0-1 Responsive mobile web
[old] Live video peer support for professionals
Workvana enables people within the same roles and industries to mentor and support one another
COMPANY
workvana
ROLE
Product Designer
team
1 Product Designer
1 Product Manager
1 Fullstack Engineer
YEAR
2024
Workplace stress is at an all time high. As many as 77% of U.S. workers reported stress at work with 57 percent reporting negative health effects as a result (Carrier Management, 2023).
Many employers do not offer resources to combat this. And if they do, employees may feel skeptical about their safety in using them given the connection to their employer.
Problem Statement
How might we provide trustworthy mental health support for employees facing high workplace stressors, especially when they don't trust employer resources?
solution
A live video platform where people can connect with similar professionals from other companies and provide support and advice to each other.
OUTCOME
9/10 CSAT
Rating from surveyed professionals
Alpha launch
Live, alpha launch targeting early 2025
I undertook a 4-step process to land on the final experience:
Research & Planning
Competitive Analysis
I also reviewed existing alternatives and substitutes in the market and found that nearly no solution was profession specific. So people would need to either be lucky or persistent to find solutions to problems specific to their role and industry.
Design & Prototyping
Feature Definition
I identified 3 key features based on user research and used them as the foundation for low fidelity wireframes.
Connect professionals in similar roles and industries
"Having a group with other teachers would be the most important thing. We experience a certain type of stress/pressure that other jobs don't as much or that other people wouldn't understand."
Provide moderation to ensure productive discussions
"A facilitator is important…without one, I might end up feeling disconnected from group or it might not be as productive a discussion as I would like."
Focus discussions on career-related challenges
"I don't want to hear about personal details ie. a death in the family. I think people should go to therapy for that. I would leave if the discussions were personal rants."
Design & Prototyping
User Flow
One of the key flows to test was the process of finding groups relevant to one's role and industry.
Scroll for full flow
Design & Prototyping
User Testing
I created low fidelity wireframes to validate both the user experience as well as understand receptiveness to the overall concept. Some key iterations based on feedback were:
Before
After
Role & Industry-Based Groups
Before: Hard to search for role and industry specific groups
V0
#
After: Filters make role & industry search easier
V1
Moderation
Before: Use of human moderator and written rules to manage discussion
V0
#
After: AI chatbot helps group collectively manage discussion
V1
Peer support vs group therapy
Before: Topic names use therapy terms like depression
V0
#
After: Topics strictly problem-oriented & non-therapy
V1
Design & Development
Hi Fidelity Design
After finalizing the mid-fidelity designs, I developed and implemented the brand to produce high fidelity designs. Key principles were:
Clean, calming design: I opted for natural colors and soft gradients to evoke a sense of calm and support the mental health focus.
Minimal distractions: The interface is deliberately minimal, keeping the focus on meaningful interactions rather than overwhelming users with information.
Enterprise-feel: Ensuring clarity so people understand the site is not a replacement for therapy
Logo
Minimalist, sans-serif
Subtle gradient of soft blue and green hues
Lowercase type presents casual but professional tone
color palette
Primary brand colors create a calming, approachable brand aesthetic
Evokes feelings of trust, relaxation, and harmony
Secondary brand colors provide a neutral, versatile foundation
Enhances readability, balances vibrant primary colors
Adds a sleek, modern touch
TYPEOGRAPHY
Work Sans font is clean, modern, and highly readable
Promotes user accessibility
Professional yet approachable
The resulting AI-powered, peer support site is a safe, easy-to-navigate platform where users can connect with others experiencing similar work-related challenges. By leveraging video calls, Workvana brings the benefits of face-to-face interaction into a digital space, reducing isolation, fostering empathy, and creating a community of support. Key features include:
Topic-Based Groups
The platform offers topic-specific groups (e.g., managing burnout, navigating career transitions, work-life balance) so users can find communities that relate to their particular challenges.
Create a Custom Group
Users can easily create their own groups around specific work challenges or topics, inviting others to join. This allows professionals to build their own support networks tailored to their unique needs, fostering personalized peer support.
AI-Powered Moderation
Workvana utilizes AI-powered moderation to ensure a safe and respectful environment during calls and group discussions. The AI automatically detects and manages undesired behaviors, such as over-talking overs or taking over the discussion and provides a way for the group to collectively take action, fostering a positive and productive conversation.
User surveys show significant support and enthusiasm for workvana. I'm also continuing to iterate on workvana based on user feedback.
Positive User Feedback
Average 9/10 CSAT rating from surveyed professionals
Native App Experience
Started with a responsive mobile web experience for versatility and ease of adoption for the widest audience, however, future plans include a native app version
1x1 Mentoring
Per customer request, will also explore the expansion of functionality to include 1x1 mentoring in addition to group peer support