Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The integration of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and healthcare technologies is transforming the landscape of mental health interventions. Despite the growing adoption of mental health apps, current evaluation methods often neglect the interplay between interface design, personalization, emotional resonance, privacy, and community engagement. These gaps limit the capacity of digital tools to meet therapeutic goals while maintaining user trust and long-term engagement. This study examined the role of Xin Dao Diary, an AI-assisted platform, in enhancing emotional well-being through innovative design and user engagement strategies. METHODS: With a mixed-methods approach, including walkthrough methods, diary studies, and sentiment analysis of user feedback, we explored how digital interfaces can facilitate effective mental health care. RESULTS: Our findings reveal that intuitive interface design and personalized AI interventions improve user satisfaction and emotional health outcomes. However, challenges remain in data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and the authenticity of emotional responses, which may undermine user trust and limit long-term engagement. CONCLUSION: The present research proposes a Holistic AI Care Design which emphasized the integration of multiple factors, including user needs, AI personalization, privacy, and community building in app design. It also incorporates usability, user engagement, and ethical considerations into the evaluation of AI-assisted mental health apps. This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing digital health solutions, offering valuable insights for developers and healthcare practitioners aiming to optimize user experience and therapeutic efficacy.