Grove Project - Zayn Abbas

Problem

At-risk youth in Ontario often struggle to find and access essential wellness resources, mental health support, and community events. The lack of a centralized, youth-friendly platform makes it difficult for them to connect with available services, leading to missed opportunities for support, engagement, and personal development.

Solution

This project provides a digital platform that connects at-risk youth to The Grove Youth and Wellness Hubs’ resources and events. Through an intuitive and accessible design, the platform streamlines access to mental health services, support programs, and community activities, ensuring youth can easily find the help and connections they need.

Live Demo

Discovery

Research

We analyzed existing youth wellness platforms and mental health support systems to identify gaps in accessibility, engagement, and effectiveness. Key insights included:

65% of surveyed youth preferred digital solutions over in-person visits for initial mental health support.
The most common barriers to accessing resources included lack of awareness (42%) and stigma (38%).
Existing wellness hubs often lacked a mobile-friendly digital presence, making it difficult for youth to engage with them effectively.

User Interviews

A survey was distributed to assess their needs and preferences for accessing wellness resources. Key findings:

78% wanted a single platform to find mental health services, crisis support, and local events.
55% felt overwhelmed by scattered information and outdated websites when searching for help.
89% were interested in anonymous support options and self-help resources.

Key Findings

Accessibility & Awareness – Youth struggle to find the right support due to fragmented resources and outdated platforms.
User Experience & Design – A simple, mobile-friendly platform is crucial for engagement.
Confidentiality & Trust – Many youth prefer anonymous options before committing to in-person or one-on-one support.
Personalization & Recommendations – Users want relevant, localized, and personalized resources rather than generic lists.
Community & Engagement – Beyond mental health support, youth are looking for events, peer connections, and interactive content.

Ideation

User Personas

Created detailed personas representing our primary users: a 17 year old community member who struggles with anxiety and social isolation.

User Stories

Developed comprehensive user stories to guide feature development and prioritization.

"As a struggling teenager, I want a simple and clear way to find mental health support so that I can get the help I need without feeling overwhelmed."

"As a youth who feels isolated, I want access to peer support groups so that I can connect with others who understand my struggles."

Feature Mapping

We implemented a MUSCOW (Musts, Shoulds, Coulds, Won'ts) Feature Map to prioritize features based on user needs and business goals.

Design

Wireframes

We created low-fidelity wireframes to establish core functionality and user flows. Such as login, signup, and navigation.

Visual Design

Developed the final visual design system focusing on clarity and accessibility.

The Grove: A Wellness Hub

Problem

Solution

Role

Tools

Timeline

Process