Pregnancy support for Black women
NiaCare is a mobile application designed to support Black women during pregnancy, addressing significant racial disparities in maternal and newborn health in the USA. The platform helps reduce risks faced by Black mothers and newborns by providing education, support, and access to essential resources, creating a safer and more informed pregnancy journey. The goal was to design a consistent, user-friendly experience across mobile interfaces and web tools, ensuring that users can easily access care, guidance, and community support in one integrated ecosystem.
The project includes a complete ecosystem of applications:
• Mobile App (iOS & Android) — for Black mothers to track pregnancy and connect with healthcare professionals
• Healthcare Provider Panel (Web) — for professionals to manage appointments, provide guidance, and monitor patient progress
• Admin Panel (Web) — for oversight, user management, content administration, and analytics
1. Research & Cultural Context
Conducted research on maternal health apps, prenatal care platforms, and community-driven wellness solutions. Paid special attention to disparities in maternal care experienced by Black women. Identified the need for trust, emotional safety, culturally sensitive language, and clear medical guidance presented in an empowering, non-clinical way.
2. User-Centered Information Architecture
Designed the app structure around the primary user: pregnant Black women at different stages of pregnancy.
Key focus areas included:
pregnancy tracking and weekly milestones
health education tailored to real risks and needs
appointment and symptom tracking
emotional wellbeing and self-care
access to trusted resources and support
Ensured the navigation supports both daily quick check-ins and deeper educational exploration.
3. Wireframing & Mobile-First UX
Created low-fidelity wireframes with a strong mobile-first approach. Prioritized one-handed use, clear hierarchy, and calm information flow. Focused on reducing cognitive load during emotionally or physically demanding moments, such as symptom logging or reading medical guidance.
4. Visual Design & Design System
Developed a warm, inclusive visual language inspired by natural skin tones, soft earth colors, and gentle contrasts. Built a modular UI system with reusable components including:
progress cards and weekly summaries
health checklists and reminders
educational content blocks
form elements optimized for ease and accessibility
The design balances medical credibility with emotional warmth.
5. Representation & Emotional Tone
Shaped the visual direction around authentic representation and dignity. Used illustrations and imagery that reflect real Black women, their bodies, and experiences. The overall tone avoids fear-based messaging, focusing instead on reassurance, confidence, and self-awareness throughout the pregnancy journey.
6. Microinteractions & Supportive Feedback
Designed subtle microinteractions to support motivation and reassurance:
gentle progress confirmations
positive reinforcement after check-ins
calm animations for transitions and state changes
These elements reinforce consistency and trust without adding pressure or unnecessary gamification.
