Review from SW lens – Smiling Mind: Meditation App Review

Simplicity and Use ​The app is simple to use and the feature available are easy to navigate. However, this app is not meant to be used in short spurts like scrolling through Instagram or Facebook. As previously stated, this application is about mindfulness and meditation and when practicing these, an individual needs to set aside a portion of their time to complete. The app does provide the user with the ability to see the duration of a session ahead of time, so the individual can plan accordingly. Playfulness ​Playful is not the word I would use to describe Smiling Mind. I do think the app provides a fun and easy to use way to guide an individual through mindfulness and meditation, but using the app requires an individual to be intentional and focused, which is not always the case for applications. Many of the apps that I consider to be fun and playful do not require my complete attention like Smiling Minds. Visual Design ​The visual design of the app is appealing, but it is not eye catching. It resembles features of other apps and lacks a distinctive visual appeal that will set it apart from other applications like Instagram or Snapchat. Sound Design ​Sound is included in each lesson and it is necessary. The narrator is a man with an Australian accent that guides the individual through the practice for each lesson. The man is clear and easy to understand. The man’s voice cannot be changed, but I found this helpful because it provided a uniform way to navigate through the mindfulness practices. It also helped me associate his voice with mindfulness and focus more clearly on each session by not becoming distracted by a new voice. The volume of his voice can also be adjusted as needed via an individual’s volume buttons. Social ​This app is definitely intended to be used alone. There is no social component of the app with the exception of sub users, but even this is limited. When creating an account, Smiling Mind, does give the option to use an email or Facebook, but this is the extent to which I experienced app connections. Interactivity ​Smiling Mind provides the user with access to their own personal data that has been tracked. Each user has a dashboard. On one’s dashboard with the number of sessions completed, meditation minutes, and user streaks via days. The dashboard also provides a bar graph of the days and length of use for users to get a visual. Lastly, the dashboard allows users to see what programs they have completed and are in the process of completing. Connectivity ​One does need network connection to navigate parts of the app like searching programs. However, users can download different programs and use the downloaded programs without internet. This opportunity to download and use without internet is the only way I have discovered for users to limit data usage.
Review by ArtH1960 on Smiling Mind: Meditation App.