Unpressured Mobile App

Product Experience

Problem Space 

Problem Statement  

How might we create an online space where social media users can authentically express themselves without fear of judgment or pressure to conform?

Problem Background  

At the climax of the last world epidemic, the role of social media in our lives has grown exponentially. However, it has also amplified the need to present an idealized version of ourselves, leading to a rise in inauthentic interactions and impacting mental well-being. In a world increasingly dominated by social media, individuals encounter the compelling need to curate and present an idealized version of themselves. The pressure to conform to these standards creates an environment where genuine sharing is stifled. Users grapple with concerns about judgment, negative comments, and the erosion of their mental well-being. We stand at a critical juncture where addressing this problem is imperative. Insights drawn from user surveys and conversations underscore the significance of a social media platform that promotes authenticity.

Research Insights

User Pain Points

Pressure to Present Idealized Self: Extensive user interviews and data collected through Google Forms revealed that individuals face significant pressure to present an idealized version of themselves on social media. These pain points were consistently highlighted by a number of persons interviewed, and most respondents have experienced the pressure to present a perfect self.

Supporting Data

Daily Usage Patterns: All respondents use social media daily, indicating consistent exposure to these challenges in their online interactions.

Desire for Authenticity: 80% of respondents rated authenticity highly, emphasizing the strong desire for genuine interactions and a need for platforms that foster authenticity.

Suggested Features: Suggestions from users, including no filters, no likes, and no image sharing, align with the identified pain points, emphasizing the importance of these changes to promote a more authentic experience.

Feedback

Positive Reception of Anonymity: Respondents highly valued anonymity, indicating a desire for a secure platform where they can share their real selves without fear of judgment or exposure.

Perceived Positive Impact: Users believe that reducing the pressure to conform and shifting the focus to meaningful interactions would significantly enhance their online experience, showcasing the potential positive impact of the Unpressured App's approach.

These insights underline the critical need for a platform like the Unpressured App, which aims to address these pain points directly and create a safer, more genuine online space for users.

Landing on the Solution

Based on our target users’ pain points, we knew we wanted to work on the following features:

Anonymity: The option for users to post content anonymously, providing a secure environment for sharing.

Removal of Likes: Eliminating the traditional like button to shift the focus away from superficial metrics.

No Filters/Natural Posts: A commitment to providing an unfiltered experience for users to promote authenticity.

Explanation of Solution

After we showcased our prototype to the users again, we learned that these features resonated with them. Anonymity offered them a sense of security, while the removal of likes and filters created an environment where they felt free to share their real selves without judgment.

User Flows/Mockups

Process Flow: Onboarding and Posting on Unpressured App

1. User Launches App:

• User downloads and opens the Unpressured App.

2. Onboarding Screen:

• Welcome message introducing the Unpressured App.
• Options to Sign Up or Log In.
• User selects preferred option.

3. User Registration (if Sign Up is selected):

• User enters necessary details (username, email, password).
• User agrees to terms and conditions.
• User completes the registration process.

4. Home Screen:

• After successful login or registration, user is directed to the Home Screen.

5. Posting Anonymously:

• User taps on the '+' or 'Create Post' button.

6. Create Post Screen:

• User selects the option to post anonymously.
• User composes a text message or attaches an image to the post.

7. Additional Post Settings:

• Options to customize post settings (e.g., add location, set post visibility).
• User can choose to publish the post or save it as a draft.

8. Posting Confirmation:

• Confirmation message acknowledging the anonymous post.
• Option to share the post with the community.

9. Post Shared:

• Posted content is visible in the community feed without any user attribution.

10. Explore and Engage:

• Users can explore the community feed.
• Engage with other posts through likes, comments, or anonymous reactions.

Future Steps

Based on our conversations with survey respondents, we plan to address the following:

Enhancing User Experience: User feedback will be integral in refining the app's usability and overall experience.

Feature Iteration: Continuous improvement, including potential additions, to make the Unpressured App even more user-friendly and effective in promoting authenticity.

Collaborations with mental health experts and influencers

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