2024
SleepQuest
Designing for behavior change to help gamers build healthier sleep habits
2024
SleepQuest
Designing for behavior change to help gamers build healthier sleep habits
2024
SleepQuest
Designing for behavior change to help gamers build healthier sleep habits
Summary
SleepQuest is a multi-device behavioral intervention designed to help gamers build healthier sleep habits without disrupting the enjoyment or social nature of gaming. Through research, strategy, and iterative design, I collaborated to design a solution that empowers users to make intentional choices around sleep—while keeping them in control of their experience.
Summary
SleepQuest is a multi-device behavioral intervention designed to help gamers build healthier sleep habits without disrupting the enjoyment or social nature of gaming. Through research, strategy, and iterative design, I collaborated to design a solution that empowers users to make intentional choices around sleep—while keeping them in control of their experience.
Summary
SleepQuest is a multi-device behavioral intervention designed to help gamers build healthier sleep habits without disrupting the enjoyment or social nature of gaming. Through research, strategy, and iterative design, I collaborated to design a solution that empowers users to make intentional choices around sleep—while keeping them in control of their experience.
Context
Helping gamers maintain their passion while building better sleep habits.
Designed as part of a group project in SI 684: Designing Consumer Health Technologies, SleepQuest helps gamers balance gaming and sleep without disruption. The solution integrates behavior change principles with UX design to create a seamless experience that nudges players toward healthier sleep habits. By incorporating pre-set bedtimes, social support, and in-game interventions, SleepQuest makes it easier for gamers to maintain their gaming routine while improving their sleep consistency.
Context
Helping gamers maintain their passion while building better sleep habits.
Designed as part of a group project in SI 684: Designing Consumer Health Technologies, SleepQuest helps gamers balance gaming and sleep without disruption. The solution integrates behavior change principles with UX design to create a seamless experience that nudges players toward healthier sleep habits. By incorporating pre-set bedtimes, social support, and in-game interventions, SleepQuest makes it easier for gamers to maintain their gaming routine while improving their sleep consistency.
Context
Helping gamers maintain their passion while building better sleep habits.
Designed as part of a group project in SI 684: Designing Consumer Health Technologies, SleepQuest helps gamers balance gaming and sleep without disruption. The solution integrates behavior change principles with UX design to create a seamless experience that nudges players toward healthier sleep habits. By incorporating pre-set bedtimes, social support, and in-game interventions, SleepQuest makes it easier for gamers to maintain their gaming routine while improving their sleep consistency.
Setting
University of Michigan
Setting
University of Michigan
Setting
University of Michigan
Role
Product Designer
Role
Product Designer
Role
Product Designer
Collaborators
2 Product Designers
Collaborators
2 Product Designers
Collaborators
2 Product Designers
Tools
Figma
Tools
Figma
Tools
Figma
Timeline
October 2024 - December 2024
Timeline
October 2024 - December 2024
Timeline
October 2024 - December 2024
Duration
2 Months
Duration
2 Months
Duration
2 Months
Problem
Gamers struggle to balance late-night play with healthy sleep habits.
Sleep deprivation is more than just a minor inconvenience—it has serious implications for both physical and mental health, contributing to chronic conditions that cost the U.S. an estimated $4.5 trillion annually (CDC, 2024). Lack of sleep impairs cognitive functions such as learning and focus, and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Meanwhile, gaming—an activity enjoyed by 78% of U.S. households (ESA, ITA)—can unintentionally disrupt sleep when players stay up late, fully immersed in the experience.
Problem
Gamers struggle to balance late-night play with healthy sleep habits.
Sleep deprivation is more than just a minor inconvenience—it has serious implications for both physical and mental health, contributing to chronic conditions that cost the U.S. an estimated $4.5 trillion annually (CDC, 2024). Lack of sleep impairs cognitive functions such as learning and focus, and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Meanwhile, gaming—an activity enjoyed by 78% of U.S. households (ESA, ITA)—can unintentionally disrupt sleep when players stay up late, fully immersed in the experience.
Problem
Gamers struggle to balance late-night play with healthy sleep habits.
Sleep deprivation is more than just a minor inconvenience—it has serious implications for both physical and mental health, contributing to chronic conditions that cost the U.S. an estimated $4.5 trillion annually (CDC, 2024). Lack of sleep impairs cognitive functions such as learning and focus, and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Meanwhile, gaming—an activity enjoyed by 78% of U.S. households (ESA, ITA)—can unintentionally disrupt sleep when players stay up late, fully immersed in the experience.
