StillMind

StillMind

Many meditation apps are audio-driven, unintentionally excluding d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) users. StillMind fills that gap with visual, haptic, and customizable audio features that offer a calm, supportive experience for those who aren't able to rely on sound.

UX/UI Design
Research
Prototyping

2025

RECOGNITION

RGD Student Award for UX Design,
Honourable Mention

StillMind

A procedural audio visualizer allows users to visually experience sound, transforming music into dynamic, flowing patterns that move in sync with the audio. This creates a completely new way to engage with sound, offering a multisensory experience that adds depth and interaction to the user experience.

StillMind

Closing Thoughts

In closing, I want speak towards approaching this project as a hearing individual. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to test the app with anyone in the d/Deaf community, which would have been crucial to ensuring that the app truly meets their needs. Proceeding further, I would hope to seek collaboration and feedback from the community to ensure the app is accessible and meaningful to its intended audience.

As part of my research, I explored Jessica A. Holmes’ studies and wanted to share her perspective on navigating research as an outsider. Holmes, a hearing, able-bodied musicologist, acknowledges the challenges of studying Deaf culture. She does not position herself as an “ally” but instead as someone who seeks to learn and understand. Her approach emphasizes the importance of engaging deeply with Deaf Studies literature, prioritizing listening and learning over imposing external views, and recognizing the historical stigmatization of deafness. Holmes stresses the need to challenge misconceptions rather than reinforce them.

Inspired by her approach, I would aim to continue learning from the d/Deaf community, actively sharing my work for feedback, and fostering collaboration based on trust and mutual respect, ensuring my work remains authentic, accurate, and truly supportive of the people I aim to serve.