My main research focus can be broken down into the following research questions:

• What are users hoping to get out of Headspace?

• Why and why don’t users sign up for the free trial?

• What issues or pain points do people experience when using the Headspace app?

To gather my data, I conducted user interviews and contextual inquiries with six participants. Users were first asked about their current/past experiences with mental health/meditation apps and desired features. 

Next, each participant was led through a contextual inquiry of the main headspace website and sign up page. After asking them a series of questions related to their experience, they were then led through another contextual inquiry of the Headspace app, specifically two Headspace activities of the user’s choosing. Participants were asked a series of questions related to their app experience. 

Lastly, the users were asked more questions about their experience using an interview format.

Current Use and Interest in Meditation Apps:

• Participants have varied experiences with meditation apps like Calm and Headspace.

• Some have never used a meditation app, while others have experience with both, noting both positive and negative aspects.

Desired Features in Meditation Apps:

• Introductory lessons and easy-to-follow guides

• Timer and calming soundscapes

• Ease of use with minimal verification processes

• Privacy security and minimal data requirements

• Ability to filter by length of time

• Progress tracking and multi-session programs

• Both realistic and cartoon graphics

• Adaptability

• Cool music

• Guided meditation

Feedback on Free Trial Prompt:

• General dislike for requiring sign-up or credit card information before trying the app

• Concerns about data privacy and feeling trapped in a corporate schemePreference for a brief trial with limited features accessible without sign-up

• Some openness to signing up if the trial includes clear benefits and reminders before it ends

• Immediate dislike for having to enter credit card information for a free trial

• Nervousness about free trials

1. Likelihood to Sign Up for Free Trial:

• Initial likelihood varied but was generally low due to sign-up requirements and lack of feature visibility

• Ratings improved slightly after trying specific activities but remained cautious

• Initial ratings: 1-5/10

• After Activity 1: 1/10 - 3/10

• After Activity 2: 0/10 - 5/10

2. Activity Feedback:

• Positive reactions to relaxation and enjoyment from realistic soundscapes and simple, calming visuals

• Dislikes included feeling underwhelmed, annoyance with childish graphics, and abandonment of activities when content felt unengaging

• Preferred realistic elements and clear, direct instructions

• Positive reactions to humorous content and simple designs that minimize distractions

• Annoyance with stress-focused content and desire for more interactive elements

• Confusion and zoning out with less engaging activities

3. Positive Aspects of Headspace:

• Easy to use with appealing colors and graphics Variety of meditations and niche categories

• Multi-session programs and courses

• Simple design that minimizes distractions

• Options to choose a guidance voice

• Fun engagement and relatable graphics

• Calming graphics

• “Like” feature for activities

• Introduction to breathing meditation with a pause for calming breaths

• Audio guidance allows for disconnection from the phone while still being guided

4. Negative Aspects of Headspace:

• Some dislike childish or cartoonish graphics

• Feeling lost without a “pick up where you left off” feature

• Perception of the app as too “boxy” with no variation in button styles and sizes

• Missing sections for grief and exercises for kids

• Titles too general; desire for subcategories in guides

• Graphics felt patronizing

• Activity content felt underwhelming and pseudo-philosophical

5. Overall Summary of Headspace:

• Viewed as suitable for beginners with structured courses and multi-session programs

• Helps users meditate, relax, and find their best thoughts, but has areas needing improvement in design and user engagement

• Described as having potential but perceived by some as insincere or a “corporate trap”

• Seen as a “crappy but maybe convenient intro to meditation” by some participants

6. Final Thoughts:

• Enjoyment of the app’s design and ease of use

• Concerns about data privacy and the necessity of providing personal information upfront

• Mixed feelings about the effectiveness and appeal of the app’s features and design choices

• Liked the variation of time limits for each meditation