iSoothe is a mobile application designed during the GDI 2022 Hackathon to provide real-time support for individuals experiencing panic attacks. The app guides users through the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, offering a simple and calming interface to support users during high-stress moments.
Project Type: Hackathon – App Design
Role: UI Designer & UX Researcher
Tools Used: Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Competitive Analysis, User Research
Timeline: 72 Hours
Team: 6 Members (Developers, Designers, Researchers)
Individuals experiencing panic attacks often struggle to remember and implement techniques that can help manage their symptoms. Existing meditation or anxiety relief apps lack specific guidance for panic situations, creating a need for a solution that provides real-time assistance using proven methods.
Given the limited timeframe of the hackathon, we conducted quick research on panic attacks and available tools, including competitor analysis of existing anxiety relief apps. Key insights included:
Emily, 26 years old: A busy professional who experiences occasional panic attacks and needs a simple, guided tool to regain control during stressful moments.
John, 40 years old: A father of two who struggles with anxiety and prefers non-pharmaceutical tools to manage his symptoms. John looks for intuitive and supportive solutions.
iSoothe won first place in the GDI Hackathon, receiving praise for its thoughtful approach to solving a real-life problem:
iSoothe demonstrates the power of user-centered design in creating impactful solutions for mental health support. By providing a simple, guided approach to managing panic attacks, the app showcases how technology can be leveraged to make a real difference in users’ lives, even within the constraints of a hackathon environment.
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