Helpmate — Xiwen

Background

The spread and mutation of COVID-19 have greatly affected mental health, increasing anxiety and depression. The ongoing challenges of the pandemic often feel like a constant struggle. In this uncertain time, understanding one another and building a sense of security have become top concerns for many.

User Research

During the research on COVID-related depression, in-depth interviews and surveys were conducted to gain insights into users’ pain points and challenges.

Painpoint 1

Narrow Perspective

I was unable to understand COVID in a timely and comprehensive manner.

A large volume of COVID-related information is shared online daily. While I review much of it, I struggle to connect the information into a clear, coherent understanding, often resulting in information overload and lack of clarity.

Interior designer

Work from home

Painpoint 2

Lack of Expertise

It’s hard to get efficient professional support.

Since COVID symptoms are similar to the flu, I often need to get tested, see a doctor, or buy medical supplies to determine the cause when I feel unwell. However, finding the right resources takes considerable time and effort.

Student

Home Learning

Painpoint 3

Emotional Deficit

I've become more sensitive during this time.

When I’m feeling unwell, I often hesitate to communicate my condition to others because I feel uncomfortable bringing attention to my discomfort. As a result, I may not receive the care and support I need during difficult moments.

Freelancers

Work anywhere

Painpoint 4

Health Monitoring

Lack of a dedicated tool for proactive health monitoring during COVID.

Due to the growing spread of the virus and rising infection rates, I’ve become more attentive to monitoring my health so potential issues can be identified early. However, I have not been able to find a dedicated tool that supports this need effectively.

Web developer

Work on site

Covid Depression

Given the continuous progression of the epidemic, various social phenomena and government policies have exacerbated psychological pressure on individuals. These factors include heightened fear, limited understanding of the epidemic, concerns regarding both physical and mental well-being, and occasional shortages of medical supplies. Together, these challenges hinder individuals' ability to proactively address the epidemic, fostering increased stress and depression.

Initial hypothesis

Creating an information community about COVID enables people to share insights, ensuring they receive more timely and comprehensive information on the topic.

But the User voices were different

Clear information architecture and categorization reduce search time. I prioritize official, trusted sources over user-generated content for accuracy and reliability.

Beyond accessing and sharing information, I value meaningful connections and spiritual support within the community.

So This App want to ...

To build a COVID-specific platform, information integration and health support are the two key functions.

Information integration

Centralize essential COVID information to enable easier search, access, and a clearer, more efficient understanding of the pandemic.

Health support

Provide both professional and peer support, enabling users to access trusted health resources while supporting and connecting with friends.

Service Key features

A COVID-focused platform should prioritize two core functions: centralized information access and integrated health support.

Service 1

Painpoint

One-sided understanding

Solution

Information Platform

Deliver authoritative, up-to-date COVID information to support clearer understanding and informed confidence.

Service 2

Painpoint

Lack of professional support

Solution

Information Platform

Includes consolidated information on medical supplies, hospitals, physicians, and COVID-19 testing facilities.

Service 3

Painpoint

Absence of Timely Data

Solution

Information Platform

Comprehensive global and country-specific COVID statistics, including trends and infection data.

Service 4

Painpoint

Improve health recording and monitoring

Solution

Information Platform

Track and share health data to enhance support, informed decisions, and information exchange.

Mission

This is a professional information channel that provides comprehensive insights into COVID and physical health, while fostering mutual care, assistance, and emotional support.

Service Concept

Helpmate is a user-centered platform designed to facilitate both platform-provided support and peer-to-peer assistance. In times of uncertainty, access to diverse support channels helps strengthen users’ sense of safety and reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.

H as Helpmate

Connection & Hug

Healthcare

Design Guide

We have established the design guide by selecting colors that best represent the service concept, complemented by a highly readable font.

Logo

Color

Typography

Gray

Main

Sub

Color ratio

e5e5e5

60%

10%

20%

User Flow

Helpmate is built around two core pillars: information integration and health support, structured into four key features. Information integration includes general knowledge and COVID-related updates, while health support offers access to professional resources and self-health monitoring tools.

Persona

Accountant

Work from home

Janus 26 years old Cat lover Like cooking Like traveling

Working from home limits my social interactions, leaving me prone to negative emotions. I seek comfort and encouragement, and while I stay updated on COVID news, organizing the information is exhausting. I want to better understand both COVID and my own health.

Painpoint • Difficulty processing information • Unclear view of COVID situation • Limited emotional support

Goal • Receive emotional support • Gain clear, efficient COVID insights • Understand personal health

Onboarding

Users can create an account and submit basic personal information, enabling personalized and relevant content delivery.

Information platform

Homepage

This section provides general COVID information, including news, prevention guidance, and treatment resources.

Health support

Homepage

COVID statistics

Homepage

This section visualizes COVID data for quick, intuitive understanding and provides global and country-level insights to support a clear, macro view of its evolving impact.

Health self check

Homepage

Helps users record and monitor their physical condition, share status tags with friends, and connect with others to exchange information. Users can also send timely support based on friends’ status, strengthening social connection and providing emotional support to reduce stress and feelings of depression.