Mental Wellbeing
Wellness in Gaming, Meep
Wellness in Gaming, Meep
Wellness in Gaming, Meep
Gaming too much? This adorable smartwatch pet, Meep will help you find balance!
Gaming too much? This adorable smartwatch pet, Meep will help you find balance!
Gaming too much? This adorable smartwatch pet, Meep will help you find balance!
tl;dr
tl;dr
tl;dr
Background
Background
Young adult gamers grappling with gaming addiction often face frustrations such as neglecting health and overspending. In response, I conducted user research to understand their challenges. Subsequently, I developed MEEP, a smartwatch app that integrates emotional tracking, ambient music, reminders, and monitoring features, all facilitated by an engaging virtual pet companion. Through this innovative solution, MEEP promotes wellness by encouraging healthy habits while gamers maintain their immersive experiences.
Young adult gamers grappling with gaming addiction often face frustrations such as neglecting health and overspending. In response, I conducted user research to understand their challenges. Subsequently, I developed MEEP, a smartwatch app that integrates emotional tracking, ambient music, reminders, and monitoring features, all facilitated by an engaging virtual pet companion. Through this innovative solution, MEEP promotes wellness by encouraging healthy habits while gamers maintain their immersive experiences.
Young adult gamers grappling with gaming addiction often face frustrations such as neglecting health and overspending. In response, I conducted user research to understand their challenges. Subsequently, I developed MEEP, a smartwatch app that integrates emotional tracking, ambient music, reminders, and monitoring features, all facilitated by an engaging virtual pet companion. Through this innovative solution, MEEP promotes wellness by encouraging healthy habits while gamers maintain their immersive experiences.
Duration
Duration
Duration
Aug 2022 - Nov 2022 (13 Weeks)
Aug 2022 - Nov 2022 (13 Weeks)
Aug 2022 - Nov 2022 (13 Weeks)
Focus
Focus
Focus
First-Person Shooting Games (FPS)
First-Person Shooting Games (FPS)
First-Person Shooting Games (FPS)
My Role
My Role
My Role
Research | Conceptualizing | User Testing | Visual Design | Prototyping
Research | Conceptualizing | User Testing | Visual Design | Prototyping
Research | Conceptualizing | User Testing | Visual Design | Prototyping
This was a team effort 💜
This was a team effort 💜
This was a team effort 💜
Research
Research
Understanding the Problem
Understanding the Problem
To truly understand the depth of the problem, we started with framing our initial challenge and then conducted secondary research and in-depth user research.
To truly understand the depth of the problem, we started with framing our initial challenge and then conducted secondary research and in-depth user research.
Research
Understanding the Problem
To truly understand the depth of the problem, we started with framing our initial challenge and then conducted secondary research and in-depth user research.
Our Challenge
Our Challenge
Our Challenge
Recognize the psychological impacts of excessive gaming and designing to address the mental health of users without compromising on the pleasurable immersive experience of gaming.
Recognize the psychological impacts of excessive gaming and designing to address the mental health of users without compromising on the pleasurable immersive experience of gaming.
Recognize the psychological impacts of excessive gaming and designing to address the mental health of users without compromising on the pleasurable immersive experience of gaming.
Problem Statement
How might we motivate the players to balance their personal and gaming life and channel their frustration positively without compromising on the pleasurable immersive experience of gaming?
What did we find?
What did we find?
What did we find?
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
46%
46%
46%
Increase in the number of gamers in the US during the covid pandemic.
Increase in the number of gamers in the US during the covid pandemic.
Increase in the number of gamers in the US during the covid pandemic.
3-6.5 mil
3-6.5 mil
3-6.5 mil
gamers in the United States are estimated to have mental disorders due to gaming.
gamers in the United States are estimated to have mental disorders due to gaming.
gamers in the United States are estimated to have mental disorders due to gaming.
