MindMate
The project adopted a user-centred approach to develop a digital solution that promotes students’ mental health.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Engineering and Computer Science
- Institute(s) Institute for Patient-centered Digital Health (PCDH)
- Research unit(s) PCDH / AI for Health
- Strategic thematic field Thematic field "Caring Society"
- Funding organisation BFH
- Duration 01.06.2024 - 30.06.2026
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Head of project
Prof. Dr. Kerstin Denecke
Prof. Dr. Dandan Pang -
Project staff
Prof. Daniel Reichenpfader
Dr. Lorenz Affolter
Prof. Dr. Andreas Sonderegger
Elia Gabarron - Partner Norwegian Centre for E-Health Research
Situation
We systematically gathered requirements from students, student advisory services, psychologists and other relevant stakeholders through interviews and workshops, translating their feedback into a functional and technical concept. Based on these insights, we developed an app prototype that combines various LLM-based features, including a chatbot to navigate support services, a chatbot to assist with study planning, and tools for organising exams, assignments and to-do lists. The project also examined issues relating to safety, acceptance and the responsible use of AI in mental health contexts.
Result
The project resulted in MindMate, a working prototype of a digital support tool for students. The application incorporates multiple AI-based support features, including matching users with appropriate support services, assisting with study planning and managing study-related tasks. In addition, we implemented a mechanism for data exchange between planning functions and the chatbot to enable personalised support. The project also provided important insights into the requirements, opportunities and risks associated with AI-supported mental health applications, as well as into safety-critical assessments such as detecting suicide risk.
Looking ahead
The concepts and prototype developed in this project form the basis for evolving MindMate into a sustainable student support platform. Future work will focus on expanding functionality, integrating the system into existing university platforms and communication channels, and utilising powerful, privacy-friendly language models. Furthermore, it will investigate the application’s effectiveness and user acceptance in larger studies, while integrating additional evidence-based support services. In the long term, MindMate aims to make it easier to access support services and to foster student mental health.
