Balance Hub
Client
University Project
Location
Nottingham, UK
Year
2025
Info
Balance Hub is a mobile app designed to support individuals with eating disorders and mental health challenges. Built with Flutter and Firebase, it offers tools such as therapy booking, journaling, breathing exercises, and a resource hub, all within a calming, accessible interface.
Services
Mobile App Development
Visual Identity
CHALLENGE
The challenge was to create a safe, supportive digital space for users facing sensitive mental health issues. The app needed to provide practical tools like therapy booking and journaling while also maintaining an emotionally calming and non-triggering user experience.
RESULTS & REFLECTION
Balance Hub evolved into a polished, functional prototype that demonstrated the potential of digital tools to support vulnerable users. User testing confirmed its calming impact while also shaping improvements for accessibility and safety. Reflection on this project highlighted the importance of iterative testing in designing sensitive, health-focused apps.
THE PROCESS
Research & Analysis: Reviewed mental health apps and spoke with users to identify gaps around accessibility, emotional safety, and trust. Prioritized features that balanced professional support (therapy booking) with self-care tools (breathing, journaling, resources).
Wireframing & Prototyping: Developed prototypes focusing on a gentle onboarding process, mood tracking, and simple navigation. User testing revealed potential triggers, leading to design changes like replacing mood graphs with supportive pop-ups.
Development: Built with Flutter and Firebase for secure authentication, data storage, and therapist session booking. Designed UI around soft teal and off-white tones, rounded cards, and minimal layouts to promote calmness and trust.
