Global Mind Health
A research platform designed for a PhD student, supporting participant recruitment and presenting the study’s purpose, progress, and resources.
Overview
This site supports an ongoing study by offering clear research information, participant guidance, and contact resources that reflects academic professionalism and empathy. I led the full design and development with a focus on clarity, accessibility, and trust for a diverse audience.
Discovery
To begin the project, I conducted a Q&A session with the client to uncover key goals and pain points. Through this process, I uncovered two key insights that guided the design direction moving forward.
01. Sensitive, Empathetic Design
The main target users were young adults experiencing symptoms of depression. This required a design direction that emphasized calmness, trust and emotional safety from the very first interaction.
"I want users to feel quietly reassured the moment when they land on the website."
02. Purpose-Driven Functionality
Not only simply sharing study information, the client also envisioned a space where visitors could engage in anonymous discussions. This required exploring practical ways to implement a low-barrier and secure discussion platform.
CMS Platform Decision Process
Through in-depth discussions with the client, I researched several CMS platforms to determine the most appropriate fit for the client needs. After evaluating several options, I chose WordPress. The decision was driven by the availability of specific features, ease of maintenance, flexible customization, and budget-friendliness.
Wireframing
Prioritizing user-friendly navigation, I created low-fidelity wireframes. I carefully mapped out each page’s layout to step into the design and development phases smoothly.
Typography
To effectively deliver trust and a modern tone,I selected Source Sans 3 for headings and Open Sans for body text. Source Sans 3 creates a clean and direct impression, while Open Sans ensures readability across all devices.
Color Palette
In selecting the color palette, I considered both the brand image and the emotional experience of users. Deep blue was chosen to convey trust and professionalism, and green represented relaxation and balance. This combination supported calm, trustworthy, and welcoming tone for the digital experience.
What I learned
Client Collaboration
Collaborating closely with the client helped me understand the balance between following direction and proposing design-driven solutions. I learned that offering thoughtful suggestions not only adds value but also builds trust. Given more time, I would’ve focused on creating a more flexible and co-creative feedback loop.
Practical Plugin Experience & Expanded Understanding
Exploring and testing new plugins broadened my technical toolkit and deepened my understanding of how design choices affect user experience. With more time, I would have explored more customized design solutions.
Documentation & Handoff
While I provided basic content management guidance, I realized the importance of thorough documentation for long-term usability. Moving forward, I plan to improve my handoff process to better support clients in maintaining their site independently and confidently.
