Bears Gratitude Design: Adorable & Unorthodox
- The charming journaling app, Bears Gratitude, developed by Isuru Wanasinghe and nayomi Hettiarachchi, has earned an Apple Design Award.
- Wanasinghe, a programmer and tutoring center owner, credits Hettiarachchi's artwork as the driving force behind the app.During the pandemic lockdown, Hettiarachchi's drawings inspired the couple to explore ways...
- The app encourages users to celebrate small, everyday moments.
The Apple Design Award shines on “Bears Gratitude” for its delightful, user-focused journaling experience. Created by isuru Wanasinghe and Nayomi Hettiarachchi, this app transforms daily reflection with adorable hand-drawn art and engaging prompts.The app’s design immediately connects users too the practice of gratitude, removing sign-in obstacles, and cultivating a sense of mindful interaction with thoughtfully curated prompts. “Bears Gratitude” focuses on celebrating everyday moments, a departure from the usual mindfulness apps, offering comfort via simplicity. As News Directory 3 might report, itS earned its place as an exmaple of design excellence. See how user feedback shapes the next iteration, with fresh features designed to boost your journaling journey. Discover what’s next …
‘Bears Gratitude’ Wins Apple Design Award for Delightful Journaling
Updated June 04, 2025
The charming journaling app, Bears Gratitude, developed by Isuru Wanasinghe and nayomi Hettiarachchi, has earned an Apple Design Award. This recognition highlights the app’s unique approach to fostering gratitude and introspection through simple, hand-drawn mascots and engaging prompts.
Wanasinghe, a programmer and tutoring center owner, credits Hettiarachchi’s artwork as the driving force behind the app.During the pandemic lockdown, Hettiarachchi’s drawings inspired the couple to explore ways to share them, leading to the creation of Bears Gratitude and its predecessor, Bears Countdown.
The app encourages users to celebrate small, everyday moments. Wanasinghe noted that gratitude can be as simple as enjoying a morning cup of coffee. The design intentionally avoids a sign-in screen, allowing users to immediately engage with the journaling prompts presented on swipeable cards.
Wanasinghe emphasized that the app’s design process was deliberately linear, mirroring the user experience. The prompts are written in the user’s voice to enhance the personal connection. The bears themselves serve as a distinctive element, guiding the app’s overall design and feel.
The art is the heart of everything we do.
Isuru Wanasinghe, Bears Gratitude cofounder
While not a mindfulness app, Bears Gratitude offers comfort and a meaningful way for users to reflect on their lives. Wanasinghe and Hettiarachchi are grateful for the positive impact their creation has had on people’s daily routines.
What’s next
Wanasinghe and Hettiarachchi plan to continue developing Bears Gratitude, focusing on user feedback and exploring new ways to enhance the journaling experience. They aim to maintain the app’s unique charm and continue fostering a sense of gratitude among its users.