown that its benefits are primarily beneficial for stress management. Furthermore, I draw attention to music therapy, specifically how Indian traditional music stimulates emotions and serves as a foundation for therapeutic compositions. In addition, I discuss how modern AI-driven tools such as Textual Emotion Detection (TED) in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision can be used to detect and monitor these mental health concerns in their early phases, which are at present often hidden.
While challenges and ethical concerns remain, technology offers a promising path toward accessible, accurate, and effective mental health care, one that we must approach with responsibility and empathy.
View Full Paper
I am grateful for the opportunity to present my research paper “An AI-Driven Multifaceted Approach to Mental Health: Leveraging Technology for Mental Well-Being." at 4th Asian Conference on Ergonomics and Design, Humanizing Work and Work Environment & BRICSplus HFE Conference 2023, which further got accepted for Springer Publication.
I am grateful for the opportunity to present my research paper “An AI-Driven Multifaceted Approach to Mental Health: Leveraging Technology for Mental Well-Being." at 4th Asian Conference on Ergonomics and Design, Humanizing Work and Work Environment & BRICSplus HFE Conference 2023, which further got accepted for Springer Publication.
Uncovering Expert Insights
Uncovering Expert Insights
Include therapists, healthcare institutions, caregivers, and diverse users for a holistic approach.
Include therapists, healthcare institutions, caregivers, and diverse users for a holistic approach.
Mental health services require constant behavioral change, not just usability-focused digital interactions.
Mental health services require constant behavioral change, not just usability-focused digital interactions.
Address privacy, misdiagnosis, and the need for human oversight in AI.
Address privacy, misdiagnosis, and the need for human oversight in AI.
AI-driven solutions need human support systems for real-world impact
AI-driven solutions need human support systems for real-world impact
PHASE 3 : Service Approach & Visual Design
PHASE 3 : Service Approach & Visual Design
Much More Than Just Students
Much More Than Just Students
Understanding the expert's input revealed that, in addition to students, there are several stakeholders who play critical roles in delivering a service experience. To further understand their influence and involvement, I mapped them using the Power-Interest Matrix, which identified significant participants in the service ecosystem.
Understanding the expert's input revealed that, in addition to students, there are several stakeholders who play critical roles in delivering a service experience. To further understand their influence and involvement, I mapped them using the Power-Interest Matrix, which identified significant participants in the service ecosystem.
Uniting diverse mAInds
Uniting diverse mAInds
Goal
Goal
To design multifaceted mental health service for educational campuses for students (13-24) to foster a culture of proactive well-being. The service integrates AI-powered tools, wearable devices, and interactive digital platforms with on-campus mental health professionals to ensure early assessment, emergency interventions, and continuous engagement.
To design multifaceted mental health service for educational campuses for students (13-24) to foster a culture of proactive well-being. The service integrates AI-powered tools, wearable devices, and interactive digital platforms with on-campus mental health professionals to ensure early assessment, emergency interventions, and continuous engagement.
Introducing
Introducing
mAInd app is designed for students, offering personalized support through behavior analysis. It includes a chatbot for guidance, a Learning Hub for resources, a Vibration Kit for stress relief, and AI-guided journaling for self-reflection.
mAInd app is designed for students, offering personalized support through behavior analysis. It includes a chatbot for guidance, a Learning Hub for resources, a Vibration Kit for stress relief, and AI-guided journaling for self-reflection.
Behind the scenes framework
Behind the scenes framework
Visualizing mAInd
Visualizing mAInd
"This design system ensures a consistent, accessible, and calming interface that supports mental well-being."
"This design system ensures a consistent, accessible, and calming interface that supports mental well-being."
Comfort Kit
Comfort Kit
A dedicated support feature designed to help students manage their mental well-being. Let it be journaling or playing a vibration in case of an emergency or simply learning about some topics about mental health it will get you covered.
A dedicated support feature designed to help students manage their mental well-being. Let it be journaling or playing a vibration in case of an emergency or simply learning about some topics about mental health it will get you covered.
