PROJECT GOAL
This was a project I created for a class at ArtCenter in 2012. The prompt was 'connected health'.
CONCEPT
Ubrea enables people with severe anxiety to form self-care habits so they can gain control over their lives.
Severe anxiety can have extreme consequences; it is not uncommon for sufferers to end up in the ER. In talking with therapists and patients, I found that there is a big gap between learning relaxation techniques in the safety of a therapist’s office and implementing them in daily life. This disconnect became my opportunity, as I searched for ways to provide people with the support they needed to overcome their anxiety.
I developed a system to address this problem that includes an app and a worn device. The system, which I call Ubrea, works primarily as an awareness tool. Ubrea uses sensors and gentle tactile reminders to help people notice the early signs of anxiety and support them in their use of anxiety management techniques. The system tracks their patterns and progress so they can gain awareness of their triggers, evaluate treatment strategies, and take ownership of their wellness. Ubrea also allows people to practice biofeedback on the go, and makes it easier for them to record their CBT ‘homework’.
The following is a video explaining how Ubrea works:
