Born from a desire to rethink how we engage with technology, Oasis is a self-led project centered on creating a more mindful screen-time experience—one rooted in reflection, habit-building, and digital wellness.
The average adult spends over 7 hours a day staring at screens —
with 4 to 5 of those hours on their phone alone.
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That’s more time than we often spend eating, exercising, and socializing… combined.
Understanding How Users Relate to Their Screen Time
Insights emerge:
Before diving into solutions, I conducted five in-depth interviews to understand how people perceive their phone and screen habits, what challenges they face, and the kind of support they actually want. Across different lifestyles and routines, shared emotional patterns emerged that highlight what’s often missing in current wellness tools.
Most interview users felt frustrated by their screen habits but struggled to change them
Phone use was often automatic, especially during boredom or stress
Mornings were a trigger point, leaving users feeling rushed or disconnected
Everyone wanted more intentional tech use
Emotional clarity and self-connection mattered more than just screen-time stats
"I want something that reminds me why I'm doing this in the first place, not just blocking me."
"Sometimes I just wake up and start scrolling, and then I feel behind or distracted for the rest of the day."
"Even if my phone screen time goes down, I’m still staring at a computer or watching TV. It’s tricky to reduce overall screen time."
"Having a space to check in on my moods helps me understand how I’m feeling and what impacts those emotions.”
The Hidden Cost of Screen Time
From swipes to spirals:
In 2023, Americans spent an average of over 7 hours daily on screens, a figure that has steadily increased over the past decade. Beyond sheer time, studies highlight the quality of screen interactions as a critical factor—frequent multitasking and fragmented attention contribute to cognitive overload and reduced productivity.
A recent survey by Pew Research found that 65% of users feel overwhelmed by constant notifications, yet many struggle to adjust settings or create boundaries that fit their lifestyle. This disconnect points to a gap in existing wellness apps, which focus largely on limiting usage rather than helping users develop sustainable habits.
Moreover, research indicates that emotional triggers like stress and loneliness often drive excessive screen use, creating a cycle that standard screen-time trackers fail to address. This insight informed Oasis’s approach—prioritizing emotional awareness and intentional device use over mere restriction.
Sources: Pew Research Center, Nielsen, Journal of Behavioral Addictions
4 of 5 had tried screen-time limits, yet found them too easy to override or too punitive.
"The app limit just pops up, and I hit 'ignore.' It feels more like a slap on the wrist."
50% named mornings as a particularly vulnerable time for distraction and mindless use.
"I roll over and grab my phone first thing... it completely hijacks how I start my day."
Research Findings
100% reported habitual phone use, often triggered by stress, boredom, or low energy.
"When I’m drained, my phone just becomes the easiest escape, even if I’m not really enjoying it."
83% felt anxious or guilty about their screen time but lacked sustainable tools for change.
"I’ll feel bad after scrolling for hours, but it’s hard to stop—especially when I’m already overwhelmed."
All users expressed interest in emotional tools—like journaling, check-ins, or affirmations—to guide mindful habits.
"I want something that helps me stay grounded and motivated."
67% said reminders and soft nudges would improve consistency.
"I forget to journal sometimes, it would be nice to get a reminder."
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Considering the emotional and behavioral challenges uncovered through the personas, I explored a range of ideas before arriving at a solution focused on helping users build healthier screen habits through self-reflection, structure, and personalized support.
Shaping Solutions
I made some initial sketches exploring possible interface
layouts and interactions.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Initial concepts:
I made some initial sketches exploring possible interface
layouts and interactions.
Mid-Fidelity Wireframes
Initial concepts:
Oasis helps users cultivate mindfulness in a modern, balanced way. Drawing from user research and industry insights, I shaped a brand identity that feels:
aware · purposeful · serene · balanced · holistic · modern
Branding
Logo
Visual identity:
