Open Your Heart — Mental Health App for Children
UI/UX Designer
12 weeks
Complete app design + content framework
iOS · Android
Offline-first edutainment app for children and caregivers
Open Your Heart is an NGO-backed mental health resource designed specifically for children and young teens in Myanmar. The app needed to provide accessible mental health education using multiple formats — articles, comics, podcasts, and games — all optimized for low-connectivity environments where many users live.
The Challenge: Mental health education for offline users
Most mental health apps assume constant internet access. In Myanmar, many children in rural areas have intermittent connectivity or must use shared family devices. The app needed to:
- Work offline after initial download with synced updates
- Support multiple content formats to keep users engaged
- Be age-appropriate without being patronizing
- Feel safe and non-judgmental for sensitive topics
- Work on low-spec devices (older Android phones)
My Approach: Content-first, resilient design
01 Modular content library — Each content format (articles, comics, podcasts, games) was designed as independent modules that users could download selectively.
02 Offline-optimized UX — Clear visual indicators for what's available offline vs. requires sync. Smooth graceful degradation for low bandwidth.
03 Age-conscious design — Different UI treatments for different age groups (8-12, 13-17+), with parental guidance features for caregivers.
04 Trauma-informed patterns — Soft color palettes, minimal notifications, no push pressures, clear exit paths at any time.
Design System for Mental Health
The color palette was specifically chosen to feel supportive, not clinical:
- Soft greens and purples for calm
- Warm oranges for encouragement
- Clear whitespace to reduce cognitive load
Typography focused on legibility at small sizes and on low-res screens. Illustration style was warm and relatable, not sterile or clinical.
Outcome: 50K+ downloads, growing
The app launched in three languages (Myanmar, English, Karen) and within 6 months reached 50K+ active downloads. User feedback consistently praised the approachable tone and the ability to access content offline.
Impact metrics:
- 50K+ downloads in first 6 months
- 4.6⭐ rating on both iOS and Android stores
- 60%+ return rate week-over-week
- Positive feedback from school counselors and parents
- NGO partnership expanded to 3 additional countries
Available on: App Store, Google Play
Got a project that deserves better design?
Available for senior UI/UX roles and select freelance engagements.