Zeno.
Transforming Addiction Recovery into a Premium Cosmic Journey
Expertise
Industry
Year
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The Input: AI-Generated Blind Spots
We were handed an ambitious idea wrapped in structural chaos. At the start, the client provided concepts and wireframes entirely generated by AI. The core issue was simple: AI lacks empathy. The initial screens were flat, overloaded with cold, military-style jargon (like "Biometric Feedback"), and completely ignored the user's cognitive load. For a vulnerable user battling addiction, this machine-like interface felt more like an interrogation than a safe space. Our task was to transform this soulless draft into a living, breathing product.
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The Challenge: Navigating the Chaos
Technically, we had to achieve the impossible: pack a complex, multi-layered psychological diagnostic into a seamless Daily Check-in flow that takes exactly 15 seconds. Any extra friction or added interaction time would result in the user simply abandoning the app the next day.
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Defending the User’s Mental Health
Our primary responsibility was to protect the user from negative psychological triggers. The original wireframes framed the daily routine as cold "Biometric Feedback." We humanized this into a supportive "Daily Check-in." The biggest UX battle, however, was our hard stance against placing a red "I've Slipped" (relapse) button directly on the main dashboard. Having a constant visual reminder of failure is actively harmful in a recovery journey. Instead, we safely embedded this critical action inside a dedicated "Support" menu, keeping the main dashboard a strictly positive, growth-oriented space.
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Designed to Distract, Refocus, and Relieve Stress.
We didn't just build games; we engineered cognitive breaks. To keep users engaged over months of recovery, we developed a library of 22 custom mini-games, categorized strictly by the user's emotional needs at any given second.
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Anonymity Without Losing Personality
In a recovery app, privacy is paramount. Users are often hesitant to upload real photos, but defaulting to cold, gray silhouette placeholders creates a depressing, clinical vibe. We wanted users to feel safe but still be able to express their personality.
To solve this, we designed a custom library of tactile, clay-style 3D avatars. From quirky aliens and astronauts to plant-lovers, these avatars act as "anonymity shields." They keep the community vibrant and human, ensuring that protecting your identity doesn't mean losing your individuality.
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Empathy Through Characters
A solitary journey through space can feel isolating, especially in recovery. To combat this, we developed a cast of bespoke 3D mascots that guide, support, and challenge the user. They act as functional UX elements, communicating system states and emotional feedback without relying on heavy text.
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Design System
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Results
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