Journeys was a Calm product feature designed to improve content relevancy and user engagement by guiding people through topic-based experiences like Stress and Anxiety, Work Stress, Better Sleep, Self-Care, and Grief and Loss. This first version introduced structured content pathways that shifted throughout the day, aiming to help users discover helpful tools related to their chosen topic.

I joined the project as a contractor after it had already started and took the lead on designing the leveling and progression framework. I created a system that gave users a clearer sense of advancement based on content completion, adding structure and motivation to an otherwise open-ended experience.

I worked closely with product, engineering, Studios, and two other designers to align on how content should be grouped into levels, what counted as progress, and how the system would function across the user journey. I also led user flow mapping and brainstorming sessions to shape each step of the experience.

Throughout the project, I partnered with the research team to conduct four rounds of interviews and surveys. We tested user perceptions of progress, content preferences, and how clearly the system communicated its purpose. After launch, I helped interpret feedback and supported iterative improvements to drive clarity and engagement.

While Journeys 1.0 was a foundational first step, it revealed important gaps in how users understood progress and connected with their goals. These insights directly informed the next phase of the project, leading to the development of a more immersive, structured, and visually rich experience in Journeys World Building.