CAPSULE takes the cumbersome process of traditional diary keeping and the impersonal digital journaling process into a hunter-gatherer experience. Each entry feels like gathering memories that further grow into more than just text memos.
FEB 2025
RICE-DESIGN-A-THON
PRODUCT DESIGNER
CONTEXT
Prompt: How can we stay human with AI?
This designed for the 2025 Rice-Design-a-thon. I worked with a team of three other designers, where I owned the visual design and user research.
Our answer to this prompt? The ability to create and cherish emotions and memories.
PROBLEM
Consistent journaling feels like homework.
Journaling can often feel like a chore, making the habit hard to maintain. It feels like another task to check off the to-do list, but it's not a priority so it's often marked off even when it's not done.
RESEARCH
We had our problems, but let's validate them.
We created a survey targeting college students across different schools (UCLA, Columbia, UPenn).
That told us:::
🧠
LOW FRICTION
How can we allow users capture in seconds without needing to sit down and sort out their thoughts? How do we eliminate needing to capture/wait for the "perfect moment"?
🫀
MEANINGFUL & PERSONALIZED
How can we maintain the personal aspect that is so tied to journaling? How can AI play a role in this?
DESIGN GOALS
SOLUTIONS
Playful identity
We wanted a brand identity that resonated with young adults and a strong mascot. We took inspiration from apps like Headspace, pulled images from Pinterest and Dribbble, and asked our fellow classmates what colorways and elements connected with them.
Educational onboarding
Onboarding that teaches users the app's concept and allows them to leave a note for their future self.
Quick capture in your back pocket
The default landing page allows users to add entries quickly and effortlessly. It offers three main options: text, voice, or photo entries which are then automatically saved for later consolidation.
Create capsules
Consolidate entries into capsules. Either select pre-existing entries or start collecting.
Finding capsules made easy
Instead of sifting through your notes app or physical journal pages, find them based on dates or highlights in the capsule page. Never lose your memories if you want to look back or share with your friends.
Recaps as rewards using gentle AI
Recaps (which have been successful by Spotify) is the element of reward in which users give their memories and we give back. Gentle AI works in the background to analyze user patterns to create recaps on your journaling habits.
REFLECTIONS
WE WON FIRST PLACE!
First time for everything: first design-a-thon and first win. This was also my first time working on a team with only designers!
👏
LEVERAGING THE SKILLS OF OTHER DESIGNERS
The perk of working with a team of designers is that everyone brings a different skill, and it's important to leverage that.
🗒️
TIGHT TIMELINES = PRIORITIZE RUTHLESSLY
Working on a product over the weekend meant the need to prioritize ruthlessly to discern primary vs secondary flows.
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STORYTELLING IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE PRODUCT
The story behind the "why" of your product is just as important as your product, as well as when it comes to advocating for it.