The Bedtime Battle
Gaming is a fun, social, and mentally stimulating activity—often fueled by challenge, connection, and a sense of accomplishment. But late-night sessions are common, as social pressure, fear of missing out, and the immersive nature of gameplay make it hard to log off. Many gamers are aware their sleep is suffering, yet still find themselves staying up later than intended. Before they know it, their intended bedtime has passed, and they’re waking up groggy and unrested.
The Bedtime Battle
Gaming is a fun, social, and mentally stimulating activity—often fueled by challenge, connection, and a sense of accomplishment. But late-night sessions are common, as social pressure, fear of missing out, and the immersive nature of gameplay make it hard to log off. Many gamers are aware their sleep is suffering, yet still find themselves staying up later than intended. Before they know it, their intended bedtime has passed, and they’re waking up groggy and unrested.
The Bedtime Battle
Gaming is a fun, social, and mentally stimulating activity—often fueled by challenge, connection, and a sense of accomplishment. But late-night sessions are common, as social pressure, fear of missing out, and the immersive nature of gameplay make it hard to log off. Many gamers are aware their sleep is suffering, yet still find themselves staying up later than intended. Before they know it, their intended bedtime has passed, and they’re waking up groggy and unrested.
Starting a Game – The evening starts with a casual plan to play a game or two.
Starting a Game – The evening starts with a casual plan to play a game or two.
Starting a Game – The evening starts with a casual plan to play a game or two.
Social Pressure – Ongoing chats and team banter make logging off feel like missing out.
Social Pressure – Ongoing chats and team banter make logging off feel like missing out.
Social Pressure – Ongoing chats and team banter make logging off feel like missing out.
Lack of Sleep – The cost of staying up late hits the next day with grogginess and low energy.
Lack of Sleep – The cost of staying up late hits the next day with grogginess and low energy.
Lack of Sleep – The cost of staying up late hits the next day with grogginess and low energy.
How Might We
How might we support gamers in creating and maintaining healthier sleep routines without sacrificing the fun, challenge, and connection of gaming?
How Might We
How might we support gamers in creating and maintaining healthier sleep routines without sacrificing the fun, challenge, and connection of gaming?
How Might We
How might we support gamers in creating and maintaining healthier sleep routines without sacrificing the fun, challenge, and connection of gaming?
Challenge & Inital Considerations
Designing for behavior change in a deeply immersive, social space.
Creating meaningful change in the context of gaming meant designing within an environment where entertainment, habit, and social connection are tightly intertwined. As we began brainstorming solutions, we considered several key challenges that would shape our approach.
Challenge & Inital Considerations
Designing for behavior change in a deeply immersive, social space.
Creating meaningful change in the context of gaming meant designing within an environment where entertainment, habit, and social connection are tightly intertwined. As we began brainstorming solutions, we considered several key challenges that would shape our approach.
Challenge & Inital Considerations
Designing for behavior change in a deeply immersive, social space.
Creating meaningful change in the context of gaming meant designing within an environment where entertainment, habit, and social connection are tightly intertwined. As we began brainstorming solutions, we considered several key challenges that would shape our approach.
Social Pressure — Gaming is a highly social activity, and simple reminders to log off aren’t enough to overcome peer pressure and fear of missing out.
Social Pressure — Gaming is a highly social activity, and simple reminders to log off aren’t enough to overcome peer pressure and fear of missing out.
Social Pressure — Gaming is a highly social activity, and simple reminders to log off aren’t enough to overcome peer pressure and fear of missing out.
User Awareness — Our target users already recognize their sleep struggles, so the intervention needed to support—not preach or force—behavior change.
User Awareness — Our target users already recognize their sleep struggles, so the intervention needed to support—not preach or force—behavior change.
User Awareness — Our target users already recognize their sleep struggles, so the intervention needed to support—not preach or force—behavior change.
Non-Intrusive Design — The solution couldn’t interfere with gameplay, as overly intrusive features would frustrate users and be quickly abandoned.
Non-Intrusive Design — The solution couldn’t interfere with gameplay, as overly intrusive features would frustrate users and be quickly abandoned.
Non-Intrusive Design — The solution couldn’t interfere with gameplay, as overly intrusive features would frustrate users and be quickly abandoned.
