Act it out
A self-guided app to help users navigate appearance-related social and psychological challenges
UX design
Wireframing
UI design
Prototyping
Information architecture
Interaction design
Brand development
User interviewing research
ACT It Out is a self-guided mobile app developed by the University of the West of England to support people who experience challenges related to their appearance.
Project background
The app focuses on helping users manage social anxiety, body image concerns, and self-esteem through structured, skill-based learning. It’s designed for individuals with visible differences caused by conditions or injuries, offering practical tools to help them navigate everyday social situations with more confidence.
The experience is built around a six-session course that introduces users to core psychological skills and gradually supports them in applying these in their own lives.
Content is delivered through a mix of written guidance, audio, and interactive exercises, allowing users to engage in a way that suits them. Alongside the core sessions, the app includes mindfulness practices and repeatable skill-building activities to encourage ongoing use beyond the initial course.
Outline approach
The app is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that focuses on helping people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful action aligned with their values.
A key design challenge was translating clinical concepts into a format that feels approachable, supportive, and easy to follow without professional guidance. This required balancing psychological accuracy with clarity, accessibility, and user engagement.
The tone, structure, and interaction patterns were designed to feel calm, non-judgemental, and empowering, supporting users through potentially sensitive topics without overwhelming them.
The original prototype was created Dr Fabio Zucchelli, the requirements at that stage were less around the user experience and more around testing the content.
The app was also originally designed on desktop, moving to mobile brought about opportunities to explore key user priorities and how this would be presented for mobile.
User and client interviews gave real insight into the user needs and allowed me to create a solid hierarchy of information. Upon arriving on the home screen a user would see all key information. Onboarding on how to use the app, 1x session (plus expanded) view and the header for Skill builders. Secondary to this users could access personal notes and also get extra help should they need the support.
The app experience requires lengthy user engagement, each session has a very stripped back navigation with a progress bar running along the top. We kept this simple to avoid clashing with the rich user content, users would be prompted at the end of each session to leave feedback which would be collected through the app.
Impact
ACT It Out translates a clinically grounded approach into an accessible, self-guided digital experience. By simplifying complex psychological concepts into clear, supportive interactions, the app helps users build confidence and develop practical coping strategies in their own time.
The project highlights the role of thoughtful UX in making sensitive, evidence-based content feel approachable, empowering, and usable in everyday life.