"First-Person Shooting (FPS) games can cause aggressive and violent behavior among players owing to their interactive and captivating nature"
"First-Person Shooting (FPS) games can cause aggressive and violent behavior among players owing to their interactive and captivating nature"
"First-Person Shooting (FPS) games can cause aggressive and violent behavior among players owing to their interactive and captivating nature"
"Gamers can feel a constant need to be involved in more and more video gaming tournaments, in the belief that the more you play, the more you will be asked to play"
"Gamers can feel a constant need to be involved in more and more video gaming tournaments, in the belief that the more you play, the more you will be asked to play"
"Gamers can feel a constant need to be involved in more and more video gaming tournaments, in the belief that the more you play, the more you will be asked to play"
"Video games satisfy all the demands that other activities often satisfy, so with excessive gaming, one loses the desire to do other things and it takes a toll on one's emotions"
"Video games satisfy all the demands that other activities often satisfy, so with excessive gaming, one loses the desire to do other things and it takes a toll on one's emotions"
"Video games satisfy all the demands that other activities often satisfy, so with excessive gaming, one loses the desire to do other things and it takes a toll on one's emotions"
What do the gamers have to say?
What do the gamers have to say?
What do the gamers have to say?
Interviews & Observation
Interviews & Observation
Interviews & Observation
Target Users: Young gamers between the age of 18-24 years.
Target Users: Young gamers between the age of 18-24 years.
Target Users: Young gamers between the age of 18-24 years.
Making sense of it all
Making sense of it all
Making sense of it all
After carefully examining the insights from user interviews and observations, we focused on the key areas where users face challenges and frustrations. This analysis has guided us in focusing our research efforts to better understand user pain points.
After carefully examining the insights from user interviews and observations, we focused on the key areas where users face challenges and frustrations. This analysis has guided us in focusing our research efforts to better understand user pain points.
After carefully examining the insights from user interviews and observations, we focused on the key areas where users face challenges and frustrations. This analysis has guided us in focusing our research efforts to better understand user pain points.
*Haters will say my candid is fake
*Haters will say my candid is fake
*Haters will say my candid is fake
Key Insights
Key Insights
Key Insights
Excessive gaming can lead to development of "Gaming Disorder," characterized by various negative impacts
Excessive gaming can lead to development of "Gaming Disorder," characterized by various negative impacts
Excessive gaming can lead to development of "Gaming Disorder," characterized by various negative impacts
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Inability to regulate the amount of time they spend playing games
Inability to regulate the amount of time they spend playing games
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Giving gaming precedence over daily tasks and activities
Giving gaming precedence over daily tasks and activities
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Excessive gaming may cause hallucinations and disorientation
Excessive gaming may cause hallucinations and disorientation
Visualizing User Pain Points
Visualizing User Pain Points
Visualizing User Pain Points
Based on our key insights, we aimed to create visual representations illustrating how our findings align with the user pain points.
Based on our key insights, we aimed to create visual representations illustrating how our findings align with the user pain points.
Based on our key insights, we aimed to create visual representations illustrating how our findings align with the user pain points.
Players feel frustrated while intense rounds of gaming. To find a way channel their frustration positively.
Players feel frustrated while intense rounds of gaming. To find a way channel their frustration positively.
Players feel frustrated while intense rounds of gaming. To find a way channel their frustration positively.
Players feel frustrated while intense rounds of gaming. To find a way channel their frustration positively.
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Due to the pressure of performing in the game, players feel stressed. To find a way to reduce stress while gaming.
Due to the pressure of performing in the game, players feel stressed. To find a way to reduce stress while gaming.
Due to the pressure of performing in the game, players feel stressed. To find a way to reduce stress while gaming.
Due to the pressure of performing in the game, players feel stressed. To find a way to reduce stress while gaming.
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Players get immersed while gaming and lose track of time. To find a balance their personal and gaming life.
Players get immersed while gaming and lose track of time. To find a balance their personal and gaming life.
Players get immersed while gaming and lose track of time. To find a balance their personal and gaming life.
Players get immersed while gaming and lose track of time. To find a balance their personal and gaming life.
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Due to excessive gaming, players neglect their physical health. To find a solution to keep a check on their physical health.
