Data Visualization / Print Design / UI/UX Design

Aurize

Discovering connections within self-reflection

Overview

Journaling is an intimate process used for mindfulness, self-awareness, and daily tracking in mental and physical health. While there is a variety of methods for journaling, this project explores text-based stream of consciousness journaling using guided prompts translated into a digital tracking experience.

Aurize is a customizable journal data visualization app that provides insights and guided writing sessions.

  • This thesis was displayed at the graduating BFA Graphic Design Program’s Imagine That Senior Exhibition in 2022.

  • Chang Kim—Primary Advisor
    Graphic Designer, SJSU Professor

    Yoon Chung Han—Secondary Advisor
    Interaction Designer, SJSU Professor

    Cindy Duong—Tertiary Advisor
    Brand Systems Designer, Creative Strategist

  • How does the physical journaling experience differ from digital? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

    What effective strategies are used in text analysis software or AI to collect data?

    How can collected data be effectively conveyed through a digital experience?

  • Mobile App, Process Book

  • Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Fresco, Figma, Procreate

Thesis Statement

Stream-of-consciousness journals are difficult to identify trends and patterns manually due to their free-flowing nature. Elevating the journaling experience by combining physical and digital technology would help users improve their self-awareness and self-care habits.

Discovery & Research / Data Visualization

Gathering the Data

Journal Survey

I conducted a survey to gain insight into users’ wants and needs. Based on a sample size of 17 people, aged 18 to 34 years old, the following are the common findings.

customization

to see how they improved

a space for expression

Users want:

encouragement in consistency

organization for topic types

a safe space to vent

relief from anxiety and stress

Users need:

How many times a week do you create entries?

Journal Samples

For a week, I collected 27 journal samples from volunteers tasked with writing entries based on fixed data topics of sleep, food, mood, work, relationships, and daily habits. I also provided page and entry guidelines as a baseline. Analyzing this data revealed user differences, as well as shifts between qualitative and quantitative data.

Any blank or lined paper

Min. paper size: 5” x 7”

Max. paper size: 8.5” x 11”

Page Guidelines:

Min. 1 page (no limit to number of pages/entry)

At least 1 entry/day

Any writing tool

Handwritten text only (no imagery)

Legible (crossed out lines are okay)

Entry Guidelines:

Brainstorming & Ideation / Data Visualization

Sketch after Sketch after Sketch

Inspired by Giorgia Lupi, I sketched multiple visualizations to create a system that is easily understood on a mobile screen. This meant exploring types of infographics and finding ways to visually represent multiple data points simultaneously.

This part of the project was a significant struggle. Compared to print, data visualization for mobile applications works more effectively when visual elements are simple due to the limited screen area. However, gestures (such as pinching, scrolling, and tapping) can be used to create an elevated layered experience.

Brainstorming & Ideation / UI/UX Design

Mobile Mockup Explorations

Form vs. Function

Early iterations had several issues with hierarchy, flow, and the effective use of infographics. I learned that the texture, shape, color, and complexity of the icons created for the data points needed to be simplified so users can quickly comprehend the information at a glance.

Screen Size

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Final Designs & Deliverables / UI/UX Design

Information Architecture

Final Designs & Deliverables / UI/UX Design

The Final Product

Insights Tab

Insights presents users with a variety of infographics generated from data gathered from scanned journal entries. Users can tap through filtered modules to access secondary and tertiary levels that reveal AI analysis summaries of trends or connections between data points.

Customize Tab

Customize allows users to edit their moods, topics, and activities with preferred colors, shapes, and word choices. A user can select from a range of simple color themes and icons for specific charts.

Final Designs & Deliverables / UI/UX Design

App Walkthrough

Three flows have been created for this prototype: Customize, Guided Entry, and Insights. Guided Entry is a feature that enables users to follow suggested prompts to accompany a journaling session. After completing a written journal entry, pages can be scanned through the camera to be analyzed and translated into visualizations using AI.

Phone’s in the other room? Click here.