Case Study: Koru - A Secure and Private Mental Wellness Journal

The Challenge: Creating a True Safe Space for Mental Wellness

In a digital world where data privacy is a growing concern, many individuals are hesitant to use online tools for personal reflection and mental health. The challenge was to create a mental wellness application that not only provided effective tools for self-care but also guaranteed user privacy through robust security measures. The goal was to build a digital sanctuary where users could feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of their data being compromised.

My Solution: Koru, a Mental Wellness App with Privacy at its Core

I developed Koru, a web application designed to be a comprehensive toolkit for mental wellness, with a primary focus on user privacy and security. The platform offers a range of features to support users on their mental health journey:

• End-to-End Encrypted Journaling: The core feature of Koru is a secure, private journal. All entries are encrypted using the user's password, meaning no one—not even the database administrator—can access the content. This commitment to privacy is central to my development philosophy, as highlighted in my security and reliability services.
• Comprehensive Wellness Toolkit: Koru includes a suite of tools for daily self-care, including a mood tracker, guided journaling prompts, a sleep log, daily affirmations, and mindfulness exercises like guided breathing.
• Data-Driven Insights: The application provides users with visualizations of their mood and sleep history, helping them identify patterns and gain a deeper understanding of their mental well-being over time.
• Supportive Community Features: An anonymous community space allows users to share their thoughts and experiences, fostering a sense of connection and mutual support without compromising their privacy.

Technologies Used

The technology stack for Koru was chosen to ensure a secure, seamless, and performant user experience:

• Frontend: Next.js (App Router) and TypeScript for a type-safe, fast, and modern user interface.
• Styling: Tailwind CSS for a clean, minimalist, and responsive design.
• Backend and Database: Firebase, utilizing Firestore for real-time data and Firebase Authentication for secure user management.
• Encryption: The Web Crypto API for robust, client-side encryption of all journal entries.
• Deployment: Vercel for reliable and scalable hosting.

This project is a testament to my ability to build secure, full-stack applications that prioritize user privacy and well-being. If you have a project that requires a similar level of care and technical expertise, please get in touch.