Talus - Designathon 2026

Competitive Analysis
Low-Fidelity Screens

The Inspiration: Navigating the "Transition Tax" Life doesn't happen in a straight line; it happens in seasons. Whether it’s moving to a new city, graduating, or navigating a personal loss, major life transitions often come with a heavy "transition tax"—the overwhelming mental load of managing new logistics while trying to maintain a sense of self. We were inspired to create a tool that acts as a digital anchor during these turbulent times, turning a messy upheaval into a grounded journey.

How We Built It We focused on a minimalist, "Greddy" (Grounded + Ready) aesthetic to reduce user anxiety.

Design Language: We utilized a calming palette of Sage (#859E98) and Mint (#99B5A6) to provide a sanctuary-like user experience.

The Bento System: We organized the core resources—Health, Finance, and Community—into a structured "Bento Box" grid for instant clarity.

Gamified Momentum: We developed a unique "Rock-Skipping" streak visualization. Instead of a stressful daily counter, we used the metaphor of a stone skipping across a pond to represent milestones and momentum.

Figma Architecture: The project was built using a robust component system with interactive Variants to simulate smooth, high-fidelity hover states and transitions.

Challenges We Faced Defining the Scope: Initially focused on relocation, we struggled to broaden the app's utility without losing its soul. We eventually pivoted to a more general "Life Transitions" model that addresses the universal human need for stability.

Prototyping Under Pressure: Creating complex micro-interactions—like the rock-skipping animation—while maintaining a clean navigation flow was a race against the clock. We had to prioritize "Happy Path" navigation over intricate animations to ensure a functional demo.

Self-Plagiarism & Integrity: We navigated the fine line of using personal design patterns versus creating fresh work, ensuring every element was rebuilt and tailored specifically for this project’s identity.

What We Learned We learned that in times of chaos, less is more. Good design isn't just about adding features; it’s about removing the noise so the user can focus on their well-being. We also gained a deep understanding of Figma’s prototyping logic, specifically how to use variants to create a cohesive design system that feels alive.