Immersive Environment — Because gaming is deeply immersive, relying solely on external cues from a mobile app or smartwatch wouldn’t effectively capture users’ attention.
Immersive Environment — Because gaming is deeply immersive, relying solely on external cues from a mobile app or smartwatch wouldn’t effectively capture users’ attention.
Immersive Environment — Because gaming is deeply immersive, relying solely on external cues from a mobile app or smartwatch wouldn’t effectively capture users’ attention.
Process
A research-driven approach to behavior-change design.
By listening to gamers and understanding their daily routines, we uncovered key barriers to healthy sleep—insights that shaped every stage of our design and iteration.
Process
A research-driven approach to behavior-change design.
By listening to gamers and understanding their daily routines, we uncovered key barriers to healthy sleep—insights that shaped every stage of our design and iteration.
Process
A research-driven approach to behavior-change design.
By listening to gamers and understanding their daily routines, we uncovered key barriers to healthy sleep—insights that shaped every stage of our design and iteration.
Understanding the Problem Space
Initial secondary research showed that gaming behaviors and sleep habits are closely intertwined.
Prolonged and unmoderated gaming can negatively affect sleep quality, contributing to daytime dysfunction, reduced attention, and impaired memory.
Excessive gaming can lead to melatonin suppression, shifting the biological clock and negatively impacting sleep quality.
Gaming is linked to daytime sleepiness, reduced total sleep time, and disruption of sleep stages.
Understanding the Problem Space
Initial secondary research showed that gaming behaviors and sleep habits are closely intertwined.
Prolonged and unmoderated gaming can negatively affect sleep quality, contributing to daytime dysfunction, reduced attention, and impaired memory.
Excessive gaming can lead to melatonin suppression, shifting the biological clock and negatively impacting sleep quality.
Gaming is linked to daytime sleepiness, reduced total sleep time, and disruption of sleep stages.
Understanding the Problem Space
Initial secondary research showed that gaming behaviors and sleep habits are closely intertwined.
Prolonged and unmoderated gaming can negatively affect sleep quality, contributing to daytime dysfunction, reduced attention, and impaired memory.
Excessive gaming can lead to melatonin suppression, shifting the biological clock and negatively impacting sleep quality.
Gaming is linked to daytime sleepiness, reduced total sleep time, and disruption of sleep stages.
User Interview Insights
We interviewed four young adult gamers—three who regularly play together online and one who primarily games solo—to better understand their habits, motivations, and challenges around sleep and gaming.
User Interview Insights
We interviewed four young adult gamers—three who regularly play together online and one who primarily games solo—to better understand their habits, motivations, and challenges around sleep and gaming.
User Interview Insights
We interviewed four young adult gamers—three who regularly play together online and one who primarily games solo—to better understand their habits, motivations, and challenges around sleep and gaming.
Goal Oriented
Gamers often continue playing until a shared goal (like winning) is achieved, even when they know they should stop—especially in social or co-op settings.
Goal Oriented
Gamers often continue playing until a shared goal (like winning) is achieved, even when they know they should stop—especially in social or co-op settings.
Goal Oriented
Gamers often continue playing until a shared goal (like winning) is achieved, even when they know they should stop—especially in social or co-op settings.
Intervention Balance
Subtle reminders are often overlooked during immersive gameplay, but overly disruptive interventions risk frustration and breaking the gaming experience.
Intervention Balance
Subtle reminders are often overlooked during immersive gameplay, but overly disruptive interventions risk frustration and breaking the gaming experience.
Tech Stack
Subtle reminders are often overlooked during immersive gameplay, but overly disruptive interventions risk frustration and breaking the gaming experience.
Visualize Consequences
Creating a sense of urgency or self-reflection, especially after bedtime has passed, could help gamers visualize the impact of gaming on their sleep.
Visualize Consequences
Creating a sense of urgency or self-reflection, especially after bedtime has passed, could help gamers visualize the impact of gaming on their sleep.
Visualize Consequences
Creating a sense of urgency or self-reflection, especially after bedtime has passed, could help gamers visualize the impact of gaming on their sleep.
Wizard of Oz Testing
To evaluate how gamers respond to different types of in-game interventions, we conducted user testing using the Wizard of Oz method. Participants experienced three levels of simulated intervention—Chill, Normal, and Hardcore—allowing us to observe their reactions and gather feedback.
