Takk App: Managing Mental Load in Long-Term Relationships

Introduction

Mental load encompasses the behind-the-scenes processes that unfold within our households, that frequently go unnoticed. This may be including creating a shopping list, choosing a fitting gift for a relative, or orchestrating babysitting arrangements.

Problem Statement

However, mental load frequently falls disproportionately on women, especially mothers, potentially resulting in relationship strains, burnout, and even depressive tendencies.

Goal

Tackling mental load in long-term relationships by promoting a culture of appreciation.

MY ROLE

User Research
User Interviews
User Testing
Interface Design
Interaction Design
Presentation

TIMELINE

5 months
March–July 2023

TOOLS

Figma
Figma Jam
Miro
Adobe Creative Suite

Key features

I conducted a thorough analysis that included reviewing literature, creating surveys, consulting with experts, and interviewing users to determine the app's key features.

Simple and delightful household management tool

🚩 Challenge: Numerous parents rely on post-it notes for their daily organization. If a note is misplaced, the task will be forgotten.

🚀 Outcome: I've developed a user-friendly household management app with all the tools parents need for a stress-free day-to-day management.

Chat as a centrepiece of the app

🚩 Challenge: Parents primarily communicate about household matters on WhatsApp or Messenger, with to-dos easily getting lost amid unrelated messages.

🚀 Outcome: Dedicated space for chatting about the household. On top of chat functionality, all events regarding household management are also appearing in the chat and can be interacted with.

Animated and personalised gratitude interactions

🚩 Challenge: Mental load isn't always by the actual amount of labour; it can stem from a sense of unfairness and a lack of appreciation.

🚀 Outcome: Takk app incorporates delightful personalized interactions to nurture a culture of appreciation in long-term relationships.

My UX Design Process

01—USER survey & Interviews

I started with user research to understand the status quo.

After reviewing scientific literature, I asked 42 couples who live together how they divide cognitive labour. The results showed that a lot of women take on most of the mental load and the relationship suffers after the first child is born.

🧠 Key learning: Many women feel unappreciated for the mental and physical work they're doing at home.

02—expert interviews

Then I talked to two couples therapists to understand how to approach the issue.

Both therapists practice different methods of couple's therapy. My goal was to understand what do professional advice their clients who deal with the same problem.

🧠 Key learning: It is important for couples to keep learning about each other and to foster a culture of appreciation. It can be as simple as saying, “Thank you for thinking of this.”

03—COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

I also looked at other competitors’ apps on the market.

Based on selected criteria, I analysed other apps that tackle the issue from different angles and compared their plusses and minuses.
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🧠 Key learning: No app provides an all-in-one solution that would let the users manage their household while allowing them to react to all activities that took place.

04—ideation & concept creation

I derived use personas and created user scenarios from previous research.

This helped me to understand the key pain points and improvement opportunities couples in long-term relationships might be dealing with.
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🧠 Key learning: Women don't want to be the ones constantly having to remind their partners what needs to be done and how.

🚀 Outcome: A solution featuring a built-in digital assistant, in-app notifications about outstanding tasks, and the ability to say "thank you" in a unique and personalised way.

05—interaction ideas

Taking inspiration from the theory of 5 love languages, I visualized what gratitude interactions might look like.

I wanted to rethink traditional gestures, offering fresh ideas or giving existing ones a deeper significance. Additionally, these interactions needed to be thoughtful, showcasing our care for our partner through careful preparation.

🚀 Outcome: Five customizable mini interactions to express personal appreciation.

06—information architecture

Then I defined the information hierarchy to ensure a logical flow for users.

Based on selected criteria, I researched similar apps that tackle the issue from different angles and compared their plusses and minuses.
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🧠 Key learning: Users require easy access to prior reactions to revisit the positive moments in their relationship.

07—wireframing & testing

Next, I translated the user flow into wireframes and tested them with users.

I conducted usability testing on low-fidelity wireframes with three users. I had them interpret function purposes, describe reaction creation, and more.
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🧠 Key learning: Users preferred quick access to daily events on the home screen, desired note grouping, and suggested a dedicated reaction button.

08—branding

I created a moodboard and defined the visual language.

To establish a style, I curated an inspiring moodboard. My criteria included accessible colors, a polished yet delightful appearance, and a color-coded interface.

🚀 Outcome: Rounded shapes, vibrant palette, and cheerful illustrations.

09—hi-fi prototyping

The final look.

From discussions with busy moms, it became clear that they desired a flawless solution. Consequently, I chose a clean interface that can be color-coded according to users' preferences, facilitating easy comprehension at a glance.
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🧠 Key learning: If I was given more time, I'd dedicate additional focus to prototyping and include all UI states and crafting captivating transitions.

10—testing

Finally, I conducted interviews with couples to collect feedback and uncover any issues.

I assigned participants two tasks: updating a shopping list and reacting to the latest chat event while vocalizing their thought process and sharing their opinions on the interactions.
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🧠 Key learning: Some users were surprised when an item was marked as "bought" upon clicking, as they expected a pop-up for editing properties. Overall, the concept of interactions based on love languages received a highly positive response, with users expressing a desire for a wider variety of options.

Key takeaways

1—There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution in regard to parenting

Busy mothers demand seamless experiences with no room for errors. They are used to their own ways of doing things and some are resistant to change, preferring their own imperfect but somewhat functional systems. Even if my solution is not adopted by everyone, I hope to at least spark a discussion or prompt thoughts about the mental load.

2—Don't be afraid to explore beyond the first concept

Initially, I was fixated on the app being primarily a home management tool and, secondly, an educational resource on mental load for couples. However, through my discussions with people, they suggested alternative uses, such as for students sharing a dorm or coordinating childcare within moms' groups. This experience taught me to embrace new ideas as they emerge.