Ashish Upadhyay

Case Study

Capstone

I was challenged to develop a solution that addresses mental health issues through a unique and innovative approach.

About
MellowSphere

It’s a safe space for people to navigate their emotions, connect with others, and find tools to feel better in their daily lives. It’s designed to help individuals deal with stress, anxiety, or simply those moments when life feels overwhelming.

Overview

My Role

Research on Concept
Concept Design & Prototype
Research Findings
Concept Development

My Team

Team - Ashish, Neeraj (Thomas - Mentor)

Research

How I started

My first step was to explore the current landscape of mental wellness apps to identify strengths and gaps. I analyzed tools like Headspace, Calm, and Wysa to understand their features, usability, and limitations.

Problem Identification

Validated by User Interview & Survey

Pain Points

Lack of Safe and Supportive Connection   - Many platforms do not provide genuine spaces where users feel comfortable sharing and connecting with others.
Ineffective Stress-Relief Tools - Available coping tools are often too generic or unengaging, making it difficult for users to manage stress consistently.

Lack of Safe and Supportive Connection   - Many platforms do not provide genuine spaces where users feel comfortable sharing and connecting with others.
Ineffective Stress-Relief Tools - Available coping tools are often too generic or unengaging, making it difficult for users to manage stress consistently.

"I just want to share how I feels without being judged"

"Other tools feels too generic to solve the problems I face."

"I need a new engaging approach to my everyday problems"

"The current application suggestions don't really help me"

Target User

18 - 35 year olds

Due to the high stress
of work

Stress & Anxiety

People who are already

experiencing

People who are already

experiencing

New Solution

People Seeking Unique approach to mental health

Emotional Discovery

People who love to explore there emotions

Interview Insight

Working as a psychiatrist for over a decade

Amelia / Interview Insights

Insight 1

Amelia stresses understanding each person’s unique stress experience and tailoring coping strategies.

Insight 2

Amelia highlights that relaxing music and calming games help reduce stress and anxiety.

Insight 3

Users value an anonymous community where they can share and heal without judgment.

Competitor Analysis

“Offers guided meditations, sleep stories, and calming music focused on relaxation.”

“Provides mindfulness and meditation courses with a strong emphasis on stress relief.”

“Connects users to licensed therapists through text, phone, or video sessions.”

“Features interactive games and science-based activities aimed at improving mental well-being.”

Design Solution

Validated from Survey

Features

It offers personalized music therapy and mood-based tips, AI mood tracking for better self-awareness, and anonymous communities for safe connection. Users can also access interactive stress-relief games, all within an inclusive, easy-to-use platform.

Solution

Empathetic AI Chat

Why It Matters: Research by the American Psychological Association (2023) highlights that AI-driven emotional support tools can enhance self-awareness and provide a sense of companionship, helping users feel understood during tough times.

Why It Matters: Research by the American Psychological Association (2023) highlights that AI-driven emotional support tools can enhance self-awareness and provide a sense of companionship, helping users feel understood during tough times.

Personalized Music Therapy

Why It Matters: Studies from the National Institutes of Health (2022) show that music therapy is a proven method to lower stress levels, ease anxiety, and promote emotional healing.

Why It Matters: Studies from the National Institutes of Health (2022) show that music therapy is a proven method to lower stress levels, ease anxiety, and promote emotional healing.

Interactive Games

Why It Matters: Findings by the National Institute of Mental Health (2022) suggest that interactive activities and gamification are effective tools to reduce anxiety and foster positive behavioral changes through engagement.

Why It Matters: Findings by the National Institute of Mental Health (2022) suggest that interactive activities and gamification are effective tools to reduce anxiety and foster positive behavioral changes through engagement.

Anonymous Community

Why It Matters: Backed by research from the World Health Organization (2023), which highlights the importance of social support, the community fosters empathy and understanding among users.

Why It Matters: Backed by research from the World Health Organization (2023), which highlights the importance of social support, the community fosters empathy and understanding among users.

Take Away

Key Learnings

Through MellowSphere, I learned the importance of designing with empathy and focusing on real human needs.. The biggest challenge was moving beyond generic solutions to create something truly personal, safe, and engaging. This project taught me that mental health design isn’t just about tools—it’s about building trust, connection, and moments of relief for people when they need it most.

Through MellowSphere, I learned the importance of designing with empathy and focusing on real human needs.. The biggest challenge was moving beyond generic solutions to create something truly personal, safe, and engaging. This project taught me that mental health design isn’t just about tools—it’s about building trust, connection, and moments of relief for people when they need it most.