Grounded is a mobile app designed to help users disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with nature through guided outdoor mindfulness, breathing exercises, and meditative walks. The goal: reduce stress and encourage healthier, grounded lifestyles in a tech-heavy world.

In an age where most mindfulness apps are confined to indoor settings, users are craving a deeper, more authentic experience. Grounded fills this gap by integrating mindfulness with the outdoors—whether you're on a trail, in a park, or in your backyard. The challenge was to create a user-friendly interface that inspires and encourages users to step outside and be present.

Age: 33

Profession: UX Designer

Location: Portland, OR

Goals: Manage stress, reduce screen time, find a deeper connection with nature

Frustrations: Overwhelmed by constant notifications and apps that feel too “corporate” or inauthentic

Grounded is designed for people like James—working professionals looking to find calm without relying on screen-heavy meditation routines.

I audited leading apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer to analyze strengths and gaps. While these apps offer robust meditation libraries, they lack prompts encouraging outdoor activity and real-world connection. Grounded aims to blend tech and nature into a more balanced user experience.

A simple and intuitive user journey:

Welcome & onboarding

Choose your outdoor environment

Pick a meditation or mindfulness walk

Begin your session

Option to journal or share your reflection

Early wireframes focused on minimizing friction and providing an inviting UI. Accessibility and clarity were top priorities—buttons are large, text is readable outdoors, and visuals promote a sense of calm.

Headings: Helvetica

Body Text: Barrow

Earthy, calming color palette using shades of moss, bark, clay, and soft cream. Designed to reflect the outdoors and promote ease and warmth.

Reusable buttons, cards, progress indicators, and filters were created to streamline development and support a scalable product.

The logo and brand visuals draw inspiration from topographic maps and natural leaf structures, creating a sense of place and journey.

The final interface balances visual beauty with usability—clean UI, nature imagery, and subtle interactions guide the user from start to finish. Sessions are designed to be audio-led with minimal screen interaction so users can stay present in nature.