Post-secondary campuses are overwhelmed trying to support students' mental health needs (Abrams, 2022). Some reports suggest that over 60% of students meet mental health crises (Lipson et al., 2022). According to the World Health Organization (2022), there is an urgent need for more sustainable support for student mental health. However, due to increased demand, traditional college counselling centres face challenges such as a lack of support staff, training, resources and funding (CCMH Annual Report, 2021). In addition, post-secondary educators do not feel equipped to support students’ well-being and are hesitant to address it (Jones et al., 2021). Due to the urgent need for more sustainable support in student mental health, many schools are exploring creative or alternative ideas, such as the role of technology (WHO, 2022). For example, post-secondary institutions are exploring the role of AI, wellness apps, and online counselling services (Wiedermann et al., 2023). If technological programs or devices are being used for student mental health, their design and delivery should align with research on student well-being and best practices in psychological interventions (Baik,2019; Jones et al. 2021). Many experts call for technology to be designed consciously, ethically, and health promotingly (Conners et al., 2022; OCED, 2018).

This qualitative research study explored how mental health research can inform the design and delivery of student mental health apps or online programs. Using a case study approach, an emerging platform from Denmark, Studentpulse, was chosen. Studentpulse is an online platform that allows students to complete brief mental health check-ins to support student success. These can inform educational practices and mental health support within the post-secondary environment (Studentpulse,2024). To begin this study, the literature on post-secondary mental health, its impacts on learning and best practices for educational and psychological interventions were explored. Then the research on ethical technology design and practical technology intervention for students' mental health was explored. This data was then compared to technology design elements that can support student well-being. The Studentpulse platform was presented as a case study, describing the intersection of research and technology design. Key findings suggest that technology interventions such as Studentpulse should focus on positive psychological elements (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Positive psychological interventions that focus on strengths, capacity, and growth mindset are beneficial for academic success (Chessman, 2023). Technology-based check-in platforms that assess flourishing concepts such as purpose, meaning, and positive emotions can foster personal growth and resilience, which are connected to learning (Kaar et al., 2023). Exploring flourishing experiences is essential for mental health promotion in post-secondary environments (Lister et al., 2023). Additional technology design elements and delivery methods are examined as they align with psychological research.

Keywords: Technology, mental health apps, post-secondary students, mental health, learning.