Emotional Design in UI/UX: Creating a Calming User Experience for an Insomnia Companion App

Lim, Chai Hua (2026) Emotional Design in UI/UX: Creating a Calming User Experience for an Insomnia Companion App. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

Text LIM CHAI HUA_Full Text.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (8MB)

Abstract

Sleep difficulties among young adults have become increasingly common due to stress, excessive screen time, and irregular routines, negatively affecting emotional well-being and daily functioning. This study explores the design and development of Nap Nap, a UI/UX sleep companion mobile application created to provide a gentle, non-clinical solution that supports better sleep habits through emotional design and motivational engagement. Guided by Emotional Design Theory and Self-Determination Theory, the project investigates how calming visual elements, supportive interaction, and gamified features can enhance relaxation, emotional comfort, and sustained user engagement. Nap Nap was designed with soft pastel visuals, companion-based interaction, sleep tracking, soundscapes, and community features to create a calming and supportive digital environment for young adults experiencing sleep difficulties. The project involved research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user evaluation through questionnaires to assess users’ perceptions of the interface design and application features. Findings indicate that participants generally responded positively to the app’s calming interface, usability, and motivational features, suggesting that emotionally supportive UI/UX design can improve user comfort and encourage healthier sleep habits. Overall, this project demonstrates the potential of integrating emotional design and motivational principles into a sleep companion application, offering a more approachable and engaging alternative to conventional sleep-related digital tools while contributing valuable insights into wellness-focused UI/UX design.