Wizard of Oz Testing
To evaluate how gamers respond to different types of in-game interventions, we conducted user testing using the Wizard of Oz method. Participants experienced three levels of simulated intervention—Chill, Normal, and Hardcore—allowing us to observe their reactions and gather feedback.
Wizard of Oz Testing
To evaluate how gamers respond to different types of in-game interventions, we conducted user testing using the Wizard of Oz method. Participants experienced three levels of simulated intervention—Chill, Normal, and Hardcore—allowing us to observe their reactions and gather feedback.
Visual Reminders — Users found the ‘Sleep time remaining’ countdown helped them stay aware of how much rest they were sacrificing, especially since they often lose track of time while gaming, offering a gentle but effective nudge to log off without feeling pressured.
Visual Reminders — Users found the ‘Sleep time remaining’ countdown helped them stay aware of how much rest they were sacrificing, especially since they often lose track of time while gaming, offering a gentle but effective nudge to log off without feeling pressured.
Visual Reminders — Users found the ‘Sleep time remaining’ countdown helped them stay aware of how much rest they were sacrificing, especially since they often lose track of time while gaming, offering a gentle but effective nudge to log off without feeling pressured.
Social Support Needed — Features like screen dimming and grayscale were seen as thoughtful and non-disruptive, but some users were unsure if these cues alone would be strong enough to pull them away from a highly engaging social gaming session.
Social Support Needed — Features like screen dimming and grayscale were seen as thoughtful and non-disruptive, but some users were unsure if these cues alone would be strong enough to pull them away from a highly engaging social gaming session.
Social Support Needed — Features like screen dimming and grayscale were seen as thoughtful and non-disruptive, but some users were unsure if these cues alone would be strong enough to pull them away from a highly engaging social gaming session.
Hard Shutdowns — Users felt that shutting down the screen was too abrupt and frustrating, especially if they were in the middle of a level or gaming with others where their performance impacts a team. They preferred having the option to snooze or maintain some control.
Hard Shutdowns — Users felt that shutting down the screen was too abrupt and frustrating, especially if they were in the middle of a level or gaming with others where their performance impacts a team. They preferred having the option to snooze or maintain some control.
Hard Shutdowns — Users felt that shutting down the screen was too abrupt and frustrating, especially if they were in the middle of a level or gaming with others where their performance impacts a team. They preferred having the option to snooze or maintain some control.
Solution
A sleep-friendly companion for gamers.
This intervention supports behavior change through subtle, user-driven cues that align with gamers’ existing routines. By respecting gameplay while promoting healthier sleep habits, it encourages small shifts that build long-term impact.
Solution
A sleep-friendly companion for gamers.
This intervention supports behavior change through subtle, user-driven cues that align with gamers’ existing routines. By respecting gameplay while promoting healthier sleep habits, it encourages small shifts that build long-term impact.
Solution
A sleep-friendly companion for gamers.
This intervention supports behavior change through subtle, user-driven cues that align with gamers’ existing routines. By respecting gameplay while promoting healthier sleep habits, it encourages small shifts that build long-term impact.
Multi-Device Solution
The intervention is designed to work seamlessly across devices—mobile, smartwatch, and gaming screen—to support users throughout their routine. By integrating with the tools gamers already use, it delivers timely, context-aware cues without interrupting gameplay, creating a cohesive experience that spans planning, play, and reflection
Multi-Device Solution
The intervention is designed to work seamlessly across devices—mobile, smartwatch, and gaming screen—to support users throughout their routine. By integrating with the tools gamers already use, it delivers timely, context-aware cues without interrupting gameplay, creating a cohesive experience that spans planning, play, and reflection
Multi-Device Solution
The intervention is designed to work seamlessly across devices—mobile, smartwatch, and gaming screen—to support users throughout their routine. By integrating with the tools gamers already use, it delivers timely, context-aware cues without interrupting gameplay, creating a cohesive experience that spans planning, play, and reflection
Mobile
The mobile app serves as the primary interface for onboarding, scheduling, and managing intervention preferences, making it the central hub.
Mobile
The mobile app serves as the primary interface for onboarding, scheduling, and managing intervention preferences, making it the central hub.
Mobile
The mobile app serves as the primary interface for onboarding, scheduling, and managing intervention preferences, making it the central hub.
Seamless Onboarding
The onboarding flow is designed to quickly orient users and personalize their experience based on their habits and preferences.
