Bubble : Aid for Subway-Induced Anxiety

Bubble is a hybrid system that acts as a personal sanctuary and emergency aid, offering immediate relief, long-term tools, and community support for those who suffer from acute anxiety and panic disorders in one of the most stressful public transit systems in the world.

Project Summary

Context

MFA Products of Design

User Journey

10 Weeks

What happens during a panic attack?

Collaborators

In an effort to lessen severity during the Symptoms Increase phase, our user group can utilize an object to divert attention from symptoms and taking them out of a confined space immersing them a temporary reality, a bubble.

The physical element of this intervention was an attempt to change the environment of the subway cars using technology. By bringing elements of nature, we believe that this intervention would create a more calmer space. To further test this idea, we created a prototype version of the subways in our department’s quiet room.

The digital element of this intervention was designed to create a digital “bubble” for our users. The main feature of this app would be the SOS feature, we learned during our research that users are not able to communicate the onset of a panic attack and this app would allow that. The app would also allow users to save voice notes or sounds that would help them calm down.

User Interview Progress Shots

User Interview in a NYC Subway Station

Sama Srinivas, Nigel Keen, Rora Pan

For my design research class, we were given the topic of mental health and chose to focus on designing interventions for people experiencing anxiety and panic disorders in the NYC subway system.

Problem

Design Research, User Testing, Storytelling, User Research, User Interviews, Prototyping

Responsibilities

Panic disorders are characterized by unexpected and repeated panic attacks.

Each person experiences symptoms differently and at varying degrees of intensity.

We realized these symptoms could be exacerbated in high trigger environments.

User Interview Responses

Opportunity

How might we improve supportive responses for people who experience panic attacks on the New York City subway ?

Following initial secondary research, we conducted a survey to gather insights into individuals’ experiences in the subway, receiving over 50 responses. To deepen our understanding, we selected four respondents for in-depth, one-hour interviews, allowing us to explore their perspectives and behaviors in greater detail. Additionally, we conducted on-site interviews at Union Square Subway Station to supplement our findings with real-time, contextual observations and firsthand accounts.

Quotes from Interviews

Synthesis from Research Interviews

Based off our primary and secondary research, we gathered that Nature and Music have proven to be extremely beneficial with helping relieve symptoms experienced Panic Attacks. Hence we developed a AR experience as a physical intervention and an app which is a digital intervention that is specifically created for people who experience Panic Attacks.

User Testing

Nature-Inspired Visuals Promote Calm: Users consistently reported feeling calmer when exposed to visuals of nature. Environments that incorporate large, open spaces and gentle, moving elements were especially effective in reducing anxiety.
Immersive, Yet Aware Experiences: While users appreciated immersive environments, they emphasized the importance of remaining aware of their physical surroundings, especially in a public space like the subway. This balance is essential for fostering a sense of safety and feeling grounded.
Quick Access to Emergency Support: There was a strong preference for easy and immediate access to the SOS page—such as through a widget, lock screen shortcut, or direct app link—especially during the early signs of a panic attack.
Calendar-Like Dashboard for Routine Building: Users responded positively to a dashboard modeled after a calendar, allowing them to plan and structure their daily routines. They noted that having a consistent routine helped them manage anxious thoughts and reduce the likelihood of panic attacks.

Insights from the User Testing

Digital Prototype Refinements

Physical Prototype Refinements

Insights from the Interviews

Rush hour and late-night hours emerged as the most common trigger times for anxiety in the subway.
Individuals tended to focus intensely on their immediate environment as a way to manage their discomfort.
While coping mechanisms varied, most were solitary and aimed at managing symptoms independently.
The symptom escalation phase was consistently identified as the most distressing and memorable part of a panic attack experience.

Bubble : Aid for Subway-Induced Anxiety

Project Summary

Context

User Journey

What happens during a panic attack?

Collaborators

In an effort to lessen severity during the Symptoms Increase phase, our user group can utilize an object to divert attention from symptoms and taking them out of a confined space immersing them a temporary reality, a bubble.

For my design research class, we were given the topic of mental health and chose to focus on designing interventions for people experiencing anxiety and panic disorders in the NYC subway system.

Problem

Responsibilities

Panic disorders are characterized by unexpected and repeated panic attacks.

We realized these symptoms could be exacerbated in high trigger environments.

Opportunity

How might we improve supportive responses for people who experience panic attacks on the New York City subway ?

Nature-Inspired Visuals Promote Calm: Users consistently reported feeling calmer when exposed to visuals of nature. Environments that incorporate large, open spaces and gentle, moving elements were especially effective in reducing anxiety.

Immersive, Yet Aware Experiences: While users appreciated immersive environments, they emphasized the importance of remaining aware of their physical surroundings, especially in a public space like the subway. This balance is essential for fostering a sense of safety and feeling grounded.

Quick Access to Emergency Support: There was a strong preference for easy and immediate access to the SOS page—such as through a widget, lock screen shortcut, or direct app link—especially during the early signs of a panic attack.

Calendar-Like Dashboard for Routine Building: Users responded positively to a dashboard modeled after a calendar, allowing them to plan and structure their daily routines. They noted that having a consistent routine helped them manage anxious thoughts and reduce the likelihood of panic attacks.

Insights from the User Testing

Digital Prototype Refinements

Physical Prototype Refinements

Insights from the Interviews

Rush hour and late-night hours emerged as the most common trigger times for anxiety in the subway.

Individuals tended to focus intensely on their immediate environment as a way to manage their discomfort.

While coping mechanisms varied, most were solitary and aimed at managing symptoms independently.

The symptom escalation phase was consistently identified as the most distressing and memorable part of a panic attack experience.

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