UX/UI DESIGN
Pia

Overview
With excessive screen time on the rise, people are experiencing screen-induced myopia while losing touch with real-world experiences. (myo)PIA is an exploration into how digital intervention can encourage healthier screen habits and help users reconnect with life beyond their devices.
The Problem 🤔
As screen addiction grows, so does the prevalence of screen-induced myopia, leaving individuals disconnected from their surroundings and struggling to reclaim their time.
The Solution 💡
Pia is your witty digital sidekick designed to help you break the cycle of screen addiction. Through custom app locks, real-life challenges, and social connection features, Pia makes stepping away from screens engaging and rewarding.
Case Study Video
Empathy Interview Findings
• Interviewed ages 16, 17, 19 and 20
• Most are unaware of myopia
• Most have 8+ hours of screen time
• Uses digital devices mostly for entertainment and social purposes
• People invest the most time in video games and social media
• Time online is not always fulfilling. About half of the people would prefer to do things offline if it wasn’t so expensive or unsafe, but online is the best they have for now.
User Personas
Our three personas highlight the experiences that many Gen-Zers face when having excessive screentime.
Meet Pia
Your witty digital sidekick helping you conquer screen addiction in the hopes of preventing myopia. With custom app locks and real-life challenges, Pia the owl helps you reclaim your time and rediscover the world. Say hello to a clearer future with Pia by your side.

FEATURE 1
LockOut
Sometimes a LockOut is a good thing. Pia will be kind enough to give you a warning or two so don’t act shocked when she shows up and takes control. After you spend a specified time on multiple apps that you want to stay off of, Pia will lock out your access and assign you a challenge to select from.

FEATURE 2
PiaPals
Allows commuters to share their trip details, including real-time location, ETA, and delays, with selected contacts. It also offers a live activity widget, enabling both the commuter and their contacts to view the trip status directly from their lock screen, ensuring seamless updates and enhanced safety throughout the journey.

FEATURE 3
Pia Cosmetics
Unlock cosmetics for Pia as you complete challenges. They range from different headwear and eyewear to add a personal touch to your bestie, Pia.

Takeaways
• Gamification and character design can make habit-changing tools more engaging and human.
• Collaborating across disciplines taught me how to align strategy, UX, and visual design effectively.
Next Steps
• Refine challenge flows and reward feedback
• Explore future features like Pia Pals and deeper customization.