Overview
Level Up is a simple, game-inspired habit tracker designed to help users build better habits without the pressure of perfection.
Instead of punishing missed days, Level Up celebrates progress, small wins, and long-term consistency.
Tools
Figma
timeline
5 Day Sprint
role
Product Designer
Problem & Goals
The Problem
Many habit trackers overwhelm users with too many features, rigid streak systems, and high cognitive effort. This often leads to discouragement, drop-off, or feeling “punished” for not being perfect.
Problem Insights
Streak Shame
Users felt discouraged or anxious when breaking streaks, leading to abandonment.
Overload & Complexity
Most apps required multiple steps to log a single habit.
Punitive Structures
Rigid systems made users feel guilty instead of motivated.
Inconsistent Routines
Rigid systems made users feel guilty instead of motivated.
Goals
Create a simple, friendly habit tracker that feels like a game, not a chore.
Encourage consistency without perfectionism.
Use small wins, progress indicators, and delightful moments to build momentum.
Reduce cognitive effort with a one-tap logging flow.
Focus on progress over punishment.
Design Challenge
How might we design a habit-building experience that...
Encourages progress
Reduces guilt
Motivates busy users to return daily, even after missed days.
Research & Insights
To understand habit-building behaviors, I conducted 5 remote user interviews and a 10-person survey. Participants were busy professionals (ages 25–35) who had trialed at least one habit-tracking app.
Key Patterns
Users wanted simplicity.
One-tap daily check-ins were preferred over multi-step flows.
Missed days were emotional.
People described guilt, shame, and “falling off the wagon.”
Gamification helped
Badges, progress bars, and streak-free rewards kept motivation high.
Flexibility mattered
Users wanted a system that met them where they were, not one that punished them.
Key Insight
Users didn’t abandon habit apps because they lacked discipline, they abandoned them because the apps punished imperfection.
Why LEVEL UP helps Jordan
Level Up meets Jordan where they are—motivated but overwhelmed. Instead of punishing missed days, it celebrates effort and progress.
The gamified system offers consistent feedback, small wins, and a sense of purpose that helps Jordan stay on track without falling into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking.
Jordan, 28
Career: Marketing Specialist
Lifestyle: Works full-time, juggles side projects, often starts new habits or routines but struggles to maintain consistency.
Goals:
Build routines that support mental clarity and focus
Improve consistency in daily habits like reading, exercising, or journaling
Feel accomplished without needing everything to be perfect
Frustrations:
Gets discouraged when a streak is broken
Overthinks productivity tools and ends up abandoning them
Feels like their potential is limited by perfectionism and distraction
Motivators:
Visual progress and rewards
Gamified experiences that feel fun and low-pressure
Flexibility without guilt
Defining the Solution
Research made one thing clear:
Users weren’t just frustrated with complexity, they needed encouragement, flexibility, and momentum.
Level Up delivers a progress-first experience through four pillars:
1
Friendly Visual Progress
A welcoming design with soft colors reduces anxiety while highlighting forward movement.
Impact: Users feel calm, not judged.
2
Micro-Rewards & Levels
Confetti pops, badges, and level-ups celebrate milestones.
Impact: Motivation through positive reinforcement.
3
Flexible Habit Logging
A one-tap action to log habits without multi-step flows.
Impact: Minimal friction = higher consistency.
4
No-Penalty Streak System
Missed days don’t reset progress; recovery paths encourage users to continue.
Impact: Reduced shame, improved retention.
Design Flows
To bring Level Up to life, I mapped 4 core flows to showcase the user journey:
Onboarding
Dashboard
Add Habit
Progress / Profile
Final Prototype
After defining the core flows, I created a polished high-fidelity prototype that emphasizes clarity, positivity, and effortless progress.
Highlights
Delightful micro-interactions (confetti, badge pops)
Simple one-tap logging for daily habits
Positive reinforcement through levels and rewards
Clean UI with friendly illustrations
Game-inspired layout that feels fun, not stressful