Nerva: Brain-Gut IBS Therapy

What it does

Nerva is a digital therapeutics app designed to help users manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) through a structured, 6-week program based on gut-directed hypnotherapy. The app provides daily audio sessions and educational readings to address the miscommunication between the gut and the brain, which it identifies as a root cause of IBS symptoms. It also includes tools for tracking symptoms and setting personal goals.

Where it shines

Nerva's primary strength lies in its meticulously crafted onboarding funnel. It forgoes a quick tour of features in favor of a deep, educational journey. By first asking a comprehensive set of questions about a user's health (00:36), it creates a strong sense of personalization. It then brilliantly pivots to explaining the scientific methodology behind its approach, complete with an efficacy chart (01:48), building significant trust and authority before the paywall (02:06) is ever shown. Another standout moment is the post-subscription "commitment" screen (03:16), which requires users to physically press and hold a button to formalize their dedication, a powerful behavioral nudge.

UX highlights

Detailed Quiz: The onboarding quiz is lengthy but feels purposeful, covering everything from symptoms and triggers to the emotional and financial costs of IBS.
Slider-based Tracking: After signing up, the app uses clean, intuitive sliders (02:33) for users to record their baseline symptom severity, offering a simple and visual input method.
Clear Daily Dashboard: The main screen (03:38) presents a clear, uncluttered view of the day's tasks, typically a reading and a hypnotherapy session, which helps reduce cognitive load and focuses the user on what's important.
Structured Program View: The "Your progress" screen (04:20) lays out the entire 6-week curriculum, giving users a clear roadmap of their journey and what to expect.
Minimalist Audio Player: The hypnotherapy player (03:40) is simple and focused, with a circular progress bar that provides unobtrusive feedback during the audio session.
Post-session Feedback: After each session, the app asks for a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down (04:02), a lightweight way to gather feedback and engagement data.

Monetization & growth

The app's monetization strategy is built around a single subscription plan presented after the extensive onboarding quiz and educational segment. The offer is for an annual plan with a 7-day free trial (02:06). By delaying the paywall until after it has established significant value and credibility, Nerva increases the likelihood of conversion. The paywall itself is straightforward, listing key benefits and a satisfaction guarantee. There is no sense of high-pressure sales; the focus is on presenting the program as a worthwhile health investment.

Who it’s for

Nerva is clearly targeted at individuals suffering from IBS who are seeking non-pharmaceutical, evidence-based methods for symptom management. The scientific language and focus on the gut-brain connection suggest it appeals to users who are proactive about their health and interested in understanding the underlying causes of their condition. The app's structured, daily commitment model is best suited for users who are motivated to build new habits and follow a long-term program.

Notes & opportunities

The immediate request for notification permissions (00:01) before any value is shown is a point of friction and could lead to a high decline rate. While the educational content is a major strength, the onboarding is very text-heavy and long, which could cause some users to drop off. Introducing more interactive elements or breaking up the text could improve engagement. Finally, the main dashboard is functional but could benefit from more dynamic progress visualization to celebrate small wins and maintain motivation beyond the simple checkmarks.