Product of the Week: Humane Space App
The mindfulness-meets-masterclass app promotes calm through curiosity
The Humane Space was founded by artist-turned-entrepreneur Lauren Henkin, who aimed to create a tool that fosters a more mindful, curious life. In today’s frenetic world, finding calm through curiosity can reduce anxiety levels and promote greater psychological well-being. But with hundreds of meditation apps on the market, how does The Humane Space compare? Athletech News put the app to the test.
Pros
The app is beautifully designed, featuring an inspiring UX and easy-to-navigate sections. Users can seamlessly move between “Home,” “Spaces,” “Mind Journeys,” and “My Space” with just a tap. Each week, the platform introduces a new “Space,” a multimedia story series centered around a particular curiosity, posed as a question. For example, “Are humans getting healthier?” or “What is the wonder of walking?” Each curiosity has three sections: “Lingo,” which explores the definitions, history, and visualizations of a specific word or phrase, such as “terraforming” and “way station.”
As an English major, this feature reminded me of class exercises where we dissected words in poems to uncover deeper meanings. The next section, “Immerse,” presents Instagram-story-like images and accompanying text around a specific theme. For instance, “Outer Outpost” guides you through a hypothetical outer space outpost, prompting reflections on how you’d prepare for such an endeavor. “Deep Think” delves into more profound questions about space travel. In the outer space example, the app includes a poem titled “On Foot I Had to Cross the Solar System” by Edith Södergran, encouraging user reflection.
The app is perfect for those who want to blend meditation and learning in a digital format. It serves as a good reminder to slow down and appreciate everyday moments, infusing curiosity into each one. While the facts presented aren’t particularly advanced and could be found in a middle school science or history classroom, they remind us that even simple facts can inspire awe and encourage a greater appreciation of our surroundings.
The app could be a great fit for overachievers with anxiety who struggle to engage with meditation-only apps. The Humane Space is more interactive, with facts and exercises that keep you occupied while staying grounded. Its “Mind Journey” feature includes guided imagery visualizations that transport you to various beautiful locations, from the Grand Canyon to Iceland. It’s perfect for your pre-sleep ritual, especially if you struggle with audio-only meditations.
Cons
Meditation purists may find the app frustrating, as it resembles a museum tour more than a traditional meditation experience.
At an annual price of $29.99, The Humane Space is on par with other paid subscriptions. However, users might consider exploring one of the many free options available.
Although I found the content refreshing, I candidly found some of it a bit strange. As someone who loves museums, I would have preferred focusing on straightforward facts that transition into introspective exercises. Instead, some of the “facts” felt too tangential and hypothetical to fully engage with. For example, the space exercise offered very surface-level information about a possible Mars colonization. I would have preferred a more in-depth scientific exploration of the topic, followed by artistic exercises.
Overall, The Humane Space provides a unique and welcome break from the many similar meditation apps on the market. If you’re looking for a way to spark curiosity and introspection, look no further than The Humane Space app.