Brink: Trauma-Informed Copy for Later-Life Identity Discovery
Brink Study Overview
Creating psychological safety through strategic language for adults 30+ navigating LGBTQ+ identity
The Challenge
How do you craft copy for a coming-out app that supports identity exploration without being patronizing or overly promotional? The messaging needed to create safety, empower users, and meet them with genuine care in a digital space that may have previously felt unsafe.
My Role
UX Copywriter, Content Strategist, Accessibility Advocate, Visual Mockup DesignerI wrote trauma-informed copy across 15 mobile screens, treating every word as part of the user experience.
I also designed the layout for each screen, utilizing thoughtful spacing, hierarchy, and visual pacing to minimize emotional friction and enhance clarity.Each phrase and placement was tested against three core principles:• Does this create safety?
• Does it honor autonomy?
• Does it invite instead of assume?
Key Strategic Decisions
“Late Bloomers” vs. “Older LGBTQ+ Adults” Celebrates identity instead of labeling it
“Your Toolkit” Framing — Centers agency over diagnosis
Permission-Giving Phrases — “when you’re ready,” “on your terms,” “whatever that looks like for you”
Accessibility-First Structure — Copy reduces emotional and cognitive load throughout the experience
Page Structure & Visual Strategy
The layouts were designed to mirror the emotional rhythm of a ritual: slow openings, steady engagement, and a spacious return.Every design element, from white space to section pacing, reinforces the brand’s invitation to prioritize care over hustle for results.
Product Pages Follow a calm arc of intention → engagement → integration
Journal and About Pages Blend storytelling and space for reflection
Visual Hierarchy Prioritizes emotional clarity and ease of navigation
Project Scope
15-screen mobile prototype with trauma-informed tone throughout
Onboarding flows and microcopy are designed for emotional safety
Therapist finder, event listings, private journaling, and story-building tools
Custom tone guidelines for long-term messaging alignment
Full-screen layout and mobile design mockups created in Canva
The Result
Messaging that transforms a tool into a trusted companion.
Users reported feeling “genuinely seen and supported,” the difference between clinical distance and an affirming connection.
Intro Screen:Establishes a quiet, grounded tone from the start. Invites reflection, not performance.
Welcome Screen:Gentle, affirming language signals safety and openness from the very first tap.
“Late Bloomers” Message:Normalizes later-in-life identity journeys. Centers community without shame or timeline.
Personalization Screen:Language avoids assumptions while gently prompting self-reflection.
Toolkit Overview:Frames tools as invitations, not prescriptions. Centers autonomy and personal pacing.
Community Grounding:“You’re not alone here” reminds users this is a shared journey. Affirms belonging before features.
Reflection Prompts:Encourages intentional expression. Options to share, save, or keep private reinforce emotional safety.
Therapist Finder:Copy balances empowerment and discretion. Reduces overwhelm and builds trust in the process.
The Vault:Offers curated resources for self-guided exploration. Design minimizes cognitive load while maintaining breadth.
Reflection Tool:“Then vs. Now” prompt supports identity integration. Copy invites gentle comparison, not pressure to progress.
Find Your People:Soft, non-pushy invitation to explore community connections. Choice remains with the user.
Journaling Dashboard:A private, flexible space with options for mood tracking and guided or free writing.
Explore Tools & Support:A gentle next step screen that keeps discovery open-ended and user-directed.
Upcoming Events:Community-building without obligation. Calendar format lets users choose connection on their own terms.
Closing Journal Prompt:Reinforces return-to-self theme. Copy encourages spacious, cyclical reflection rather than linear goals.
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