Questionnaire — Users answer a few quick questions about their sleep habits and goals.
Device Sync — Smartwatch and gaming devices are connected to enable seamless tracking and in-game support.
Sleep Strategy — Users select from three levels of in-game barriers based on how much support they want when it’s time to log off.
Seamless Onboarding
The onboarding flow is designed to quickly orient users and personalize their experience based on their habits and preferences.
Questionnaire — Users answer a few quick questions about their sleep habits and goals.
Device Sync — Smartwatch and gaming devices are connected to enable seamless tracking and in-game support.
Sleep Strategy — Users select from three levels of in-game barriers based on how much support they want when it’s time to log off.
Seamless Onboarding
The onboarding flow is designed to quickly orient users and personalize their experience based on their habits and preferences.
Questionnaire — Users answer a few quick questions about their sleep habits and goals.
Device Sync — Smartwatch and gaming devices are connected to enable seamless tracking and in-game support.
Sleep Strategy — Users select from three levels of in-game barriers based on how much support they want when it’s time to log off.
Instant Gaming Session
The dashboard provides users with a clear, at-a-glance view of their progress, recent activity, and personalized insights. Users are also able to start a gaming session quickly.
Floating Action Button — Users can easily start a gaming session using the floating action button.
Pre-Game Check-In — Users confirm their wake-up time and sleep goal to receive a personalized bedtime, and can choose to enable social support by notifying friends outside the game.
Instant Gaming Session
The dashboard provides users with a clear, at-a-glance view of their progress, recent activity, and personalized insights. Users are also able to start a gaming session quickly.
Floating Action Button — Users can easily start a gaming session using the floating action button.
Pre-Game Check-In — Users confirm their wake-up time and sleep goal to receive a personalized bedtime, and can choose to enable social support by notifying friends outside the game.
Instant Gaming Session
The dashboard provides users with a clear, at-a-glance view of their progress, recent activity, and personalized insights. Users are also able to start a gaming session quickly.
Floating Action Button — Users can easily start a gaming session using the floating action button.
Pre-Game Check-In — Users confirm their wake-up time and sleep goal to receive a personalized bedtime, and can choose to enable social support by notifying friends outside the game.
Personalized Schedule
The schedule tab allows users to see a clear overview of their sleep plan and easily customize their wake-up times to fit their routine.
Daily View — Users get a snapshot of their bedtime for the night based on their next-day wake-up time.
Weekly View — Users can review and customize their sleep schedule across the week to align with changing commitments.
Personalized Schedule
The schedule tab allows users to see a clear overview of their sleep plan and easily customize their wake-up times to fit their routine.
Daily View — Users get a snapshot of their bedtime for the night based on their next-day wake-up time.
Weekly View — Users can review and customize their sleep schedule across the week to align with changing commitments.
Personalized Schedule
The schedule tab allows users to see a clear overview of their sleep plan and easily customize their wake-up times to fit their routine.
Daily View — Users get a snapshot of their bedtime for the night based on their next-day wake-up time.
Weekly View — Users can review and customize their sleep schedule across the week to align with changing commitments.
Gamified Profile
The profile tab provides a personalized overview of the user’s progress and preferences, offering a space to track achievements and adjust their experience.
Badges — Users can view the badges they’ve earned for meeting sleep goals, reinforcing motivation through positive reinforcement.
Settings — Users can update their in-game barrier level, choosing the strategy that best supports their current sleep habits.
Gamified Profile
The profile tab provides a personalized overview of the user’s progress and preferences, offering a space to track achievements and adjust their experience.
Badges — Users can view the badges they’ve earned for meeting sleep goals, reinforcing motivation through positive reinforcement.
Settings — Users can update their in-game barrier level, choosing the strategy that best supports their current sleep habits.
Gamified Profile
The profile tab provides a personalized overview of the user’s progress and preferences, offering a space to track achievements and adjust their experience.
Badges — Users can view the badges they’ve earned for meeting sleep goals, reinforcing motivation through positive reinforcement.
Settings — Users can update their in-game barrier level, choosing the strategy that best supports their current sleep habits.
External Social Support
To strengthen accountability and encouragement, users can invite friends outside the game to support their sleep goals through simple, low-effort interactions.
Text Messages — During the pre-game check-in, users select friends who will receive text messages when bedtime approaches and are prompted to respond with an emoji to show their support.
