Visual Communication - Bachelors
‘byblue' provides a unique, anonymous space where users can share personal experiences, feelings, and advice under the pseudonym ‘byblue.’ This ensures privacy and fosters a sense of openness, allowing users to connect and support one another without judgment or comparison. With no likes or comments, ‘byblue’ prioritises genuine expression and community support.
Mental health issues are often exacerbated by pervasive stigma and the diverse ways individuals handle their struggles. The complexity of mental health experiences is heightened by the contrasting approaches people take—some may openly discuss their struggles with humour or attention-seeking behaviours, potentially undermining the seriousness of their experiences. Conversely, those who choose not to speak about their mental health may find their struggles marginalised and perceived as less valid. This lack of a unified approach complicates the support provided and hinders efforts to create a truly supportive and understanding environment.
Mental health is crucial, influencing stress management, relationships, and decision-making, which in turn impacts overall well-being and quality of life. Good mental health facilitates daily functioning, enhances productivity, and fosters resilience, while poor mental health can lead to significant distress and relationship issues. Prioritising mental health is essential for a balanced life and overall wellness.
Despite the importance of mental health, approximately 90% of individuals with mental health conditions face stigma and discrimination, negatively affecting their quality of life. Stigma manifests in two forms: public and self-stigma. Public stigma includes societal stereotypes and discrimination, such as the false belief that individuals with mental illnesses are dangerous or responsible for their condition. Self-stigma occurs when individuals internalise these negative societal views, leading to feelings of unworthiness and a belief that they should manage their symptoms alone. This internalised stigma can cause isolation and reluctance to discuss mental health, as seen in 69% of individuals aged 16-24 who put on a brave face to avoid addressing their mental health.
‘byblue’ is dedicated to addressing these challenges by promoting mental health and well-being through engaging, informative content and innovative support solutions. The platform offers evidence-based advice, wellness resources, and interactive tools designed to dismantle mental health stigma and provide guidance for those struggling.
At its core, byblue provides a safe, anonymous space where users can share their personal experiences, emotions, and advice under the pseudonym ‘byblue.’ This approach ensures complete privacy and encourages open, honest communication. Users can explore and connect with others’ posts, fostering a deep sense of understanding and community. With no likes or comments, ‘byblue’ creates a judgment-free zone where individuals can express their feelings freely, without the pressures of comparison or scrutiny.
Initially, the plan was to create an app that would allow users to post updates, maintain a personal journal, and access our apparel collection. However, as I reflected on the concept, I found myself dissatisfied with various aspects— from the aesthetics to the user interface, and even the overall idea of an app itself.
One common frustration that many people experience is discovering an exciting product or service through social media, only to find out that they have to download an app and go through a tedious sign-up process. This can be incredibly off-putting, especially when the user journey should be straightforward and seamless.
Ultimately, I decided to transform the concept into a web application, offering users a direct and seamless transition from the Instagram page or advertisement to the web application. This approach ensures effortless access to the platform without the frustrations often associated with app downloads and sign-ups, creating an inviting and straightforward user journey.
Given this insight, I realised that an app may not be necessary for the vision. While I initially chose to develop an app for its potential to enhance privacy, particularly regarding the personal journaling feature, I decided to pivot my focus toward enhancing the core experience of user interaction and sharing.
By prioritising the main aspect of users posting and engaging with one another, a more accessible and enjoyable platform can be created that avoids the common pitfalls of app-based frustrations. This shift allows to cultivate a space where users feel free to express themselves without unnecessary barriers, ultimately fostering a more connected and supportive community.
The initial phase of the project involved the creation and detailed annotation of wireframes, a foundational step in the design process. This stage was essential for establishing how the overall layout and structure would be organised to deliver the most user-friendly and intuitive interface. By visualising the interface through wireframes, it became possible to carefully plan and assess the user journey, ensuring that every element was strategically placed to enhance usability and accessibility.
Annotations provided further clarity on the intended interactions, helping to identify the features that would offer the most value and contribute to an optimal user experience. This methodical approach allowed for the exploration of various design alternatives and ensured that the interface was intuitive, reducing the potential for user friction. The wireframes also served as a reference point for identifying key user flows and ensuring that all functional elements were seamlessly integrated into the design. Moreover, by visualising the full scope of the user interface, it became possible to determine the type and complexity of the code that would be necessary to bring the design to life.
The next step in the process was focused on designing the interface, which involved adding colour schemes, visual elements, and imagery to bring the wireframes to life. This stage was crucial in transforming the basic layout into a visually appealing and cohesive design that aligned with the overall branding and user experience goals. Thoughtful attention was given to the choice of colours, ensuring that the palette not only enhanced the aesthetic but also adhered to accessibility standards, such as contrast ratios, to ensure readability for all users.
In addition to colour, various UI elements—such as buttons, icons, and navigation menus—were carefully designed and placed to maintain a seamless and intuitive user experience. These elements were chosen to promote clarity and usability, guiding users through the interface with minimal friction. Each design decision was made to balance aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that the interface was visually engaging while remaining easy to navigate.
The final step in the process was the implementation phase, where the initial wireframes and polished user interface design were brought to life through coding. This phase involved translating the visual designs into a fully functional website using Visual Studio Code, a powerful and flexible code editor. By this stage, all the planning and design decisions made during the wireframing and UI design phases were ready to be executed through precise coding.
https://byblueconnectforyou.netlify.app/ (use google chrome for best experience)
As an enthusiastic and passionate designer, Phoebe loves curating innovative designs that intrigue and engage viewers, fostering conversation and leaving lasting impressions. Eager to learn and exceed expectations, she infuses a unique flair into every project, hoping to make each one truly exceptional.