A mobile app to support health and wellbeing through nature
Industry
Not-for-profit
Client
Thrive / Big Lemon
My role
Lead Product designer
About
Thrive is the leading UK gardening for health charity, helping to improve people's physical and mental health through gardening and nature based activities. They wanted to create an app to reach people who, with a little guidance and motivation, could self manage their symptoms and improve their wellbeing.
What I did
Prototyping
UI Design
UX Design
Outcomes
Positive user reception
The feedback we received from our pilot launch highlighted the app's ease of use and the benefits of integrating nature into daily routines.
"So useful and easy to use!
Easy and straight forward with loads of activities and tips for getting outdoors, growing and being with nature."
— App Store review
Increased motivation
Users reported increased motivation to engage in gardening activities and noted improvements in mental wellbeing.
"It's really good for your mental wellbeing to have that little nudge to say, ‘Oh, don't forget’"
— App pilot participant.
Stronger habit formation
Daily check-ins, reflective journaling, and flexible scheduling supported users in building sustainable wellbeing routines. The feedback from our app pilot users indicated that gardening was helping their mental wellbeing.
"It just improves your mental health and wellbeing so much. You know, even a short space or a short burst of green therapy is amazing."
— App pilot participant
Increased trust and credibility
Designed under ORCHA guidelines provided users with assurance that the platform meets robust standards for clinical safety, data protection, and usability. This was particularly valuable for health professionals, charities, and local authorities recommending the app.
Tools used
Figma
Miro
Adobe Illustrator
Linear
Credits
Illustrations: Tamara Hardy
Built by: Big Lemon
