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XinAI: Personalized AI Mental Health Tool

Role

Product Design + Development

Timeline: June 2024 - July 2024
Deloitte x Kode with Klossy Health Equity Challenge Winner

    Tools

  • React
  • Figma
  • Google Teachable Machine

Xin AI is a culturally grounded AI mental-wellness web app designed to support the Asian American community through accessible, affirming care. Named after the Chinese character for “heart” (心), which symbolizes both mind and body, the platform offers tools such as audio journal logging for emotional processing, a virtual meditation room for stress relief, and connections to affordable therapists specifically trained to work with Asian American clients. Xin AI provides a safe, judgment-free space where users can express their emotions, whether venting, reflecting, or decompressing, while accessing resources that honor their cultural experiences and prioritize holistic well-being.

XinAI was designed to lower the level of intimidation when you express your emotions. The product is packaged into a audio journal format so users can use it as a space to rant and talk about their day. The XinAI model then analyzes users journey entries and gives guidance on how to navigate the users emotions.

Try XinAI - https://xin-ai-christinelai.replit.app/

XinAI project image 1
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Design Process

Research → Insights

I conducted lightweight qualitative research through conversations with Asian American peers and an analysis of gaps in existing mental-health apps. Three major insights surfaced:

  • Emotional suppression is common — many people never learned language to describe their feelings.
  • Users want a safe, low-pressure entry point rather than a full therapy session.
  • Culturally familiar metaphors and tone resonate more than clinical language.

Design Principles

Based on these insights, I reframed the product direction and created principles that guided every design decision:

  • Lower emotional intimidation through gentle, conversational tone.
  • Support expression through audio, visuals, and metaphors — not just text.
  • Prioritize cultural nuance without stereotyping or oversimplifying identity.

Direction → Concept

I shaped XinAI around the idea of an “emotional mirror” — a space where users can speak freely, reflect without judgment, and receive guidance that feels culturally attuned. The experience centers on audio journaling, emotional interpretation, lightweight visual reflection, and mood-driven UI interactions. Every part of the system is designed to feel approachable rather than clinical.

Prototyping & Testing

I built the prototype using Next.js, Tailwind, and Teachable Machine. Early testing with students revealed three important patterns:

  • Users loved the voice-based journaling because it felt like “venting to a friend.”
  • The emotionally aware tone made people feel understood rather than analyzed.
  • Visuals and short reflections felt more calming than standard chatbot UIs.

These insights shaped the iterative UI — shifting toward softer gradients, quieter motion, and a more atmospheric interaction style.

Impact

Even as a prototype, XinAI helped users identify emotions they previously struggled to articulate. Many described it as the first mental-health tool that “felt made for them.” By blending cultural nuance, emotional intelligence, and lightweight interaction, XinAI created a safe space where users could understand themselves more deeply — without fear of judgment or formality.

Reflection

XinAI taught me how to design for emotional complexity with cultural empathy. More importantly, it reaffirmed my philosophy as a designer: technology should meet people where they are emotionally and culturally, not the other way around. If I had more time, I would deepen personalization, expand to multiple cultural frameworks, and refine the mood-to-visual pipeline.