ATHLY UX Concept

Undergraduate Capstone Project, 2022

ATHLY is a groundbreaking app designed exclusively for college student-athletes, placing their mental health at the forefront. Our platform offers a trifecta of support: first, we connect student-athletes with dedicated mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges they face. Second, the ATHLY Community facilitates peer connections, enabling students to share experiences and advice. Third, our ATHLY Log allows users to record daily emotions and activities, fostering self-awareness. Our advanced algorithms transform this data into personalized insights and recommendations. ATHLY is a secure, confidential space where student-athletes can access resources, set goals, and track their progress 24/7. We're committed to empowering student-athletes to excel in their sports and academics while prioritizing their mental well-being. Join us on the journey to a healthier, happier college experience. Your mental health matters.

"Having competed in both cross country and track throughout my entire undergraduate journey, this project holds profound personal significance. It underscores a pressing need for comprehensive mental health resources tailored to student-athletes. Our brains, like our bodies, require diligent care. Student-athletes, who shoulder the dual responsibilities of sports and academics, face unique stressors. Unfortunately, accessible resources are limited, and time is a precious commodity. This app, poised to bridge this gap, offers student-athletes a vital lifeline for managing stress and addressing various mental health challenges"

RESEARCH

Facts

Mental illness in sports is often overlooked and an athlete may be left with feelings of loneliness and abandonment, unsure of where to turn.

Research shows that almost 85 percent of certified athletic trainers believe anxiety disorders are currently an issue with student-athletes on their campus.
Anxiety has cognitive and physiological elements. Physiological symptoms may include muscle tension, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing.
Student-athletes are less likely to report having received psychological or mental health services from a variety of providers, including counselors and psychiatrists. This could be due either to a reduced need among the student-athlete population or because they are less likely to report and seek treatment for these concerns.

How do students receive help?

There is a tremendous lack of services in colleges and universities: On college campuses, the ratio of certified counselors to students overall is about 1:1000 – 2000 for small to moderate size schools and 1:2000 – 3500 for large universities.
Some schools offer counseling, online counseling with psychiatrists and psychologists, online treatment module, crisis lines, mindfulness programs, groups, and art therapy.
The barriers to seeking help for students may fall into three categories: stigma, deficient services, and lack of information.

How do providers help students?

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) provides evidence-based recommendations for the assessment and treatment of psychiatric disorders online
It is critical for mental health providers to develop an extensive knowledge of the prevalence and range of mental health problems occurring among college students and of the various needs of traditional as well as non-traditional college students.
Mental health providers inside and outside campus may be a resource to help student-athletes.

Competitive
Research

The Zone App

The Zone App associates with schools.
It is not available for download right now.
It uses ai powered feedback to seek help.

Athlete Mental Health Link tool

An education app that includes statistics, and links to resources.
Includes support structures for athletes from high school to professional.
Includes common signs of mental health challenges, etc.

Champions Mind

Includes mental skills tools.
Includes daily mindfulness exercises.
Gives performance tips.

Restoic

App for mindful athlete journey,
Usesholistic approach to mental health and performance
Education of Athlete Psychology

User Survey

A staggering 90% of college student-athletes grapple with the weight of stress associated with their unique roles. Even more concerning is that 85% have experienced stress levels so overwhelming that they've recognized the need for professional support. Among the myriad challenges they face, the delicate equilibrium between their athletic commitments and academic responsibilities emerges as the most daunting source of stress. When it comes to seeking help, athletes express a preference for in-person or virtual counseling, emphasizing the need for accessible and flexible mental health services. Additionally, student-athletes are inclined toward social media platforms as a means of connecting and sharing experiences with their peers, highlighting the importance of online community support.

User Survey

Interviews

The interviews provided valuable insights, offering a deeper understanding of how athletes respond to the challenges they face and where they turn when seeking assistance. It's evident that reaching out to others plays a pivotal role in effectively managing stressors. However, the pervasive fear of judgment, societal stigma, and the expectation of unyielding strength can often hinder athletes from seeking support from professionals, coaches, or peers. Encouragingly, strategies such as finding solace in other activities and proactively reaching out emerge as constructive ways of coping with stress, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being for athletes.

Empathy Mapping

The process of Empathy Mapping proved to be an invaluable tool for delving deeper into the minds of student-athletes as they grapple with stressors. By directly involving student-athletes in completing these empathy maps, we gained a firsthand understanding of their unique experiences in the realm of collegiate sports. This immersive approach allowed us to capture their actions, expressions, emotions, and thoughts during times of stress. Importantly, they candidly shared both the negative pains and positive benefits stemming from the stressors they face as student-athletes. This invaluable information served as the cornerstone for developing an application that truly empathizes with and supports these individuals in their mental well-being journey.

Features

Connect with Experts: ATHLY seamlessly connects student-athletes with qualified mental health professionals who specialize in addressing the unique pressures and demands of their athletic and academic lifestyles. Our team of experienced counselors, psychologists, and therapists is here to provide confidential support, guidance, and a safe space for open discussions.

ATHLY Community: We believe that strength comes from unity. In the ATHLY Community, student-athletes can connect with peers who understand their experiences intimately. Share your thoughts, stories, and advice with others who've walked a similar path. Building a support network has never been easier.
ATHLY Log: Keep a daily record of your feelings, activities, and more with our user-friendly ATHLY Log. By tracking your emotions and daily activities, you'll gain valuable insights into the factors that impact your mental well-being. This tool helps you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and prioritize self-care.
Secure and Confidential: Your privacy is our top priority. ATHLY ensures that all your data and interactions with mental health professionals remain confidential. You can seek help and share without fear of judgment or compromise.

INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE

Card Sorting

The active involvement of student-athletes in the process of categorizing and grouping topics was instrumental in creating a user-friendly and intuitive navigation system. By allowing them to structure the information based on their own perspectives and needs, we ensured that the app's content aligns closely with what matters most to the users. This collaborative approach not only streamlined the organization of information but also guarantees that the app resonates with the unique preferences and priorities of student-athletes, enhancing their overall experience.