Case Study
Altering
Transforming Creativity into a Daily Practice for Confidence and Well-being
How The49 built Altering, a platform that transforms creativity into an accessible practice, helping users live happier, more fulfilling lives
01
The challenge
Creativity is vital for mental well-being, yet many feel blocked by fear of judgement or mistakes. While science shows creativity lowers stress and boosts longevity, current market solutions focus on craft training, where creative thinking is a secondary benefit of the craft skill acquisition.
02
The approach
Altering was created to make creative practice accessible to everyone, with a mission to empower the world to be more creative—think of us as the “Headspace for creativity”. Instead of creativity being a by-product, for us it’s the vehicle by which people can access deeper benefits like reduced stress, increased confidence, and overall well-being.
03
The execution
Altering removes barriers to creativity by offering time-limited, goal-focussed challenges, neuroscience-backed exercises, and accessible artist techniques. The app guides users through audio challenges and encourages a regular creative habit with progress tracking and reminders, all focused on the process, not the outcome.
04
The impact
Though still in its early stages, Altering is already making a noticeable difference. Users are reporting increased feelings of accomplishment, confidence, and playfulness, with many finding that practising creativity as a habit has a significant positive impact on their mindset.
Reported stress reduction and more fulfillment
“So accomplished and fulfilled. Before starting, I felt really depressed and upset. That 10-minute activity helped me get out of a negative thought spiral. It was amazing how something so small could have such a big impact.”
— Karly
“It feels like a rewiring, taking me back to being like a child, before perfectionism seeped in and made everyone so nervous to even try.”
— Heaven
05
The future
Altering is pioneering a new category within wellness: creative practice. Just as meditation apps have opened up the benefits of mindfulness, creativity is poised to become the next essential frontier in well-being, helping people adapt, adjust and thrive in the modern world.
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