Enhancing wellbeing through a UX/UI optimized mental health app: A study on engagement and outcomes

University students face increasing mental health challenges, while traditional support systems remain limited by stigma and accessibility barriers.This study evaluated the effects of a mobile mental health application designed with user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) principles to improve student well-being and engagement Fifty first-year informatics students used the prototype application for four weeks.Mental health was assessed before and after the intervention using the MSU Student Mental Health Self-Assessment Questionnaire.Application analytics, satisfaction surveys, and qualitative feedback were also collected post-intervention scores improved significantly (M = 108.2,SD = 9.5) compared to baseline (M = 95.6,SD = 10.3),indicating greater resilience, self-efficacy, and coping skills (t = 7.84, p < .001).Average usage was 17.8 sessions, with satisfaction ratings of 4.3-4.7.Engagement positively correlated with improved mental health (r = 0.45, p < .05).UX/UI-informed design can enhance the effectiveness of mobile mental health solutions, offering scalable and student-centered support.Integrating such tools into higher education may strengthen institutional wellbeing strategies and human resource services.