HabitAware is dedicated to helping individuals manage body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) through wearable technology and digital resources. Their offerings include the Keen app, designed for use with the Keen2 bracelet, and KeenLite, a subscription-based app exclusive to the Apple Watch. Collaborating with a team of four UX researchers, I worked on HabitAware’s brand strategy to strengthen the appeal of their products and services for potential users. My particular focus was on reworking the KeenLite Apple Watch app.

  • Experience Mapping

  • Rapid Prototyping

  • Deep Dive Research

  • Design Strategy

methods

Multi-Touchpoint Design Strategy

context

HabitAware, a Minnesota-based company, supports individuals with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like hair-pulling and nail-biting by helping them become aware of their actions. Their flagship product, the Keen2 bracelet, pairs with a robust app, community resources, coaching, and courses to guide users through behavior change. HabitAware’s mission is to empower users in managing BFRBs through this comprehensive ecosystem of support. This project focuses on clarifying the Keen2 bracelet’s role within a multi-touchpoint journey, enhancing user expectations and engagement by framing it as part of a broader support system rather than a standalone tool.

main content

The primary challenge in rebranding KeenLite (as KeenWatch: Companion) is resolving the confusion and dissatisfaction caused by its positioning and design, especially when compared to HabitAware’s flagship product, Keen2. Keen2, a smart wearable, is paired with a feature-rich app and delivers a highly developed user experience. In contrast, KeenLite is marketed as a standalone, subscription-based Apple Watch interface with limited functionality, which leaves users uncertain about its intended role. This gap in capability and clarity contributes to a fragmented experience within HabitAware’s product lineup.

Subscribers expect an intuitive and effective app that delivers on-the-go support from their Apple Watch. However, the app's limited development and confusing branding could risk alienating users, leaving them feeling discouraged or dissatisfied instead of supported. Given the subscription fee, the Apple Watch app should offer functionality comparable to the Keen2 bracelet. While some limitations may exist, these should be the only exceptions, and the interface must, at the very least, remain intuitive and user-friendly to meet expectations.


iteration and evaluation

defining the problem

experience map

For folks managing body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), clear and consistent tools are essential. When users approach the KeenLite app with expectations shaped by their experience or familiarity with Keen2, they may feel uninformed about its limited functionality. The similarity in product names suggests an interconnected ecosystem, but KeenLite lacks several key features found in Keen2, leading to potential confusion.




final design


I adjusted the branding within the app to make it clear that the app complements Keen2 rather than trying to replace it. Messaging now emphasizes that KeenLite (KeenWatch: Companion) is part of the broader HabitAware ecosystem. While keeping the core features that could fit within the constraints of the Apple Watch and improving the user interface to make it more intuitive, accessible, and aligned with the users' on-the-go needs. The app interface was streamlined to allow users to interact with it quickly and efficiently, with immediate visual feedback after each action. Also, I focused on better integration with the Keen phone app to create a seamless transition between the two.