INTRODUCTION

For this project, I created the full visual identity for the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Video Game Degree at CITM. The concept was built around the idea of connecting past, present, and future through a visual language that evokes classic arcade aesthetics while maintaining a polished, contemporary feel. The slogan “Tothom Hi Juga” (Everyone Plays) inspired an inclusive and vibrant identity that reflects the diversity of the video game community and invites participation across all disciplines — design, art, programming, and beyond.

PROJECT GOALS

General Goal

To develop ethical UX/UI prototypes for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube that promote conscious, responsible, and balanced social media consumption.

Specific Goals

● Analyze the current addictive UX/UI techniques in social media.

● Explore the ethical implications of design strategies that promote

continuous use.

● Research how design patterns impact user behavior, health, and well-being.

● Propose design recommendations that reduce compulsive use, such as time

limits, mindful interaction reminders, and customizable notifications.

● Validate the effectiveness of the proposed designs through user testing

and feedback.

RESEARCH

METHODS

Literature review on UX/UI techniques, psychological impact, and ethical concerns, alongside a benchmarking and SWOT analysis of TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

KEY FINDINGS

Addictive Techniques Identified

Infinite scroll, push notifications, recommendation algorithms, gamification.

Psychological Impact

Increased anxiety, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), social comparison, reduced self-esteem, compulsive behavior.

Target Audience

● TikTok: Mainly users aged 18-24.

● Instagram: Users aged 18-34, visually driven.

● YouTube: Diverse audience, strong mobile usage.

UX PROCESS

PROBLEM DEFINITION

The project started by identifying a key issue: the use of manipulative UX/UI strategies by social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, which are designed to capture and retain user attention. Techniques like infinite scroll, personalized notifications, and algorithm-driven content contribute to excessive and unconscious usage. The goal was to challenge this model by proposing an ethical alternative—interfaces that encourage users to engage in a more balanced, healthy, and intentional way.

WIREFRAMES AND SKETCHES

Once the core problem was defined, the ideation phase began with the creation of low-fidelity wireframes and initial sketches. These early concepts focused on integrating well-being-centered features into familiar social media interfaces. Key ideas included simplified navigation, visibility of daily time usage, and direct access to notification settings. The sketches explored how these ethical design interventions could be seamlessly incorporated without sacrificing usability or engagement.

PROTOTYPING

With the initial concepts in place, high-fidelity prototypes were developed using Figma. Each prototype reimagined core screens of TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to prioritize user autonomy and digital health. Features such as break reminders, customizable time limits, and distraction-reducing modes were implemented. These designs were then prepared for usability testing, allowing users to interact with the new layouts and provide feedback on their effectiveness and clarity.

TikTok prototype in Figma

01

USER TESTING

PROCESS

The user testing phase began by selecting participants who matched the target audience of social media users. The process included guided walkthroughs where participants were introduced to the new prototypes and were asked to complete specific tasks using the redesigned features. Throughout these sessions, special attention was given to observing how users interacted with the time management settings, notification controls, and disconnection reminders.

KEY RESULTS

The results from the testing sessions revealed that users quickly understood the new features and appreciated their clarity and accessibility. Participants responded positively to the time limit settings and break reminders, considering them useful tools for promoting more conscious usage. Feedback also showed that users valued the ability to easily customize notifications and felt more in control of their social media experience.

IMPROVEMENTS

Based on the insights gathered, several design adjustments were made to improve usability and accessibility. The time management features were made more prominent and easier to configure, while the notification settings were streamlined to provide a more intuitive customization process. These improvements ensured that the redesigned features not only supported ethical goals but also provided a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

FINAL DESIGN

The final design presents ethical UX/UI prototypes for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, focused on promoting digital well-being and conscious usage. The designs prioritize user control, minimize addictive elements, and encourage healthier social media habits.

DISCONNECTION REMINDER

This screen allows users to set up reminders that suggest taking breaks after extended periods of usage. It helps disrupt compulsive loops and promotes balanced engagement with the platform.