External Social Support
To strengthen accountability and encouragement, users can invite friends outside the game to support their sleep goals through simple, low-effort interactions.
Text Messages — During the pre-game check-in, users select friends who will receive text messages when bedtime approaches and are prompted to respond with an emoji to show their support.
External Social Support
To strengthen accountability and encouragement, users can invite friends outside the game to support their sleep goals through simple, low-effort interactions.
Text Messages — During the pre-game check-in, users select friends who will receive text messages when bedtime approaches and are prompted to respond with an emoji to show their support.
Encouraging Notifications
Push notifications help reinforce positive behavior by keeping users connected to their support system throughout their gaming session.
Social Reactions — When friends respond with emojis to bedtime messages, users receive push notifications as a reminder that others are encouraging their commitment to better sleep.
Encouraging Notifications
Push notifications help reinforce positive behavior by keeping users connected to their support system throughout their gaming session.
Social Reactions — When friends respond with emojis to bedtime messages, users receive push notifications as a reminder that others are encouraging their commitment to better sleep.
Encouraging Notifications
Push notifications help reinforce positive behavior by keeping users connected to their support system throughout their gaming session.
Social Reactions — When friends respond with emojis to bedtime messages, users receive push notifications as a reminder that others are encouraging their commitment to better sleep.
Smartwatch
The smartwatch acts as a passive companion, tracking sleep data, sending gentle reminders, and capturing reflections—enabling continuous support without requiring users to pick up their phone or pause the game.
Smartwatch
The smartwatch acts as a passive companion, tracking sleep data, sending gentle reminders, and capturing reflections—enabling continuous support without requiring users to pick up their phone or pause the game.
Smartwatch
The smartwatch acts as a passive companion, tracking sleep data, sending gentle reminders, and capturing reflections—enabling continuous support without requiring users to pick up their phone or pause the game.
Smartwatch Dashboard
The smartwatch dashboard offers a glanceable overview that keeps users connected to their goals throughout the day.
Quick Access — Provides quick access to sleep progress, past sessions, and overall trends without needing to open the mobile app.
Smartwatch Dashboard
The smartwatch dashboard offers a glanceable overview that keeps users connected to their goals throughout the day.
Quick Access — Provides quick access to sleep progress, past sessions, and overall trends without needing to open the mobile app.
Smartwatch Dashboard
The smartwatch dashboard offers a glanceable overview that keeps users connected to their goals throughout the day.
Quick Access — Provides quick access to sleep progress, past sessions, and overall trends without needing to open the mobile app.
Active Gaming Session
Once a session begins, real-time, on-screen cues help users stay mindful of their bedtime goals without disrupting gameplay.
Haptic Feedback — During a gaming session, the smartwatch provides gentle haptic feedback as bedtime approaches, reinforcing awareness without pulling users out of the experience.
Active Gaming Session
Once a session begins, real-time, on-screen cues help users stay mindful of their bedtime goals without disrupting gameplay.
Haptic Feedback — During a gaming session, the smartwatch provides gentle haptic feedback as bedtime approaches, reinforcing awareness without pulling users out of the experience.
Active Gaming Session
Once a session begins, real-time, on-screen cues help users stay mindful of their bedtime goals without disrupting gameplay.
Haptic Feedback — During a gaming session, the smartwatch provides gentle haptic feedback as bedtime approaches, reinforcing awareness without pulling users out of the experience.
Gameplay
Non-intrusive, user-selected cues appear directly on the gaming screen to help players stay aware of their bedtime goals. With three customizable levels, these barriers respect player autonomy while gently encouraging timely log-offs.
Gameplay
Non-intrusive, user-selected cues appear directly on the gaming screen to help players stay aware of their bedtime goals. With three customizable levels, these barriers respect player autonomy while gently encouraging timely log-offs.
Gameplay
Non-intrusive, user-selected cues appear directly on the gaming screen to help players stay aware of their bedtime goals. With three customizable levels, these barriers respect player autonomy while gently encouraging timely log-offs.
Level 1: Chill
The most basic level, offering light-touch support to raise awareness without altering the gaming experience.
Sleep Time Countdown — A soft visual reminder with a glowing screen border and gentle bedtime countdown, designed to raise awareness without interrupting play.
Level 1: Chill
The most basic level, offering light-touch support to raise awareness without altering the gaming experience.
