System Mapping Loneliness:
UX Insights into Emotional Well-Being
Project Overview
A Systems Approach to Human Connection
As semi-finalists in Oxford’s 2023 Map the System Challenge, our team of 5, comprising of members from VIA University Denmark, & Humber College Canada, explored rising loneliness among Indian youth. Using UX research and system mapping, we identified mental health stigmas, social media’s impact, and cultural barriers—designing insights to inform empathetic, community-focused solutions.
Process Overview:
Project Overview
Published Research: From Threats to Trust in Smart Home User Experiences
As part of my Computer Engineering thesis at the University of Wollongong Dubai (published in IEEE), I explored how cybersecurity threats impacted user trust and experience in Smart Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS). Using simulations and a genetic algorithm, I analyzed pricing attack vulnerabilities and designed detection and mitigation strategies to create a safer, more transparent, and user-friendly smart home experience.
Project Type
Systems Thinking
Tools Used
Kumu.io (Feedback Loops)
Microsoft Word (Report)
Miro (Brainstorming)
Google Forms (User Surveys)
Google Meet (User Interviews)
Duration
3 Months
Team
Team of 5: Aksha, Amna, Conor, Davis, Mette
Problem Landscape
Recent reports highlight a troubling rise in suicide rates among Indian youth aged 13 to 30 — a trend that has intensified since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This prompted us to explore the underlying emotional and systemic factors contributing to this crisis.
We asked: Why is this issue worsening despite increased awareness, and what role does Indian cultural context play in shaping young people’s mental health experiences and access to support?
Why is there a drastic increase in suicide rates amongst young adults in India?
Primary & Secondary Research
Uncovering Hidden Painpoints
To get a fresher perspective on how the younger demographic tackled these mental health issues during the pandemic, we interviewed 6 Indian students who were at that time, residing in India. Although the sample size is obviously small, it still provided an indication of what people felt during the pandemic.
Based on the user interviews & research of past data, we pinpointed 5 major issues that intensified loneliness amongst the Indian youth.
Define what loneliness is for you:
Interviewees had common themes in their answers which included feelings of isolation even when surrounded by people, the impact of social media, and the potential for both negative and positive effects. Many believed that loneliness could lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, but it could also inspire personal growth, independence, and self-love. The importance of connection with family and friends was also emphasized, as well as the need for meaningful relationships to share life experiences and create memories.
How did you handle the isolation during COVID-19 lockdown? Were you stuck somewhere you didn't want to be?
The six people coped with isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown in different ways. Some managed their time but developed unhealthy habits, while others found solace in their terrace or backyard. Many relied on their phones, online friends, and prayers for support. Some followed protocols and helped others, while others appreciated spending time with family and staying connected virtually. However, job loss was a challenge for some individuals.
Do you find companionship through technology or do you feel more distant from people?
The six individuals expressed mixed opinions on whether technology leads to companionship or distance from others. Some feel distant and acknowledge the negative impact on mental health, while others find companionship and connection through technology. A few respondents see the value in both face-to-face interactions and technology-based connections. In conclusion, people's experiences with technology and companionship vary, with some finding it helpful while others feel it contributes to loneliness and disconnection.
Surveyees were asked questions that were referenced from the UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-8, 2008).
Underlying Causes
Isolation due to
Covid 19
Social Media Usage, Technology & Instant Gratification
Lack of Access to
Mental Healthcare
Lack of Awareness &
Existence of Stigmas
Cultural Attitude towards Loneliness, Individuality, Family Structures & Dynamics
Visual Feedback Loops
Once we pinpointed some of the major causes, we created a visual map on Kumu comprising of connected circles, balancing loops & reinforcing loops to better understand the gaps between existing solutions,
Analysing the Feedback Loops
Reinforcing loop 1: Loneliness leads to increased social media usage as a means of seeking social connection.
Reinforcing loop 2: Increased social media usage leads to more online bonding experiences and digital socializing, which may initially alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Balancing loop 1: Social media usage increased due to social distancing and work-from-home culture during the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to more online bonding experiences and digital socializing, which initially alleviate loneliness.
Key Factors: Excessive use of social media can lead to social pressure and comparison with peers on social media, which can ultimately increase feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Vicious loop 1: Loneliness worsens the mental health of individuals. This, combined with a lack of access to mental health care, strengthens stigmas and leads to increased levels of loneliness.
Reinforcing loop 1: Increasing awareness of mental health can reduce existing stigmas and lessen the impact on loneliness.
Reinforcing loop 2: Low economic status and wealth limit access to mental healthcare, which in turn prevents the reduction of stigmas and contributes to increased loneliness.
Vicious loop 1: Stigmas are often passed down within family structures, perpetuating cultural attitudes towards mental health. These attitudes then contribute to the establishment of new family structures that also hold the same stigmas.
Reinforcing loop 1: Negative cultural attitudes toward mental health can lead to lower interest in providing mental healthcare. This can further strengthen stigmas & perpetuate existing, outdated cultural attitudes.
Reinforcing loop 2: Negative cultural attitudes towards mental health reduces awareness of mental health issues, further perpetuating negative cultural attitudes towards mental health.
Solution Landscape
So, how do we bridge the Loneliness Gap?
Through in-depth user research and system analysis, we identified a clear gap between existing solutions and the real needs of young adults. This impact gap was contributing to a lack of meaningful support. By understanding these unmet needs, we were able to propose user-centered solutions aimed at bridging that disconnect and improving youth well-being.
Our Process
How did we execute this project?
Since our team members resided in different parts of the world living in different time zones, we heavily relied on online calls on Miro Board for research, brainstorming, ideating & organizing collected data.
Insights
Key Takeaways
01
Not a lot of actual research or data was available online in regard to how loneliness is impacting the Indian youth, probably due to stigmas & lack of government interest.
02
The West has a very different outlook on mental health and is very open to discussing these matters on the news, television series, and on online social platforms, as compared to the East.
03
I was able to relate to the topic to quite some extent, & a lot of issues brought to light were drawn from my own experiences as well.
04
The final question that remains though is, "whose loneliness is being prioritized"? The rich and privileged ones, who can afford therapy & other solution tools? This can lead us to come up with more equitable solutions applicable for everyone, of all ages.