Due to excessive gaming, players neglect their physical health. To find a solution to keep a check on their physical health.
Due to excessive gaming, players neglect their physical health. To find a solution to keep a check on their physical health.
Due to excessive gaming, players neglect their physical health. To find a solution to keep a check on their physical health.
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Excessive gaming makes the players neglect sleep. To assist players improve their sleep patterns.
Excessive gaming makes the players neglect sleep. To assist players improve their sleep patterns.
Excessive gaming makes the players neglect sleep. To assist players improve their sleep patterns.
Excessive gaming makes the players neglect sleep. To assist players improve their sleep patterns.
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Players tend to over-indulge in purchasing in-game accessories. To help players track their in-game spending.
Players tend to over-indulge in purchasing in-game accessories. To help players track their in-game spending.
Players tend to over-indulge in purchasing in-game accessories. To help players track their in-game spending.
Players tend to over-indulge in purchasing in-game accessories. To help players track their in-game spending.
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Problem Statement
How might we motivate the players to balance their personal and gaming life and channel their frustration positively without compromising on the pleasurable immersive experience of gaming?
Problem Statement
How might we motivate the players to balance their personal and gaming life and channel their frustration positively without compromising on the pleasurable immersive experience of gaming?
Initial Concept | Virtual Safe House
Initial Concept | Virtual Safe House
Initial Concept | Virtual Safe House
We came up with the concept of a "Virtual Safe House", wherein players can de-stress and rejuvenate, when feeling overwhelmed, without leaving the game. They can listen to music, play relaxing games, or work on small skill-enhancing tasks.
We came up with the concept of a "Virtual Safe House", wherein players can de-stress and rejuvenate, when feeling overwhelmed, without leaving the game. They can listen to music, play relaxing games, or work on small skill-enhancing tasks.
We came up with the concept of a "Virtual Safe House", wherein players can de-stress and rejuvenate, when feeling overwhelmed, without leaving the game. They can listen to music, play relaxing games, or work on small skill-enhancing tasks.
Player feels overwhelmed and frustrated after playing a multiplayer shooting game for hours.
Player feels overwhelmed and frustrated after playing a multiplayer shooting game for hours.
Player feels overwhelmed and frustrated after playing a multiplayer shooting game for hours.
Player enters a virtual safe house within the game for a few minutes to destress and rejuvenate for the rest of the game.
Player enters a virtual safe house within the game for a few minutes to destress and rejuvenate for the rest of the game.
Player enters a virtual safe house within the game for a few minutes to destress and rejuvenate for the rest of the game.
Player can choose to listen to
ambient music, play relaxing games or engage in small skill enhancing tasks.
Player can choose to listen to
ambient music, play relaxing games or engage in small skill enhancing tasks.
Player can choose to listen to
ambient music, play relaxing games or engage in small skill enhancing tasks.
Validating the Virtual Safe House
Validating the Virtual Safe House
Validating the Virtual Safe House
We further explored the concept by conducting Wizard-Of-Oz with a few gamer friends.
We further explored the concept by conducting Wizard-Of-Oz with a few gamer friends.
We further explored the concept by conducting Wizard-Of-Oz with a few gamer friends.
The eye-tracking feature of the game detects that the player is feeling exhausted and frustrated.
The eye-tracking feature of the game detects that the player is feeling exhausted and frustrated.
The eye-tracking feature of the game detects that the player is feeling exhausted and frustrated.
The player enters the virtual safe house, which includes options to choose a particular theme.
The player enters the virtual safe house, which includes options to choose a particular theme.
The player enters the virtual safe house, which includes options to choose a particular theme.
The player chooses the ‘forest’ theme. Further, they select the ‘ambient music’ option within the virtual safe house.
The player chooses the ‘forest’ theme. Further, they select the ‘ambient music’ option within the virtual safe house.
The player chooses the ‘forest’ theme. Further, they select the ‘ambient music’ option within the virtual safe house.
