MSU Minds Matter Website

Project Overview

MSU Minds Matter is a website project created to support mental health awareness on the Michigan State University campus. While student life can offer a sense of community and belonging, mental health challenges are often overlooked or left undiscussed. This project was designed to address that gap by creating an accessible and inclusive digital space that encourages open dialogue, reduces stigma, and connects students to reliable support resources.

The site was developed with a strong focus on empathy, clarity, and accessibility. My goal was to create an experience that felt welcoming, visually engaging, and genuinely supportive for students navigating mental health challenges.

The Goal

The goal of this project was to design a website that makes mental health information more approachable and supportive for MSU students. I wanted the platform to feel warm, youthful, and easy to navigate while also providing practical resources that students could use immediately. Beyond information, the project aimed to create a sense of connection by encouraging openness, peer support, and awareness around student well-being.

My Role

I led both the mockup phase and the design of the final website, making key decisions across layout, structure, and content direction. From the early planning stages to the final visual design, I focused on shaping a site that balanced emotional sensitivity with practical usability.

Design Approach

My approach centered on creating a visual language that felt approachable, energetic, and supportive. I used orange and purple accents to build a warm and youthful atmosphere that would resonate with students while still maintaining a clear and structured interface. Throughout the site, I prioritized readability, emotional tone, and accessible navigation so users could engage with the content comfortably and confidently.

The website includes real-life stories, referrals to MSU counseling services, and simple mental health tools that students can use right away. I also introduced peer-support ideas that encourage student-to-student solidarity, helping the website feel not only informative but community-oriented.

Outcome

The final result was a website concept that combines emotional awareness with practical support. MSU Minds Matter was designed to be more than an informational site—it serves as a starting point for conversation, connection, and access to mental health resources on campus. By blending thoughtful content with a welcoming interface, the project aimed to create a digital experience that feels both meaningful and actionable.

Reflection

What I valued most about this project was the opportunity to design for a real need within the student community. Rather than simply building a website, I was creating a solution intended to support well-being, reduce stigma, and make students feel less alone. This project reminded me that design can do more than communicate information—it can create comfort, connection, and impact.

Link to Website