Case Study: Headspace builds a safe GenAI reflection experience with Dscout

Headspace uses Dscout to build its first GenAI product with 2 rounds of concept and usability tests

Headspace, a mental health and wellness app, faced the challenge of safely developing its first member-facing generative AI product. Given the sensitive nature of mental health, the company needed to overcome significant internal and member skepticism to build a tool that was not only desirable but also ethically sound and safe for users. To address this, Headspace partnered with the research platform dscout.

Using dscout for extensive generative research, including diary studies, usability testing, and attitudinal studies, Headspace identified a safe and valuable use case for AI: a guided reflection tool named Ebb. The dscout platform enabled iterative testing and refinement of the AI's conversational experience, which was crucial for building member trust and ensuring safety. This research-driven approach allowed Headspace to successfully launch a compassionate AI companion that encourages deep reflection, ultimately scaling access to mental health tools with confidence.

Headspace