BUDDY

  • Buddy is a habit-tracking app designed to help users form and maintain good habits through a motivating, gamified experience. By combining progress tracking with an evolving virtual companion, Buddy makes habit-building more visual, engaging, and emotionally rewarding. The app was developed based on user-centered research and behavioral science principles to encourage consistency, self-awareness, and long-term growth.

    • Help users visualize progress to stay motivated or get back on track.

    • Create a customizable and accessible habit-tracking experience.

    • Encourage consistency through a companion system that evolves with users.

    • Balance simplicity and functionality for both new and advanced users.

    • User Interface Design

    • User Experience Design

    • User Research & User Flows

    • Wireframing

Methodologies

  • User Interviews (5): Conducted in-person to explore personal habit-building journeys.

  • Surveys (47 responses): Distributed via direct links and QR code posters at Emily Carr University.

  • Competitive Analysis: Assessed popular habit-tracking apps and user pain points.

Participant Criteria

  • People who have struggled or succeeded in building habits.

  • Users from various domains (fitness, wellness, productivity).

  • Recruited from Vancouver, Canada and surrounding areas.

Key Insights & Takeaways

50%

track habits with simple to-do lists.

72%

of users felt more motivated when they could see their progress.

Analytics

Users wanted minimal UI with meaningful insights and detailed habit stats.

Reconversion

Users need gentle nudges and a way to restart after missed days.

64%

found the idea of a virtual pet appealing for daily motivation.

Problem Statement

How might we create a way for overwhelmed people to visualize progress so they can stay motivated with their habits and achieve their personal goals?

Design Process

We approached the Buddy project using a human-centred design methodology.

Our goal:

create an app that makes habit tracking feel motivating, visual, and personally rewarding through the use of a virtual companion called Buddy.

1. Concept Development

Based on initial market research and user interviews, we discovered that many users abandon habit-tracking apps due to lack of emotional connection and boring UI.

2. Information Architecture & User Flows

We mapped the core journey:

  • Onboarding and habit setup

  • Logging habits with minimal friction

  • Tracking progress visually watching Buddy evolve with user consistency

3. Prototyping

We developed low-fidelity wireframes in Figma to test:

  • Habit setup screens

  • Home dashboard featuring the evolving Buddy

  • A visual progress tracker (calendar + stats)

4. Testing & Iteration

We conducted usability tests with 5 target users. Feedback led to:

  • A more prominent “Add Habit” CTA

  • Simplified long-press habit logging

  • A more intuitive reminder setup

  • Clearer progression feedback from Buddy
    We then moved to high-fidelity mockups incorporating playful animations, celebratory UI moments, and calming colors.

FLOWCHART

Key Features

  • Virtual Buddy Evolution: Your character grows as you complete habits

  • Streak & Progress Tracking: Visual calendars and milestone indicators

  • Motivational Messages: Encouragement from your Buddy and insights

  • Reminder System: Smart scheduling with push notifications

  • Gamification Layer: Achievements, unlockable traits, mini-celebrations

  • Data Insights: Weekly/monthly performance summaries and streak tracking

Style Tile

Key Screens

Assigning and meeting Buddy

Greeted by their Buddy they form an emotional connection

Choosing your elements

Based on the user’s mood and personality a buddy will be assigned to them

Adding a habit and Buddy level up

Every time you complete a habit, Buddy thrives.

Logging a habit by feeding Buddy

Main flow

Sad Buddy

User Feedback

  • 95% of test participants said Buddy’s evolving character made them feel “more connected” to their progress

  • Habit logging felt “fun and frictionless” due to the long-press interaction

  • Users appreciated the balance between simplicity and optional depth

  • Positive Feedback: Frequent mentions of “feeling rewarded” and “loved seeing my Buddy grow”

Lessons Learned

Challenges

  • Balancing simplicity for new users with depth for experienced ones

  • Avoiding gamification fatigue—ensuring Buddy’s evolution feels meaningful

  • Finding the right tone for motivational messages (supportive, not patronizing)

Successes

  • Buddy’s character truly increased emotional investment in habit tracking

  • Gamification worked best when tied to personal growth, not just rewards

  • Long-press to log proved to be a delightful micro-interaction that felt satisfying

Opportunities for Improvement

  • Adding habit groups/routines (e.g., Morning Ritual)

  • Deeper data insights and mood-based suggestions

  • Optional social sharing or co-tracking for accountability

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