Shelly
Tools
SolidWorks
Figma
Keyshot
AfterEffects
Illustrator
Figma
Keyshot
AfterEffects
Illustrator
Time Frame
6 Weeks
Fall 2020
Products Studio
Fall 2020
Products Studio
Collaborators
Individual
An audio companion device that aims to ease panic attacks while guiding users through their loss of self-control by providing a tactile grip for stability and vocalization support for breathing.
Panic attacks are a scary yet unpredictable experience that some have to endure in their lives, often triggered by over thinking and anxiety. This project aims to design something that provides a sense of security and safety for those who experience panic attacks.
Concept Shots
How it Works
Panic Attack Onset
As the user becomes aware of her shortness of breath, quickened heart rate and hand tremors, she realizes that a panic attack is about to ensue. She has Shelly packed in her violin case knowing that her stage fright can cause her panic attacks prior to her recital.
Activating Shelly
Taking the cover off shelly, she places it in one ear as her other hand grips onto Shelly and puts it over her other ear.
Shelly's Assistance
As she puts it to her ear the audio starts playing which instructs her on a breathing technique to follow. She is now isolated and away from other people which helps her focus on recovering from her panic attack.
Shelly: the Audio Assistant
What can this device achieve?
Physical
A tactile grip for users who need to stabilize themselves from shaking.
A sense of comfort and isolation.
Audio
Breaks negative thought cycle.
Grounds user's in reality and brings them out of their headspace.
Instructs on breathing patterns.
Customizable voice assistance methods.
A tactile grip for users who need to stabilize themselves from shaking.
A sense of comfort and isolation.
Audio
Breaks negative thought cycle.
Grounds user's in reality and brings them out of their headspace.
Instructs on breathing patterns.
Customizable voice assistance methods.
Battery Life Indicator
Inspired by shells, the battery life is displayed as constant low emitting light dots that resemble the patterns of an abalone shell. The four dots indicate Shelly’s battery percentage at 100%, 75, 50 and 25% when it is at 25%, it will notify and remind the user through their phone to charge it.
Inspired by shells, the battery life is displayed as constant low emitting light dots that resemble the patterns of an abalone shell. The four dots indicate Shelly’s battery percentage at 100%, 75, 50 and 25% when it is at 25%, it will notify and remind the user through their phone to charge it.
The Design Process
I. Initial Research
To start off, I created a mood board of existing products on the market that were designed to intervene in anxiety and panic attacks.
There are many products that target either breathing control or sensory enhancement via light as an intervention method. I realized that there is an opportunity area for a device that combines both methods as every person's remedy for a panic attack is dependent on personal preference.
There are many products that target either breathing control or sensory enhancement via light as an intervention method. I realized that there is an opportunity area for a device that combines both methods as every person's remedy for a panic attack is dependent on personal preference.
II. User Interviews
Next, I asked some close family and friends who have experienced panic attacks how they overcame their attacks, and what was the most effective way for them. This gave me more insight one's thought process and actions taken when they are in the middle of a panic attack.
“I couldn’t breath, my chest tightened up, having a familiar object to touch helped me with my panic attacks as it brought me out of my head.”
“I tend to overcome my panic attacks by myself as having someone beside stresses me out as I feel embarrassed and judged.”
“I like to minimize my sensory input by dimming the lights or reducing noise by being in my own space and telling myself that the attack will pass.”
Creating a Persona
Based off of the people I interviewed, I synthesized their needs and experiences into one persona to help me move forward with my concept development and the specific features that should be developed to intervene specific pain points.
Based off of the people I interviewed, I synthesized their needs and experiences into one persona to help me move forward with my concept development and the specific features that should be developed to intervene specific pain points.
III. Framing the Problem
How might we create a product that offers both tactile and audio comfort during a panic attack?
IV. Concept Development
Initial Form Exploration
Physical Prototyping
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Takeaways
Physical Prototyping was crucial in order to determine the dimensions and ergonomics of the actual product.
In order to continue developing this project, the design of audio vocalizations are important to consider as they are the core features of this assistive technology. Mapping out the user conversation flow, and actually recording various dialogues for user testing would help in determining the effectiveness of this product..
In order to continue developing this project, the design of audio vocalizations are important to consider as they are the core features of this assistive technology. Mapping out the user conversation flow, and actually recording various dialogues for user testing would help in determining the effectiveness of this product..