UX & Physical Design
U-Habit Journal
Timeline
Role
Team
Skills
Jan - May 2024
Product Designer
Song Moua, Pajntsiab Vang, Jordan Aliyah
User Research, Ideation, UI Design, Prototyping,
User Testing, Product Launch
In our modern, hyper-connected world, many products and experiences are intentionally designed to capture attention, consuming time as a critical resource. On average, Americans have 5 hours of leisure time daily, yet spend approximately 7 hours on screens.
This disconnect underscores a key challenge: while individuals are aware of unhealthy behaviors like doom-scrolling or overeating and aspire to make positive changes—such as increasing productivity or staying active—intent alone often falls short.
This case study explores a fundamental question:If intention alone cannot drive lasting change, what can?
Design Roadmap
01
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Understand
User Research
We identified Generation Z as the target group for this study. Despite being highly motivated, they struggle with behavior change—particularly in reducing screen time—making them an ideal audience for solutions aimed at fostering sustainable habits.
To explore strategies for fostering lasting habits, we interviewed three highly disciplined individuals: a yoga instructor, a fitness enthusiast, and a college athlete.
Our findings revealed that external accountability, preparation, and measurable progress are critical for maintaining habits and staying motivated.
Literature Research
Research Alignment
Scientific studies on habit formation outline a law-based framework that guides the process. Interestingly, the behaviors of all three interviewees naturally aligned with this framework, despite having no formal knowledge of it—demonstrating a clear connection between the research and observed patterns.
CUE
CRAVING
RESPONSE
REWARD
Design Principles
The Question
What is enough to spark meaningful change?
The Framework
Research shows that successful habit formation relies on a structured system guided by four key principles: Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward. These "laws" create a reliable framework for building habits that stick.
The Challenge
While the framework is effective, it must be uniquely tailored to each individual’s lifestyle and goals. A habit-formation routine that works for one person may not be equally effective for someone else pursuing a similar goal, presenting a significant barrier to universal application.
Design Principles to Guide the Solution
To bridge the gap between research and individual application, the solution must:
Educate Users: Introduce the Habit-Loop framework and empower users to customize it to their unique needs and goals.
Support Formation: Build a product that guides users through habit formation, incorporating research-backed elements like habit duration and repetition.
Enhance Motivation: Include tools for reflection and tracking to sustain the momentum needed for long-term habit maintenance.
Offer a Physical Alternative: Provide a tangible solution that reduces reliance on digital products, helping users remain present and focused on their goals.
Ideation
After evaluating various habit-tracking tools we recognized a critical gap: most solutions either lacked intentionality or failed to provide a comprehensive system for sustained habit-building. This insight led us to develop the U-Habit Journal, a physical tool designed to combine research-backed strategies with mindfulness, offering users a clear and guided path to achieving their goals.
The U-Habit Journal
Unlike traditional habit-tracking solutions that often perpetuate digital distractions, the U-Habit Journal is a physical, tactile guide built for focus and intentionality. It incorporates a research-backed habit-formation framework paired with reflection prompts, enabling users to transform goals into automatic habits within 10 weeks.
How U-Habit Stands Out
Compared to existing solutions:
Habit-Tracking Apps (e.g., Habitica): Focus on gamification but often neglect the importance of reflection and cultivating a routine mindset.
Wearables: Track physical activity but fail to address mental engagement or self-reflection.
Bullet Journals: Offer flexibility and organization but lack structured, guided systems for habit-building.
U-Habit uniquely integrates the Habit Loop framework into a structured, user-focused system. It aligns with users’ identities and goals, creating a clear path to long-lasting habit formation.
02
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Make
Digital Prototyping
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First Physical Prototype
We created and bound journal prototypes for user testing, engaging two students aiming to build new habits. After an 18-day trial, we collected feedback on the usability of the worksheets and guide structure. These insights informed another iteration of edits, refining the habit-formation guide to better meet user needs.
User Testing
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Iteration
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03
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Final Design
The Final Journal
Final Prototype: U-Habit Formation Tracker and Guide
Length: 84 PagesDuration: 10 Weeks
Focus: Building up to 3 Habits
The U-Habit Journal is a comprehensive guide designed to help users form sustainable habits. It includes:
Habit Tracker: Monitor progress over 10 weeks.
Understanding Habits: Explore what habits are and their significance.
Layers of Behavior Change: Dive into the psychology behind habit formation.
Goal Setting + Worksheets: Define clear, actionable goals.
The Habit Loop + Worksheets: Learn and apply the four laws of habit-building.
Creating Your Routine: Build a personalized system tailored to your lifestyle.
Habit System Pages: Structure and organize your daily practices.
Reflection Prompts & Journal Entries: Foster mindfulness and track growth.
The U-Habit Journal bridges research with practical application, offering users a guided journey toward lasting change.