Sleep Time Countdown — A soft visual reminder with a glowing screen border and gentle bedtime countdown, designed to raise awareness without interrupting play.
Level 1: Chill
The most basic level, offering light-touch support to raise awareness without altering the gaming experience.
Sleep Time Countdown — A soft visual reminder with a glowing screen border and gentle bedtime countdown, designed to raise awareness without interrupting play.
Level 2: Normal
A moderate level of intervention that gently disrupts immersion to encourage bedtime adherence.
Added Grayscale — Includes the Chill features plus a grayscale screen overlay, making the game less visually engaging to encourage logging off.
Level 2: Normal
A moderate level of intervention that gently disrupts immersion to encourage bedtime adherence.
Added Grayscale — Includes the Chill features plus a grayscale screen overlay, making the game less visually engaging to encourage logging off.
Level 2: Normal
A moderate level of intervention that gently disrupts immersion to encourage bedtime adherence.
Added Grayscale — Includes the Chill features plus a grayscale screen overlay, making the game less visually engaging to encourage logging off.
Level 3: Hardcore
The most assertive level, designed for users who want strong cues to help them log off and prioritize sleep.
Dimming & Shutdown — Builds on the previous levels by gradually dimming the screen brightness, creating a stronger cue to stop playing and prioritize sleep.
Level 3: Hardcore
The most assertive level, designed for users who want strong cues to help them log off and prioritize sleep.
Dimming & Shutdown — Builds on the previous levels by gradually dimming the screen brightness, creating a stronger cue to stop playing and prioritize sleep.
Level 3: Hardcore
The most assertive level, designed for users who want strong cues to help them log off and prioritize sleep.
Dimming & Shutdown — Builds on the previous levels by gradually dimming the screen brightness, creating a stronger cue to stop playing and prioritize sleep.
Reflections
Disrupting habits with social insight.
This project challenged me to think critically about designing for behavior change in a space where habits, enjoyment, and social connection collide.
Reflections
Disrupting habits with social insight.
This project challenged me to think critically about designing for behavior change in a space where habits, enjoyment, and social connection collide.
Reflections
Disrupting habits with social insight.
This project challenged me to think critically about designing for behavior change in a space where habits, enjoyment, and social connection collide.
Pre-Set Commitments — Leveraging the Implementation Intentions Theory, forming “if-then” plans to achieve a goal by bridging the gap between having an intention to act and actually performing the behavior.
Pre-Set Commitments — Leveraging the Implementation Intentions Theory, forming “if-then” plans to achieve a goal by bridging the gap between having an intention to act and actually performing the behavior.
Pre-Set Commitments — Leveraging the Implementation Intentions Theory, forming “if-then” plans to achieve a goal by bridging the gap between having an intention to act and actually performing the behavior.
Active Gaming Sessions — Drawing from Self-Determination Theory, giving users control over barrier strength, when they activated a session, and if they chose to follow their bedtime fostered an important sense of autonomy.
Active Gaming Sessions — Drawing from Self-Determination Theory, giving users control over barrier strength, when they activated a session, and if they chose to follow their bedtime fostered an important sense of autonomy.
Active Gaming Sessions — Drawing from Self-Determination Theory, giving users control over barrier strength, when they activated a session, and if they chose to follow their bedtime fostered an important sense of autonomy.
Social Support — Designing for social accountability proved to be one of the most challenging aspects, but involving peers outside the gaming environment emerged as an effective way to offer support without relying on the entire gaming group to use the app.
Social Support — Designing for social accountability proved to be one of the most challenging aspects, but involving peers outside the gaming environment emerged as an effective way to offer support without relying on the entire gaming group to use the app.
Social Support — Designing for social accountability proved to be one of the most challenging aspects, but involving peers outside the gaming environment emerged as an effective way to offer support without relying on the entire gaming group to use the app.
In-Game Barriers — Behavioral nudges created just enough friction to prompt reflection without forcing users to disengage—reinforcing that effective behavior change design isn’t about pushing harder, but about surfacing the right cue at the right time.
In-Game Barriers — Behavioral nudges created just enough friction to prompt reflection without forcing users to disengage—reinforcing that effective behavior change design isn’t about pushing harder, but about surfacing the right cue at the right time.
In-Game Barriers — Behavioral nudges created just enough friction to prompt reflection without forcing users to disengage—reinforcing that effective behavior change design isn’t about pushing harder, but about surfacing the right cue at the right time.
