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Gamifying sexual wellness: the future of intimacy coaching
Design lessons from Senses, an intimacy coach app
There are several startups in the space of sexual wellness.
It may seem like a taboo topic many would prefer to avoid yet for some reason for me it always seemed a natural part of the conversation. Just as you might experience issues with bladder or back pain, you may need help with sexual wellness.
Yet I realize that I have been working in the healthcare space for 7 years, and my perspective is heavily skewed.
This topic is still a taboo for many.
That’s why it was so interesting for me to check how modern brands approach building in this niche. On the one hand, we have mental healthcare, on the other one — a physical aspect of sexuality.
Here I must admit first — I was not interested in holistic femtech/male tech apps, we will leave this topic for another time.
I was searching for a sexual health app. Sex problem at its core, not one of many, not one as a result of hormonal imbalance or mental load, sexual problem in itself. An isolated and probably not the most “holistic” view of health yet it’s still a thing.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Market trends
The U.S. sexual wellness market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8% from 2023 to 2030. 85% of industry revenues are attributable to sex toys.
Stigma around sexual activities is decreasing with more acceptance of homosexuality and sex-positive movements.
What’s inside the box
Most of us have tried meditation and fitness apps before. You know the drill — generic meditation tracks, basic workout guides, forgettable content.
Senses break down personal wellness into four main areas:
- Body awareness exercises. Guided movements that help you tune into how your body feels.
- Personal meditations. Short guided sessions…
