(Abrazo Means "hug" in Spanish)
Abrazo is a mental health solution that offers instant support during panic attacks, helping users navigate distress while providing continuous emotional companionship for long-term well-being.
Duration
8 Weeks
My Role
UI Lead / Branding
Tools
Figma, Rhino, Keyshot, Illustrator
Team
2 other designers
In the Middle of a Panic Attack, You’re On Your Own.
People who have panic attacks and/or extreme anxiety usually don’t have an effective way to manage their stress in the moment.
Panic attacks disproportionately affect individuals aged 16 to 30, with 11% of the U.S. population experiencing a panic attack annually and 3% suffering from panic disorder, however, only 1 in every 4 people ever seek treatment for their panic attack/anxiety disorder. It highlights the need for accessible, real-time support solution
HMW?
Create an inclusive and effective real-time strategy for individuals experiencing panic attacks to manage stress and alleviate their symptoms in the moment, empowering them to regain control.
A Hug, When You Need It Most
Hug is my solution, leveraging deep pressure therapy to provide individuals experiencing panic attacks with immediate relief and long-term emotional comfort, mimicking the soothing effects of a physical embrace.
Real-time Relief
Long-Term Support
Gentle Design
Who Are Our Users?
Our target audience mainly focuses on Millennials and Generation Z, as most panic attacks are felt by those aged 16 to 30. However, anxiety and panic attacks aren't limited to just those generations and ages.
What We Did…
Digital App
Abrazo Device
Onboarding
Create an account, complete some settings, and start the stress-relief journey!
Home
We used a mood meter to define different emotion colors. Users can slide to select their current emotion and record how they’re feeling at the moment! Additionally, based on their current mood, we have something to say to the users!
Emotion
We use different colors on the mood meter to represent various emotional states. The users can observe their cyclical emotions through the gradient chart. They can also check their emotional journey at specific points in time.
We ensure privacy while allowing users to share data with Apple Health and their close circle, providing more professional emotional guidance and closer emotional support.
Relief
In the Relief section, the users can browse different categories to find a session that can help alleviate their current emotions (meditation, mindfulness, etc.).
Here is one of the meditation sessions...
My Abrazo
Users can control their device here, check history records, and switch breathing modes...
Setting
Manage the account info, export data, cloud sync, notifications, and apple health in setting.
Abrazo Device
Abrazo is a wearable device that connects to your app via Bluetooth, allowing your data to be stored and shared seamlessly. It can sense your heart rate and automatically activate when signs of a panic attack are detected. With customizable settings for warmth and breathing-pattern vibrations, Abrazo is designed to provide gentle, personalized support whenever you need it.
Understanding the Needs Behind Anxiety
*
80%
prefer to cope with panic on their own rather than seek help from others.
*
70%
said that hugs give them a sense of strength and comfort
*
20%
expressed discomfort with physical touch, such as hugging.
5 Themes
Accessibility and immediate reliref
Long-Term Support and Emotional Management
Physical Comfort through Tough
Privacy and Discretion
Customization and Personalization
4 User Needs
*
Immediate access to a solution that provides quick relief during panic attacks
*
Ongoing emotional support that helps them manage anxiety not just in the moment, but over the long term
*
A discreet product that allows them to manage anxiety privately, without drawing attention in public settings
*
Physical comfort, such as the sensation of a hug, as it helps reduce anxiety effectively through deep-pressure therapy
What we learned…
Main Insight from the Clinical Neurodiversity Behavioral Specialist
Many anxiety relief products ignore sensory sensitivity. They are uncomfortable and hard to put on during a panic attack. This shows a need for a solution that is comfortable and easy to wear instantly.
Main Insight from Research
During anxiety or panic, people want comfort and a sense of presence, but not from too many people. They preder support that feels safe, calm, and not overwhelming.
Market Analysis
Delivers constant deep pressure for children, but is passive and not designed for real-time or everyday use.
Focuses on sensory tools and weighted products, but relies on passive use and can feel uncomfortable for long-term wear.
Delivers professional emotional support, but is not designed for instant relief in urgent situations.
Offers guided mental support digitally, but cannot provide immediate physical comfort during panic moments.
From passive support to adaptive relief. Abrazo adjusts pressure in real time and provides long-term support through the app.
Let's Meet Nia
This journey map captures Nia's emotional highs and lows, emphasizing the critical moments during her panic episodes where targeted interventions, like Abrazo, can offer immediate relief and lasting reassurance.
Visual Style
Flows and Wireframes
User Onboarding Flow
Home dashboard
Emotions
My Abrazo
Relief
Settings
Mood tracker
Apple Health Connection
Education and resources
Close Circle
Device settings
Activation history
Device control
Guided hug sessions
Mood tracker
Guided meditation sessions
Educational resources
Apple Health Connection
Education and resources
Psychiatrist/therapist connection tool
Close Circle
Features Overview
Abrazo Device Visualization
Iterations After Testing
We iterated through multiple concepts using A/B testing and refined key flows through user testing. These insights helped us move toward a more intuitive and user-centered solution.
Before
Involved a more interactive experience where users could exchange hugs
Users can see their community to know friends' feeling and give them an "E-Hug"
Users prefer to cope with panic on their own in a private environment.
After
The new concept provides a more private relief environment.
Provided a more private stress relief session
Provided users with a private emotion journal to review their own feeling
We Want to Make Abrazo Better!
User testing is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of both the product and mobile app. We will conduct additional tests to validate improvements, optimize the user experience, and ensure seamless interaction between the device and app for better anxiety management.
Partner with health providers and insurers to offer Abrazo as a preventative solution, cutting ER visits, lowering costs, and driving revenue through reimbursements and coverage incentives.
everthing i want, wants me!
