HeartTalk
HeartTalk is a human-centered digital solution that tackles the stigma of mental health in Asian-American and immigrant families. Through gamified conversation prompts and culturally attuned design, the app empowers parents and children to build trust, understanding, and stronger connections.
UX
UI
Visual Design
Brand Identity
Project Overview
Client: Senior Capstone Project, College of Visual Arts and Design at UNT
Industry: UI Design, App Design, Mental Health
Timeline: 4 months (2025)
My Role: Lead Product Designer
HeartTalk is a human-centered digital solution that tackles the stigma of mental health in Asian-American and immigrant families. Through gamified conversation prompts and culturally attuned design, the app empowers parents and children to build trust, understanding, and stronger connections.
As a UX/UI designer, I led research, concept development, branding, and prototyping to create an inclusive digital product that bridges cultural gaps and promotes open conversations about mental health.
Research
The project began with qualitative research, including the demographic analysis of the DFW metroplex's growing Asian immigrant population (North Central Texas Council of Governments, n.d.). Insight showed strong intergenerational communication barriers, reinforced by cultural stigma (McLean Hospital, 2022), low mental health utilization (Office of Minority Health, 2023), and a lack of culturally responsive platforms. These findings shaped HeartTalk’s problem statement: families need a respectful, interactive space to talk about emotions openly and safely.
Design Solution
Early sketches explored speech bubbles, hearts, and “conversation decks,” inspired by Root & Seed and Parents Are Human. Wireframes mapped onboarding, prompt selection, and feedback loops, focusing on simplicity for parents and gamification for younger users.
A Figma lo-fi prototype tested conversation flow. Feedback showed a need for clearer categories and stronger hierarchy. Iterations added intuitive navigation, soft blue tones, handwritten headers, and icons of connection, resulting in an engaging hi-fi prototype.
Outcomes
HeartTalk demonstrated how empathetic design reduces stigma and sparks family conversations. Key results included positive engagement and validation of gamification for tough topics. I learned the value of iteration, cultural nuance, and aligning storytelling with UI design.