Inspiration
I was inspired by how playful storytelling makes complex topics easier to explore. Apps like Gizmo and ABCya’s "Parts of Speech Quest" showed me how interactive worlds can spark curiosity in young minds. But I saw a gap — what if that same approach helped kids understand their emotions? Most mental health tools are too clinical or text-heavy. So I imagined something different: a fantasy world where exploring feelings feels like a gentle, magical quest. That became my base for Solaris.
What it does
Solaris is an interactive web experience where users explore emotional realms like “The Caverns of Chaos” (Anxiety) through a visual map with hidden symbols. Each symbol reveals a short emotional insight, and unlocking them all grants access to calming tools and reflection exercises. From breathing orbs to guided journals, Solaris turns emotional regulation into an adventure—not a chore.
How I built it
I built Solaris using React and React Router to structure each realm as its own journey. Custom CSS animations, floating tooltips, and interactive pins bring each space to life. A modal-based journaling system allows for in-app reflection, and every page is designed for ease of use, emotional clarity, and visual depth. All visuals were generated using mage.space to support an immersive, accessible experience.
Challenges we ran into
Designing emotional content that felt authentic without being overwhelming was a key challenge. I also had to balance interactivity with clarity, especially when mapping pins across devices. Creating a magical yet consistent design system took trial and error, as did implementing shared UI elements—like the worksheet button.
Accomplishments that I am proud of
I created an original experience that blends mental health education with fantasy storytelling. My flow keeps users (younger audience) emotionally engaged from start to finish, with visuals that are both distinctive and intuitive. I also tried to write notes that felt gentle, nonjudgmental, and empowering.
What I learned
I learned that emotionally resonant design takes just as much empathy as technical skill. Small visual details can deeply enhance the experience, and a personal touch can elevate it even further.
What's next for Solaris
There will be new realms like The Forest of Fog (Confusion) and The Volcano of Vex (Anger). Daily calming rituals and small tips are on the way, along with collaborations with educators to bring Solaris into classrooms. The plan is to publish the platform widely—because every young mind deserves a magical space to explore their feelings.
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