AI-Powered Emotional Check-Ins for Equanimity
A mental health tool designed to foster emotional well-being, self-awareness, and human connection
Role: Founder, Product Designer, Researcher, Strategist
Tools: Figma, Whimsical, Notion, ChatGPT (for prototyping AI responses), Firebase (for backend planning)
The Problem
Many people struggle with emotional self-awareness, especially during high-stress periods. Mental health tools are often either too clinical or too passive. I set out to design an app that felt like a gentle, intelligent companion—meeting users where they are and guiding them toward greater equanimity without overwhelm.
The Goal
To create an accessible and emotionally supportive daily tool that helps users reflect, regulate, and feel seen—without needing to journal for hours or know where to start.
Key Features
1. AI-Powered Check-Ins
A daily multiple-choice check-in system that analyzes sentiment and context, then offers supportive content, mood tracking, and journaling prompts.
My contribution: Created the interaction model, logic flow, and question/response structures that combine behavioral science with natural language patterns.
2. Personalized Insights Engine
Users receive gentle affirmations, relevant mindfulness content, or reflection cues based on their emotional patterns.
My contribution: Mapped mood detection logic to content pathways, establishing a structure for long-term emotional trend visualization.
3. Journaling Companion (AI-Assisted)
Optional follow-up questions and affirming responses, powered by AI, that encourage deeper reflection.
My contribution: Wrote prompt logic, designed conversational UX patterns, and focused on reducing emotional friction.
Outcomes
Built MVP flow for AI-driven user engagement
Created a scalable framework for mental health journaling + insight delivery
Positioned for investor presentation with a working prototype and feature roadmap
Designed with privacy, safety, and emotional nuance at the forefront
Next Steps
Currently preparing for user testing and initial pilot launch. Future plans include therapist-provider integration, deeper sentiment analysis, and community-based features.
Success Metrics — Reframed for Human Impact
We intentionally moved away from shallow engagement metrics. Instead, we focused on measurable indicators of emotional well-being, resilience, and self-awareness:
| Metric | Definition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Clarity Increase | % of users who report greater ability to identify what they’re feeling over time | Helps users build language around their emotions, supporting mental health literacy |
| Cognitive Reframe Usage | # of users who opt into suggested reframes or affirmations after check-ins | Indicates that the tool is actively helping users shift mindset patterns |
| Insight Frequency | Average # of “aha” or self-awareness moments surfaced per user per week | Measures emotional insight — a key driver in mental and emotional growth |
| Mood Volatility Reduction | Change in user-reported emotional highs and lows across 30+ days | Suggests increased emotional regulation and resilience |
| Self-Reported Relief | % of users who report feeling better or more grounded after check-ins | Captures immediate emotional impact of using the tool |
| Reflection Adherence | % of users who complete more than 3 check-ins per week consistently over 1 month | Signals trust in the tool as part of their emotional routine |