Key Insights
Key Insights
Key Insights
We discovered that the "Virtual Safe House" presented challenges while developing the concept through prototypes, feasibility testing, and user interviews.
The biggest concern was that, with limited time within the game, the players would be abandoning their teammates while in the safe house.
We discovered that the "Virtual Safe House" presented challenges while developing the concept through prototypes, feasibility testing, and user interviews.
The biggest concern was that, with limited time within the game, the players would be abandoning their teammates while in the safe house.
We discovered that the "Virtual Safe House" presented challenges while developing the concept through prototypes, feasibility testing, and user interviews.
The biggest concern was that, with limited time within the game, the players would be abandoning their teammates while in the safe house.
Rationale
Rationale
Rationale
Observation.
Observation.
Observation.
Virtual Safe House was a concept for the players to relax for sometime during the game.
Virtual Safe House was a concept for the players to relax for sometime during the game.
Virtual Safe House was a concept for the players to relax for sometime during the game.
But,
But,
But,
Since the game is for a limited time and when the player is in the safe house, the teammates may feel abandoned.
Since the game is for a limited time and when the player is in the safe house, the teammates may feel abandoned.
Since the game is for a limited time and when the player is in the safe house, the teammates may feel abandoned.
What if?
What if?
What if?
A Virtual Support Animal is introduced, which is integrated with wearable devices and helps players with emotional mapping.
A Virtual Support Animal is introduced, which is integrated with wearable devices and helps players with emotional mapping.
A Virtual Support Animal is introduced, which is integrated with wearable devices and helps players with emotional mapping.
The Pivotal Moment
The Pivotal Moment
The Pivotal Moment
We revisited our "How Might We" statement:
"How Might We motivate the players to balance their personal and gaming life and channel their frustration positively without compromising on the pleasurable immersive experience of gaming?
This emphasis on maintaining the immersive gaming experience led us to pivot our solutions.
We revisited our "How Might We" statement:
"How Might We motivate the players to balance their personal and gaming life and channel their frustration positively without compromising on the pleasurable immersive experience of gaming?
This emphasis on maintaining the immersive gaming experience led us to pivot our solutions.
We revisited our "How Might We" statement:
"How Might We motivate the players to balance their personal and gaming life and channel their frustration positively without compromising on the pleasurable immersive experience of gaming?
This emphasis on maintaining the immersive gaming experience led us to pivot our solutions.
The Solution
The Solution
The Solution
Say Hi to MEEP!
Say Hi to MEEP!
Say Hi to MEEP!
‘MEEP’ is an AI Support Animal that is always with the players like a loyal companion. Meep cheers the players up with music, dance movements, and cute expressions!
Meep is also a great helper that reminds players to sleep on time, encourages them to take a walk, helps them track their gaming activities and answers to their questions.
‘MEEP’ is an AI Support Animal that is always with the players like a loyal companion. Meep cheers the players up with music, dance movements, and cute expressions!
Meep is also a great helper that reminds players to sleep on time, encourages them to take a walk, helps them track their gaming activities and answers to their questions.
‘MEEP’ is an AI Support Animal that is always with the players like a loyal companion. Meep cheers the players up with music, dance movements, and cute expressions!
Meep is also a great helper that reminds players to sleep on time, encourages them to take a walk, helps them track their gaming activities and answers to their questions.
What can Meep do?
What can Meep do?
What can Meep do?
Feel: MEEP’s head is essentially the screen of the smart watch and thus can sense touch. Like any pet, it likes a nice pat on the head.
Feel: MEEP’s head is essentially the screen of the smart watch and thus can sense touch. Like any pet, it likes a nice pat on the head.
Feel
MEEP’s head is essentially the screen of the smart watch and thus can sense touch. Like any pet, it likes a nice pat on the head.
Addresses:
Addresses:
Addresses:
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Dance: MEEP can be the player’s companion and dance to cheer them up whenever they feel stressed or frustrated.
Dance: MEEP can be the player’s companion and dance to cheer them up whenever they feel stressed or frustrated.
Dance
MEEP can be the player’s companion and dance to cheer them up whenever they feel stressed or frustrated.
