Overview

ESOLY is a mobile app concept inspired by the documentary "Et si on levait les yeux ?" Une classe face aux écrans (Gilles Vernet). The app addresses excessive screen time among children and its impact on well-being and family connection. ESOLY encourages healthier habits through a playful garden simulation where progress is tied to time spent away from screens.

The problem

Children (especially “Generation Alpha”) are surrounded by screens and often use them by default when alternative activities or parental availability are limited. The documentary also highlights that parents’ own screen habits can weaken family connection.

DESIGN PROCESS

RESEARCH

User audience
User interviews
Jobs & user stories
Competitive analysis
Functional analysis
Moodboard

PROTOTYPING

Functional prototype
User flow
Wireframes

UI DESIGN

Visual concept
Design system
Components library
Animations
Interactive prototype

TESTING

User testing
Final corrections

The design process followed a user-centered approach, starting with research to understand the target audience and their needs. This was followed by prototyping to create a functional layout, and finally UI design to develop an engaging visual experience. User testing ensured the app met user expectations and provided a seamless experience.

TARGET AUDIENCE

PERSONAS (INSIGHTS)

CÉLINE, 13

Middle school student (“4ème”)

Céline est une petite fille qui aime lire des romans, comme ceux de Victor Hugo, Les Misérables et Notre-Dame de Paris. Pour cela, elle les a téléchargés sur sa tablette afin de les lire facilement.

Interests

Reading
Cartoons
Sports

Digital habits

Online reading
Netflix

Goals

Read a printed novel
Improve handwriting
Join theater

Needs

Sleep deprivation
Anxiety
Visual issues

SANDRINE, 36

Nurse · parent

Sandrine, maman soucieuse du bien-être de ses enfants, cherche un moyen efficace et non intrusif de suivre leur temps d’écran pour les aider à adopter des habitudes plus saines.

Interests

Reading
Gardening
Family activities

Digital habits

Digital news
Social networks

Goals

Reduce children’s screen time

Needs

Non-intrusive screen-time tracking
Help setting limits consistently

User stories are built around ESOLY’s 3 modes (Child, Parent, Family) and the core mechanic: set a mission → reduce screen time → grow plants → earn rewards.

USER STORIES

CHILD MODE

Self-regulation + motivation

As a child, I want to start a mission with a timer so I can focus on an offline activity.
As a child, I want my seed to grow when I don’t use my phone so I can see my progress.
As a child, I want to choose mission durations so challenges feel achievable.
As a child, I want rewards (seeds/XP/items) so I stay motivated over time.
As a child, I want to track my progress with stats so I can feel proud of my improvement.
As a child, I want a fun tutorial story (Sam + the garden) so the app feels like a game.

PARENT MODE

Support without conflict

As a parent, I want to encourage less screen time so my child builds healthier habits.
As a parent, I want to propose alternative activities so we can spend quality time together.
As a parent, I want to validate my child’s completed mission so rewards feel fair.
As a parent, I want to send supportive messages so my child feels encouraged.
As a parent, I want to reward effort (virtual items) so I stay engaged too.
As a parent, I want simple mission setup so it fits my daily routine.

FAMILY MODE

Shared missions + collaboration

As a family, we want a shared garden so we feel like we’re progressing together.
As a family, we want to create collaborative challenges so we replace screens with real activities.
As a family, we want both sides to validate a mission so results are trusted.
As a family, we want rewards tied to longer missions so big efforts feel meaningful.
As a family, we want reminders/feedback so we stay consistent across days.
As a family, we want to see the garden evolve so our teamwork is visible.