Chill Mind
Social Goods App
Role:
Concept, Research, Visual and Interaction Design.
Duration:
September 2022
Tools:
Figma, Adobe Illustrator y Adobe Photoshop.
DEFINE
Challenges
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the population was forced to go into lockdown due to the increase in new cases of the illness. Unfortunately, this situation has aggravated mental health issues in the population.
According to statistics from the Ministerio de Sanidad, 6.7% of the Spanish population is currently suffering from anxiety.
Furthermore, the Spanish people consume more anxiolytics than any other country in the European Union.
Solution
This paradigm led me to consider the necessity of developing an app to assist a person who is experiencing a panic or anxiety attack.
The objectives to be achieved were; Develop an intuitive an easy app to navigate through; Create a "Breathe Assistant" tool, that would help users to calm down during times of crisis.
Research
To develop this app and gain a deep understanding of the users, I conducted a research study on anxiety disorders. I collected information from various statistics found on different health websites, as well as interviewed individuals who had experienced anxiety symptoms.
The symptoms* that are related to anxiety are the following:
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Feeling nervous, agitated, or tense
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Feeling of imminent danger, panic, or catastrophe
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Increased heart rate
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Fast breathing (hyperventilation)
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Sweat
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Tremors
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Feeling weak or tired
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Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the current concern
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Insomnia
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Having gastrointestinal (GI) problems
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Having difficulty controlling worries
*Anxiety disorders. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
These symptoms can trigger a panic attack that occurs instantly, reaching maximum intensity in minutes.
*Anxiety crisis. Sanitas. https://www.sanitas.es/sanitas/seguros/es/particulares/biblioteca-de-salud/psicologia-psiquiatria/estres-ansiedad/crisis-ansiedad.html
This research led me to conclude that I should develop a tool for the user to calm him/her down during a panic attack.
I conducted a survey to learn about anxiety. I wanted to know how many people have experienced it, why it happens, and how they manage it. The survey asked detailed questions about people's symptoms and how anxiety affects their daily lives.
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Have you ever experienced feelings of anxiety?
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Have you experienced any of these symptoms? Nervousness, impending danger, panic, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, tremors, weakness, trouble concentrating, insomnia, or gastrointestinal problems?
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Have you ever taken anxiolytics?
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Can you please identify the situations that make you feel anxious?
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How do you manage feelings of anxiety to calm you down?
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Have you ever experienced all of these symptoms at once? Difficulty with breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, tremors, dizziness, breast pressure?
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Have you been with someone when you were suffering a panic attack?
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How have you calmed yourself down when you were suffering a panic attack?
Results
Persona
IDEATE
Style Guide
DESIGN
Digital Wireframes
Hi-Fidelity Wireflow
In this user flow, the user is welcomed with a calm message and has to complete a small questionnaire to record his/her wellness. Then should to log in or create an account to to continue through the app.
Final Designs
Prototype
Conclusion
This project has given me a better understanding of how the pandemic worsened mental health, especially anxiety disorders.
Beyond the insights into mental health, this application led me to contemplate issues that need solutions to develop a tool beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety.
From the start, I planned on integrating a breathing assistant into the app to help users when they experience anxiety attacks while alone.
This feature would support them and relax, decreasing their breathing.
Additionally, I thought was important to record daily anxiety levels so the user could track his/her wellness and gain insights about themselves.
Finally, I believe that the initial goals I set out to achieve are reflected in the application, and it could be a useful tool for many people.