Ally

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015

Nicole Gu

Academy of Art University, United States

Commercial - Web / App / Game Design

Category Semifinalist

Stop anxiety before it starts! An anti-anxiety mobile app

Ally is an anti-anxiety project that helps people stop anxiety before it starts. Anxiety is not a problem that can be solved right away. The goal with this project is to help people catch anxiety as it starts, lessen its negative effects, and improve a person's well being over time.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports from 2016 Anxiety/Panic attacks "are the most common mental illness in the U.S. 40 millions adults age 18 or older are affecting by the anxiety per year." People don’t realize they are having anxiety/panic attacks. This is a serious problem affecting their daily life.

HYPOTHESIS SOLUTION

The problem, is that people don’t realize a panic attack is beginning until it is too late, and don't know that they need help. More research found there is a term for this coined by psychologist Gary Klein. It's called Pre-mortem. I believe that providing a useful method of intervening before a panic attack takes its hold will help people suffering from anxiety.

SURVEY INSIGHTS

PERSONA

USE CASE

BRANDING GUIDELINES

USER JOURNEY MAP PROCESS

Created 3 user tasks based on the user survey insights. There are two scenarios:

1. Emergency situation (users have enough time to do activity) Let’s go for a walk; If (users don’t have time?) They can select to do the breathing exercise.

2. Daily practice. This is a scenario where user feels they want to practice their mindfulness. A meditation practice. When finishing each section of meditation practice, users earn a badge. After 21 consecutive days they can earn a free new class.