Glow
A Perfect Panner
UX/UI Designer
Challenge
As an international student I found it difficult to manage time, stay focused and motivated, prepare meals and give time for my personal mental and physical growth. This led to frustration and a challenge to find a solution for it!
Results
This journal isn’t just a planner; it’s a tool for transformation. It’s designed to help anyone:
● Plan Their Days and Weeks: By scheduling tasks in advance, you can stay organized and focused.
● Reclaim Creativity: There’s space to draw, color, or paint—whatever helps you reconnect with yourself.
● Reflect and Grow Spiritually: Prompts for gratitude and self-reflection encourage you to look inward and find balance.
The best part? You don’t have to use it perfectly. Even following just half of the journal’s structure will put you on the path to progress!
Process
Research & Analysis
I began by reflecting on my own challenges and frustrations, identifying key stressors like missed deadlines, poor meal planning, and a loss of creative expression. To address these issues, I explored existing tools like Samsung Notes, sticky notes, and journaling. However, I found these tools scattered and lacking cohesion. This analysis laid the foundation for creating a unified system that could address these pain points effectively.
Information Architecture
Based on my observations and needs, I structured the journal to include sections for daily planning, meal tracking, creative expression, and reflection. I prioritized simplicity and functionality, ensuring the journal catered to both productivity and personal growth.
Wireframing & Prototyping
I created low-fidelity sketches to visualize the layout and functionality of the journal. These sketches were refined iteratively to ensure clarity and usability. Inspired by nature, I incorporated calming color tones like lavender and blue and floral motifs to evoke serenity and growth.
Usability Testing
I tested the journal by using it daily to track tasks, manage time, and express creativity. Feedback from my own experience was used to tweak the structure and design, ensuring it was intuitive and met its intended purpose.
Visual Design & Style Guide
To enhance the journal's appeal, I developed a cohesive visual language inspired by pastel tones and floral motifs observed in nature. The final design embodied calmness and encouragement, promoting focus and creativity. A style guide was also created to maintain consistency across elements.
Outcome
The journal transformed my chaotic routine into a structured and manageable one. It became a tool for planning, reflection, and self-expression, leading to a personal transformation and a sense of balance. The design also inspired a deeper understanding of the impact of semiotics in creating emotionally resonant products.
Conclusion
Conclusion
This project was more than just designing a journal—it was a journey of personal transformation. Through research, structured planning, and creative design, I developed a tool that turned chaos into clarity and frustration into purpose. The journal not only addressed practical needs like time management and organization but also fostered emotional and creative growth.
It taught me the value of user-centric design and the importance of aligning aesthetics with functionality to create a product that resonates emotionally. Most importantly, it reinforced that growth is not about perfection but about consistent effort and small, meaningful changes. This experience has inspired me to continue creating designs that empower and transform lives.
