App Design

Small Steps

A gentle companion that reframes growth through small, values-driven actions and reflective release.

A small step each day, until one day you realise you are stronger than before.

BACKGROUND

Small Steps was born after a difficult moment in my life.
While working on a website project for my family, a conflict at home made me question my own worth.
Through therapy, I realised what truly hurt was the feeling that my value had been denied. This project grew from that realisation: A small step each day, until one day you realise you are stronger than before.

CONCEPT

Small Steps takes users’ intentions as its core, redefining what personal growth means.
Instead of chasing efficiency or outcomes, it encourages users to take one small action each day — or to express their emotions through a reflective note, a safe space where thoughts can be kept or gently released like a paper plane.
This approach aligns with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), particularly its core idea of Committed Action: setting goals based on personal values and following through with gentle persistence.

DESIGN GOALS

Provide a growth platform for building self-worth, reminding users that their value can only be defined by themselves.
Offer a safe and open space for emotional expression, where users can honestly reflect and release their feelings.
Promote a pressure-free and non-judgmental experience that encourages natural, self-driven growth.

USER PERSONA

Ya-Ting, WANG

Age: 28
Location: London, United Kingdom
Nationality: Taiwanese
Occupation: Financial Analyst
Personality: Responsible, Ambitious, Sensitive, Perfectionist, Reflective

BACKGROUND

Wang has worked as a financial analyst in London for three years.
She moved to the UK alone during university, hoping for a better future.
Although surrounded by friends in London, she still feels lonely and emotionally distant. She always feels drained but finds it hard to process her emotions.

NEEDS

A safe space to honestly face and express her emotions.
To learn self-acceptance rather than performance perfection.

PAIN POINTS

Feels anxious or guilty when not performing efficiently.
Defines self-worth through achievements and productivity.

GOALS

Build a pressure-free rhythm of personal growth that allows rest and acceptance.
Embrace emotions as part of everyday life rather than seeing them as weaknesses.

Pin-Rui, Chen

Age: 23
Location: Taichung, Taiwan
Nationality: Taiwanese
Occupation: Student, Freelancer
Personality: Imaginative, Curious, Emotional, Free-spirited, Introspective

BACKGROUND

Chen is a design student in Taichung who also works as a freelance creator. He loves creating, yet constantly struggles between inspiration and self-doubt. While he shares his work online, he often hesitates before posting, fearing judgment.
He always looks calm on the outside but is emotionally sensitive, often feeling anxious and lost under the weight of studies, projects, and social expectations.

NEEDS

Wants a tool that helps him regain stability and direction through small steps.
Needs a safe, pressure-free space to express his emotions openly.

PAIN POINTS

Lacks a proper outlet for emotional release, often suppressing feelings.
Most productivity apps are too goal-driven, increasing his anxiety instead of easing it.

GOALS

Build a steady rhythm of life and creativity through small daily actions and journaling.
Rediscover passion and calm in his creative process.

USER FLOW

LOGO DEVELOPMENT

Early Sketches

Exploring the idea of “small steps” through footprints and gentle curves, representing gradual growth and becoming a better version of oneself over time.

Final Sketches

The logo simplifies the overall shape and reduces visual details to improve recognition at small sizes and on mobile screens, while combining the letter “S” with a footprint to create a simple and recognisable symbol of small, continuous steps.

VISUAL IDENTITY

Inter

Typography

#E6E6E6

#D5D2CA

#333333

#FEFEFE

#9B9B9B

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Colour Palette

Small Steps

Logo

USER INTERFACE