Addresses:
Addresses:
Addresses:
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Play Music: MEEP notices that the player is stressed and plays ambient music to help them calm down.
Play Music: MEEP notices that the player is stressed and plays ambient music to help them calm down.
Play Music
MEEP notices that the player is stressed and plays ambient music to help them calm down.
Addresses:
Addresses:
Addresses:
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Track: MEEP tracks the player’s in-game activity and prompts them to set goals like tracking sleep and setting in-game spendings.
Track: MEEP tracks the player’s in-game activity and prompts them to set goals like tracking sleep and setting in-game spendings.
Track
MEEP tracks the player’s in-game activity and prompts them to set goals like tracking sleep and setting in-game spendings.
Addresses:
Addresses:
Addresses:
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Communicate: MEEP can have conversations with the players. It can even crack jokes to make the mood light.
Communicate: MEEP can have conversations with the players. It can even crack jokes to make the mood light.
Communicate
MEEP can have conversations with the players. It can even crack jokes to make the mood light.
Addresses:
Addresses:
Addresses:
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Loss of Control
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Over Prioritizing
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
Loss of Sense of Reality
We designed MEEP to have realistic expressions!
We designed MEEP to have realistic expressions!
We designed MEEP to have realistic expressions!
Happy
Happy
Excited
Excited
Sad
Sad
Angry
Angry
Petting
Petting
Dancing
Dancing
Eating
Eating
Walking
Walking
Second Fold to the Solution
Second Fold to the Solution
Second Fold to the Solution
Introducing an interactive app integrated with Smartwatches!
Introducing an interactive app integrated with Smartwatches!
Introducing an interactive app integrated with Smartwatches!
MEEP can help the Users track their Emotions
MEEP can help the Users track their Emotions
MEEP can help the Users track their Emotions
Interactions with MEEP
Interactions with MEEP
Interactions with MEEP
MEEP can help set Sleep Timers and set In-Game Expenses
MEEP can help set Sleep Timers and set In-Game Expenses
MEEP can help set Sleep Timers and set In-Game Expenses
Self-Reflection
Self-Reflection
Self-Reflection
Many forums have discussed Mental Health on social media platforms. The design challenge seeks to raise awareness about mental health in the gaming community and discover innovative solutions to this problem without compromising the player's gaming experience.
Many forums have discussed Mental Health on social media platforms. The design challenge seeks to raise awareness about mental health in the gaming community and discover innovative solutions to this problem without compromising the player's gaming experience.
Many forums have discussed Mental Health on social media platforms. The design challenge seeks to raise awareness about mental health in the gaming community and discover innovative solutions to this problem without compromising the player's gaming experience.
Scoping down enabled generate designs that address specific issues. Several ideas were discussed at first, but it wasn't until they were narrowed down that precise solutions could be formed.
Scoping down enabled generate designs that address specific issues. Several ideas were discussed at first, but it wasn't until they were narrowed down that precise solutions could be formed.
Scoping down enabled generate designs that address specific issues. Several ideas were discussed at first, but it wasn't until they were narrowed down that precise solutions could be formed.
Some concepts may be difficult to implement due of feasibility. For example, it was deduced from the insights that the discarded concept of the Safe House would be impractical during extended durations of gaming.
Some concepts may be difficult to implement due of feasibility. For example, it was deduced from the insights that the discarded concept of the Safe House would be impractical during extended durations of gaming.
Some concepts may be difficult to implement due of feasibility. For example, it was deduced from the insights that the discarded concept of the Safe House would be impractical during extended durations of gaming.
"The true victory in gaming lies not only in conquering virtual worlds, but also in preserving our mental wellness along the way, for a healthy mind is the ultimate high score."
"The true victory in gaming lies not only in conquering virtual worlds, but also in preserving our mental wellness along the way, for a healthy mind is the ultimate high score."
"The true victory in gaming lies not only in conquering virtual worlds, but also in preserving our mental wellness along the way, for a healthy mind is the ultimate high score."
