MyCoach
Project Overview
MyCoach grew from a simple question: Why do so many people want to improve their health, yet struggle to stay consistent? Through user interviews and early research, it became clear that most wellness apps focus heavily on tasks (tracking calories, logging workouts, hitting numerical goals) while overlooking the emotional experience of change. MyCoach aims to bridge that gap by offering a supportive, customizable coaching experience that adapts to each user’s preferences, energy levels, and motivations.
Understanding the Problem
During interviews, users expressed frustration with trying to stay healthy. Many had tried diet programs, fitness challenges, or popular apps but struggled with consistency because these tools often felt rigid, overwhelming, or guilt-inducing. Missing a day could feel like failing. Others described wanting accountability but not the pressure or shame that sometimes comes with it. They wanted support that felt personal and encouraging.
These interviews revealed that a combined diet and exercise app should offer the same grace users extend to themselves when life gets in the way of completing their daily goals.
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Understanding the Space
To understand how people think about health habits, I created a concept map to help make some big picture connections. I specifically aimed to connect the health app concepts with psychological concepts about how people think, pay attention, and make mistakes.
I also analyzed popular diet and exercise apps by creating a Venn diagram that compared features across both categories. Some of them did incorporate some form of personalized coach, but very few attempted to target both diet and exercise. I made note on key features that tied well with my concept map and interview findings.
Early Exploration
Before committing to the visual direction, I began by zooming out and mapping the entire experience at a high level. I created an app wireflow to understand how all major features would connect.
Once I had a clear sense of the overall structure, I moved into more detailed exploration. I created early wireframes for a handful of key screens as a testing ground for hierarchy, layout patterns, and the emotional tone of the experience.
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Final Screens
These screens represent the emotional core of the app and demonstrate how MyCoach supports users even on imperfect days.
Reflection
MyCoach pushed me to design with clearer intention and to ground every UX decision in research and behavioral psychology. Building such a customizable experience helped me understand the power of personalization as a tool for strengthening consistency. When users can adapt a plan to their real lives, they’re far more likely to stay engaged. This project also sharpened my visual design skills, especially my ability to create interfaces with consistent spacing, hierarchy, and a cohesive system that supports the overall experience.
Next Steps
If continued, MyCoach could expand into additional features such as adaptive goal-setting, deeper nutrition guidance, and shared accountability among friends. Motion design, microinteractions, and prototypes of the full wireflow would help bring the personality of the coach even more to life.