Vincy Mehta
Spring 2024
I joined this program with a strong background in visual design, considering myself primarily skilled in elements like color, typography, and digital elements. However, my experience here has been eye-opening. I've come to realize that there's a significant distinction between working as a product designer and actively learning and growing in the field. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore both aspects.
Throughout the program, I've gained invaluable insights, particularly appreciating the diverse range of classes offered and the expertise of the professors. Their alignment with their respective areas of focus was remarkable, and they excelled in their teaching roles.
In particular, Ruscha, our program coordinator, stood out. Not only did she fulfill her duties impeccably, but she also served as a mentor, advisor, and friend to all of us. Her unwavering support was especially crucial for international students like myself, providing motivation and reassurance despite being far from home.
As I navigate my path forward, I'm currently in the process of applying for Product Designer roles. If all goes well, I hope to return to the program as a past student, potentially joining the Proseminar class to offer guidance and support to a new cohort of students, much like Cassandra did for me.
For this project, I undertook the task of developing Solace, a mobile application aimed at migraine tracking and management for patients. My role encompassed various aspects of the project, including user research, design, and testing.
I conducted comprehensive user research to understand the current methods and challenges associated with tracking migraine attacks among patients. This involved qualitative research through in-depth interviews and quantitative research via surveys. The research goals were established to gather insights into user preferences, needs, and pain points regarding migraine tracking applications.
Based on the research findings and analysis, I ideated the concept of Solace as a solution to address the identified gaps in the market. The brainstorming process involved analyzing existing migraine tracking apps, reading user reviews, and hypothesizing potential solutions to meet user needs effectively.
The design phase comprised several steps, including creating personas, user journeys, information architecture, and wireframes. Using tools like Figma, FigJam, and Procreate, I developed intuitive user interfaces and app flows that prioritize ease of use and minimal typing for seamless migraine tracking.
I conducted user testing sessions to gather feedback on the initial designs and prototypes of Solace. Through iterative testing and refinement, I ensured that the app meets user expectations, addresses pain points, and provides a delightful user experience.