The healthcare industry is high-stress, and burnout among professionals is a major issue. HealthStream aimed to create Keener, an iOS mobile app designed to provide mental health support for healthcare workers, helping them manage stress and emotional well-being.
Process
Accessibility
Designing for mental health required deep empathy. I conducted interviews with nurses, physicians, and hospital staff to identify their unique stressors. Many professionals had little time for self-care, so we focused on micro-interactions—quick exercises and check-ins that fit into their demanding schedules.
The app was structured around guided reflections, stress-tracking tools, and AI-driven journaling prompts. Visual design played a key role in creating a calm, inviting experience, moving away from the typical clinical aesthetic to something more human and approachable.
The Results
Keener launched successfully in 2020 and received a 4.5-star rating in the App Store. Users reported feeling more in control of their emotional well-being, and adoption among healthcare professionals exceeded initial projections.
Going Forward
Future iterations will incorporate more personalization, leveraging AI to recommend self-care strategies based on user behavior. There are also plans to expand to Android and integrate with hospital wellness programs.