Visual and auditory interventions for NYC subway riders susceptible to panic attacks.



Type: Interaction Design, Service Design, Design Research

My Role: Project manager, UX researcher, Team Leader (4-person)

Industry: HealthTech, Culture, Social Impact

Tools: Figma, Adobe Suite, Typeform, Airtable, Google Suite

Duration: Q4 2022



View visual hi-fi prototype

View auditory hi-fi prototype

The place everyone has a story about











DISCOVER



3.2 million people ride the nyc subway daily, and many often have to deal with unforeseen incidents that can cause emotional and psychological distress.

Despite being one of many modes of transportation in the city, many riders are commuters who need an affordable, efficient option to get to and from work. 


    Where mental health comes into play

    “About 31% of adults will experience anxiety at some point in their life. It's the most common mental disorder in the U.S.”

    “An estimated 4.7% of U.S. adults experience panic disorder at some time in their lives.”





    Preliminary desk research showed:

    • Panic disorder has to be diagnosed, but there are plenty of people who experience panic attacks and do not seek help from physicians or other sources of structured support.

    • Each person experiences symptoms of a panic attack differently and at varying degrees of intensity

    • Symptoms could include: 
      • heart palpitations or increased heart rate
      • sweating or chills
      • shaking, trembling
      • shortness of breath
      • feeling a loss of control
      • etc...


    Strategic decision #1: Expanding user group from NYC subway riders with panic disorder to those who experience panic attacks for testing viability and user safety.

         

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