TIME LIMITS

Users can define custom daily time limits for using the app. This feature encourages conscious use, prevents excessive screen time, and supports healthier digital habits through self-regulation.

TRANSPARENCY AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

This screen offers clear access to active subscriptions, billing information, and platform policies. The interface avoids dark patterns, making cancellation and modifications straightforward to ensure transparency and user trust.

NOTIFICATIONS

On this screen, users can manage in detail which notifications they wish to receive and when. The design prioritizes autonomy and well-being, reducing information overload and avoiding unnecessary interruptions that feed FOMO and compulsive use.

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

This screen provides a clear and accessible overview of personal information, privacy settings, and usage preferences. It’s designed to avoid manipulative design patterns, offering a transparent way for users to manage their data and experience. The goal is to give users real control over their account in a respectful and ethical way.

INFINITE SCROLL

While maintaining continuous content flow, this screen integrates time indicators and pause points. It aims to reduce addictive consumption patterns and foster more mindful browsing.

HOME SCREEN

This redesigned home screen removes gamified elements like likes, visible follower counts, and public comments. The goal is to reduce social pressure and comparison, focusing instead on content over performance.

FOCUS MODE

Focus Mode activates a greyscale display to reduce visual stimulation. It’s designed to support intentional use by minimizing distraction and breaking dopamine-driven habits.

PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Users can customize the type of content they want to see (educational, humorous, personal, etc.) and video length. This puts the user in control, shifting away from opaque algorithmic suggestions.

CONFIGURE FEED

This screen allows users to hide metrics such as likes, views, and followers. It aims to reduce external validation loops, foster neutrality, and support healthier user behavior.

INTENTIONAL START

Before entering the app, users face a short waiting screen prompting them to reflect on their intention. This brief moment helps interrupt automatic, impulsive entry and builds digital awareness.

TIME COUNTER

Always visible at the top of the screen, the time counter shows how long the user has been active that day and how much time is left before their set limit. This reinforces time awareness and self-regulation.

WEEKLY SUMMARY

This screen provides an overview of daily usage across the week, with comparisons to previous weeks. It includes positive reinforcement for reduced screen time and tools to adjust limits or reminders.

INITIAL POP-UP

This screen displays a short pause before entering the app, encouraging users to reflect on their purpose for opening it. By introducing a brief moment of awareness, it aims to disrupt impulsive access patterns and foster more intentional use. This feature supports healthier digital habits by helping users make more conscious decisions about their time and attention.

EXPERIENCE PERSONALIZATION

This screen gives users control over the type of content they want to see (e.g., educational, humorous) and the format (such as video length). It also allows them to hide social metrics like likes and follower counts. By doing so, it reduces algorithmic influence and social pressure, promoting a browsing experience based on personal interest and emotional comfort.

CURIOUS ABOUT MY FINAL DEGREE PROJECT?

Here's the full research and the prototype documents — take a look.

Addiction Design

This Final Degree Project (TFG) analyzes how social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube use UX/UI design techniques to maximize user retention, which can lead to addictive and harmful usage patterns for mental health. Strategies such as infinite scrolling, personalized notifications, gamification, and recommendation algorithms are examined, as well as the use of dark patterns that manipulate user decision-making.

From an ethical standpoint, the project proposes redesigned prototypes in Figma that promote more conscious use, including features like time limits, disconnection reminders, and greater transparency. Through theoretical research, comparative analysis, and user validation, the aim is to foster more responsible platforms that prioritize users’ psychological well-being over indiscriminate engagement.

Final Degree Project Document - Spanish

Developed Prototypes

This document presents the prototypes of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, designed with ethical principles and user well-being at the center. The prototype, developed in Figma, proposes innovative solutions to minimize compulsive use, give control back to the user, and promote a conscious and healthy use of digital technology.

It includes screens and functionalities that prioritize transparency, personalization, self-control, and the reduction of addictive stimuli, offering a responsible experience aligned with the values of digital well-being.

Document of the Instagram, YouTube, TikTok Prototypes

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