ELYSIUM APP DESIGN

When I was approached to design Elysium, I knew this wasn’t just another app—it was a lifeline. Veterans battling PTSD often feel isolated, caught between the weight of their past and the struggles of everyday life. My goal was to create an interface that felt like home—a place of refuge, support, and empowerment.

I started with the name Elysium, inspired by the mythological paradise for warriors who had fought their hardest battles. It had to represent peace, healing, and honor, reinforcing that these veterans deserved a space of their own, free of judgment.

The design had to be intuitive and calming. I chose a muted, earthy color palette—soft blues —to evoke stability and trust. The typography was clean, modern, and approachable, ensuring ease of use for all ages. Every UI element was designed with accessibility in mind, making navigation effortless even in moments of high anxiety.

The core of the app focused on three key areas:

24/7 Professional Support – A direct line to licensed counselors, available anytime, ensuring that no veteran ever felt alone in their darkest moments.
Veteran-to-Veteran Connection – A private, moderated space where users could talk, share their experiences, and offer support to one another, reinforcing the power of community.
Daily Coping & Stability Tools – Mindfulness exercises, structured daily routines, grounding techniques, and reminders—all designed to help veterans navigate daily life while managing PTSD.

One of the most vital features I designed was the Crisis Mode—a single-tap function that connected users immediately to emergency support, whether through a counselor, a trusted contact, or guided de-escalation techniques.

Designing Elysium wasn’t just about aesthetics or functionality—it was about creating a sense of belonging. I wanted every veteran who opened the app to feel like they had stepped into a space designed just for them, where their struggles were understood, their voices were heard, and help was always within reach.