Substance IQ addresses a critical need: clarifying public understanding of psychoactive substances and plant-based entheogens. The current landscape is fraught with misinformation and societal biases, posing significant challenges for those seeking reliable information. The obstacles encountered include:

— Misinformation and Unreliable Sources: The abundance of incorrect information complicates the search for accurate, safe knowledge about these substances, leading to potential risks and confusion.

— Societal Stigma and Misconceptions: Common stereotypes and misconceptions around these substances often inhibit open discussion and exploration, reducing community support and shared knowledge.

— Complexity of Scientific Data: The intricate nature of scientific research in this field can be daunting for non-scientists, impeding their ability to comprehend and apply this information for personal well-being.

In my role, I focused on dismantling these barriers through Substance IQ, ensuring easy access to scientifically-backed information in a user-friendly format.

My focus was on crafting an experience that's not just engaging and informative, but also centered around the user. Key goals and objectives included:

— Enhancing User Experience: Streamlining the interface for easy navigation of complex information, catering to all user levels.

— Fostering Community Interaction: Developing features for users to share experiences and insights in a supportive environment.

— Visual and Educational Clarity: Utilizing design principles for clear, engaging information presentation.

— Responsive Design: Ensuring a consistent user experience across various devices and platforms.

— User-Centered Content Updates: Continually refining content based on user feedback and new research.

— Promoting Safe Use: Highlighting informed choices about psychoactive substances in alignment with health and wellness goals.


The aim was to set a new standard in how we understand and interact with information about psychoactive substances and entheogens, contributing to a more informed and open-minded society.

My analysis highlighted several opportunities for improvement:

— Personalization: Most platforms lacked tailored content for individual user needs.

— User Interface and Engagement: Many competitors had informative content but lacked user-friendly design.

— Community Interaction: Few platforms effectively combined reliable information with dynamic community features.

— Up-to-Date Research: Rapidly evolving research was not consistently integrated into these platforms.

Aiming to fill these gaps, Substance IQ is designed to provide not just accurate and current information but also a personalized, engaging user experience. This includes intuitive design, interactive features, and a strong community aspect, setting it apart in the market.

The Substance IQ User Survey was vital for understanding diverse user perspectives. I engaged with a range of demographics, gauging familiarity with psychoactive substances to tailor Substance IQ as an inclusive platform.

I focused on users' backgrounds, their approach to information, preferred app features, and thoughts on community features. The responses provided a snapshot of market needs and user preferences, essential for shaping an app that meets and exceeds expectations.

Survey responses highlighted key findings:

— Diverse Interest: Varied demographics indicated a broad user base.

— Information Gap: A common need for accessible, reliable information.

— Key App Features: Preferences for a user-friendly interface, accurate information, and community features.

— Community Engagement: A clear interest in community elements for shared support.

— Need for Personalization: Highlighting the importance of adaptable content.

These insights are vital in guiding Substance IQ's development to meet user expectations effectively.

Our in-depth interviews with a variety of user personas provided rich insights for Substance IQ. We engaged with individuals across different demographics, each with their own unique experiences and expectations from the app.

From wellness enthusiasts to stressed professionals, each participant shared their journey and the specific features they value in an app. These interviews were instrumental in understanding how diverse user groups perceive and interact with psychoactive substances, and what they seek from a digital platform.

Key takeaways include:

— Diverse Requirements: Users have varied needs, from basic educational content to specialized information for different demographics.

— User-Friendly Design: A common emphasis was on an intuitive interface suitable for all tech skill levels.

— Accurate Content and Safety: There was a strong focus on reliable information, safety guidelines, and legal considerations.

— Community and Personalization: Many users showed interest in community features and tailored content.

— Tech Integration: A preference for modern UI and interactive tools was evident, highlighting a need for a technologically advanced yet accessible app.

These insights are crucial for shaping Substance IQ into a versatile, user-centric platform.