App Prototype

Freshup

Angela ni

West hartford, CT

Advisor: Ting zhou

Artist Bio

Angela Ni’s path to user interface and research design began with doodling on walls and a childhood frustration with slow, clunky technology. For her, design was a love at first introduction. It was also a solution: a way to combine her artistic instincts with the goal of creating digital experiences that are clear, intentional, and genuinely useful. She is currently a Digital Media and Design major, concentrating on Web and Interactive Media, at the University of Connecticut.

Her practice is rooted in empathy. Angela approaches design by stepping into other people’s perspectives, learning how to ask better questions, and remaining open to changing her ideas. She moves fluidly between research, reflection, and making, using conversation, analysis, and iteration to shape her work. Through both academic projects and professional experience in a design agency setting, she has developed a practice grounded in curiosity, care, and constant revision.

Artist Statement

When I was younger, I struggled with personal hygiene. I knew the basics, like brushing my teeth and washing my hair, but I never learned how to do them properly. As I got older, I became more aware of my skin, my odor, and the small choices that shaped how I felt about myself. I searched online for guidance, but resources felt too scattered or generic to be helpful. I remember the frustration of trying to figure things out on my own, and the embarrassment of noticing mistakes too late, like when a middle school classmate pointed out plaque on my teeth.

As I tried different online tips that didn’t work for me, I realized hygiene isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works depends on your hair type, skin type, and other personal factors. Even when I knew what to do, building consistent habits was still a huge challenge.

FreshUp grew out of that experience. It’s an app designed to help preteens learn and build personal hygiene habits in a way that feels engaging, interactive, and personal. Through step-by-step tutorials, quizzes, and a hygiene itinerary, users can practice caring for their teeth, hair, and other hygiene-related tasks like laundry. A companion pet responds to their care, thriving when tasks are completed and becoming visibly messier when routines are missed, making habits tangible in a playful way.

FreshUp is ultimately about making hygiene feel approachable rather than overwhelming. It helps preteens build healthy habits, develop confidence, and grow independence without feeling ashamed or alone.