Home
Therapy
Tests
Profile
Journal
Vibration
Resource
Home
Therapy
Tests
Profile
Journal
Vibration
Resource
Home
Therapy
Tests
Profile
Journal
Vibration
Resource
Accessing Past Therapy records
Accessing Past Therapy records
Book on-campus therapy sessions via the app, where therapists upload session notes, key insights, and prescriptions. This ensures students can track their mental health journey, revisit therapist insights, and follow recommended care plans, creating a seamless and structured support system.
Book on-campus therapy sessions via the app, where therapists upload session notes, key insights, and prescriptions. This ensures students can track their mental health journey, revisit therapist insights, and follow recommended care plans, creating a seamless and structured support system.
AI Journaling
AI Journaling
The AI Journaling feature offers Self-Journaling for personal reflection and Conversational Journaling for AI-guided dialogue. Both modes include audio analysis, assessing tone and language to provide real-time emotional insights and summaries, helping students track emotions and enhance self-awareness.
The AI Journaling feature offers Self-Journaling for personal reflection and Conversational Journaling for AI-guided dialogue. Both modes include audio analysis, assessing tone and language to provide real-time emotional insights and summaries, helping students track emotions and enhance self-awareness.
Vibration Therapy
Vibration Therapy
The Vibration Kit is a mental health first-aid tool designed to help students manage emotions like stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. These therapist-recommended preset patterns provides rhythmic feedback to calm the nervous system, refocus the mind, and offer immediate support.
The Vibration Kit is a mental health first-aid tool designed to help students manage emotions like stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. These therapist-recommended preset patterns provides rhythmic feedback to calm the nervous system, refocus the mind, and offer immediate support.
Additional Features
Additional Features
In addition to these features, the app includes ambient sound for white noise relaxation, an interactive vibration therapy playground, inspired by fidgeting behaviors commonly seen during anxiety and adaptive color settings and smartwatch integration for accessibility.
In addition to these features, the app includes ambient sound for white noise relaxation, an interactive vibration therapy playground, inspired by fidgeting behaviors commonly seen during anxiety and adaptive color settings and smartwatch integration for accessibility.
Touch anywhere to activate the vibration feedback
Touch anywhere to activate the vibration feedback
Customizable ambient sound to fit every mood
Customizable ambient sound to fit every mood
Emerald
Emerald
"Click on the color palette to explore accessibility feature"
"Click on the color palette to explore accessibility feature"
Emerald
Emerald
PHASE 4 : FUTURE SCOPE
PHASE 4 : FUTURE SCOPE
Looking into the Future
Looking into the Future
I explored this project through the lens of future mental health solutions. Speculative design principles encourage thinking beyond present scenarios, making it an intriguing approach to envision the project's future potential.
In today’s world, physical health is visible and measurable through fitness trackers and medical scans, but mental health remains largely hidden. This invisibility contributes to ongoing stigma and neglect of mental well-being. This project explores a future world in 2050 where mental health is treated with the same visibility and care as physical health.
I explored this project through the lens of future mental health solutions. Speculative design principles encourage thinking beyond present scenarios, making it an intriguing approach to envision the project's future potential.
In today’s world, physical health is visible and measurable through fitness trackers and medical scans, but mental health remains largely hidden. This invisibility contributes to ongoing stigma and neglect of mental well-being. This project explores a future world in 2050 where mental health is treated with the same visibility and care as physical health.
" WHAT IF mental health could be visualized as clearly as physical health ? "
" WHAT IF mental health could be visualized as clearly as physical health ? "
" WHAT IF mental health could be visualized as clearly as physical health ? "
View Article
If you’d like to explore my work further or exchange ideas on design,
I’d be happy to connect!
If you’d like to explore my work further or exchange ideas on design,
I’d be happy to connect!
2025 All rights reserved.
Open to New Role
2025 All rights reserved.
Open to New Role
2025 All rights reserved.
Open to New Role
2025 All rights reserved.
Open to New Role