Overview

The Challenge

Movember Foundation points out that the #1 leading health-related cause of death in Canada for men between the ages of 15–50 is suicide. Furthermore, males represent 75% of all deaths by suicide.  Why?

*Masculine role specialization

**Social norms  

  How can we help?

Goals

In light of these facts, my team aimed to design an app-based solution focused around men's mental health to facilitate an experience that breaks down the alienation between men and their emotions by creating a platform for communication between men that doesn't feel artificial or forced. 

Research

Our interviews with men’s health experts, industry leaders, and males who’ve personally experienced depression and addiction led us to create 4 aspects of our app:

Action-based approach: For most men, there is a preference for action over conversation

Language reframing: The language around emotion should not threaten masculinity

Intervention & Collaboration: External forces are often necessary as a catalyst for change

Going to where men are: Avoid creating new environments to facilitate these interactions

Write here…

WHO IS THIS APP FOR? 

We wanted to offer a solution where Joe could engage in his favourite activity (running) while also acknowledging his “shitty” feelings alongside other men without judgment. Like any running app, it allows users to track runs, listen to music, and compete — but with a twist.

wHAT DOES THIS APP DO?

Step 1: State your “shitty feeling” on the app
Step 2: Connect with other runners who have the same “shitty feeling” as you
Step 3: Virtually run alongside and compete with those users
Step 4: Stay motivated with humorous tongue-in-cheek audio prompts
Step 5: End your run by giving props to your fellow runners or starting a conversation about the “shitty feeling”

Put more simply

Running with Shitty Feelings is an app for men that exercises both their physical and mental strength. By mixing fitness, camaraderie, and a touch of humour, RWSF gives men a platform to sweat out and speak about their “shitty feelings”.

Okay but HOW is this app different than Nike? 

Let's see the visuals

Step 1                                          Step 2                                          Step 3

Joe is in a terrible mood. He decides to go out for a run with his app. The app prompts Joe to think about his “shitty feeling” and he types out “Anxiety”. Next, Joe selects how long he’ll run, choosing either a time or a distance and selects a playlist. Joe is connected with 3 other app users. These users could be anywhere in the world.

Step 4                                                                     Step 5

Future Considerations

Replacing text input with suggested feelings or a visual cue for emotional states

Curated playlists that a build specifically to address certain emotional states

Your mood over time tracking & data visualization

CONCLUSION

In sum, our team designed Running with Shitty Feelings to strengthen men’s mental and physical fitness through a healthy outlet. This app-based solution allows men to acknowledge and manage negative feelings while maintaining their anonymity. While there is work yet to be done, we hope this app helps to reconcile the alienation between men and their emotions in a fun, active and permissive way.

Team Members: Ece Dilege, Myia Kelly, Colin Yu and Shristi Gartaula

*This app is still under development! More screens and prototypes to come