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A video explaining the issue and design concept for my content creator

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Final model with accompanying Arduino circuit.  

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Drafted app design showing some features for the app in conjunction with the device. The app records times of increased heart rate peaks and customization patterns to comfort. The device can be paired with the app. Goals can be set with reminders to encourage the user of their accomplishments. 

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Some renders of form design

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I conducted a small test on myself to see how I would react in a similar socially anxious scenario. I presented during a Zoom classroom session, using an AppleWatch I recorded my resting heart rate and also my heart rate during presentation. From the image above, resting I was 79 BPM, where as after the presentation I showed a peak in my heart up to 116 BPM. During the presentation I could feel my heart rate increase as the fear set in. This small test gave me more opportunity for my content creator. I don’t personally have an anxiety disorder but for those who do & struggle, an easy device might just be the help they need.

Averagely a normal heart rate for a healthy person is 60 to 100 beats per minute. I choose to make the device trigger a vibration pattern at 130+BPM because it is averagely a high BPM and the rapid increase from a resting spike.

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Arduino & components

Using the website Circuito, I was able to digitally construct a concept model of the potential Arduino and circuit. There are many different types of heart rate monitors that are all accessible to use. The reason why I chose the Particle Sensor Breakout is because its very sensitive and will records accurately the users BPM.I have included a tilt sensor in response to having a “snooze” function to momentarily disable the tapping sensation. The user will only need to move their wrist sideways to trigger this function. The Vibration motor is to create the rhythmic tapping sensation to help relieve the user. Arduino will be coded to react to a high bpm reading (130+) igniting a light taping sensation in a rhythmic breathing pattern. The tapping sensation will indicate the user to change their focus on breath, reducing the initial stress. Coding the Arduino will be something to achieve in the next step of the project, I will hopefully able to order all parts to attempt a working model. 

Main components:  

SparkFun Particle Sensor Breakout - MAX30105

Tilt Sensor - AT407

Vibration Motor

All other components:

BreadBoard - Half Size

Arduino Uno

Diode Rectifier - 1A 50V

USB Cable A to B

10K Ohm Resistor

Transistor - NPN BC337

1K Ohm Resistor

Jumper Wires Pack - M/M

Male Headers Pack- Break-Away

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A few concept sketches. Heart rate can also be monitored from the earlobe, experimenting with earring designs is something to consider as potentially a second device with the same function as a wristband. The aesthetics behind the device will be equally important as I would like to avoid replicating a sports activity tracker. Crafting bespoke, handcrafted jewelry to make my content creator unique rather than a silicone wristband and trying to compete with already success full brands such as FiBit & The AppleWatch.

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Using an oyster mushroom and black ink, I experimented with repetitive patterns to inspire the form and also function for the content creator. Mushrooms are interesting to experiment with as the gills reflect fluid patterns that imitate the intention behind the device. Combining visual and sensory encouragements for the user to slow their breathing and relieve their anxiety. 

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Initial anxiety never diminishes over time. The feeling can be so overwhelming that it majorly affects the person's performance and ability to get work done. The cause of social anxiety is unclear although through research there is suggested environmental or genetic triggers for this mental illness. Childhood neglect or abuse as an environmental example, and an older elder within the genealogy is present within diagnosed patients. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition ( DSM-5 ) established social anxiety as “Individuals fear acting in a way that might male them get judged. Social anxiety interferes with normal routine and relationships” The mental illness is persistent and not just a temporary gut feeling. Social anxiety is categorized as ego dystonic meaning that they can understand that anxiety is unwarranted for, this increasing the initial distress & fear. They worry about the physical symptoms of shaking and blushing. Interior symptoms can include, rapidly increasing heart rate, shallow fast breathing, nausea, dry mouth & throat, difficulty focusing on the task at hand.  Severe anxiety can lead to derealization, a feeling of being completely spaced out and not able to identify their surroundings. 

The condition of Social anxiety in the worst case scenario can lead towards destructive sources of escape like drugs & alcohol. They then become addicted or dependent on these abusive substances. Treatment includes psychotherapy & medication and most often the combination of both. Psychotherapy focuses on cognitive behavioural therapy, teaching ways of thinking and behaving during these intense situations. Antidepressants are prescribed like SSRIs to regulate serotonin & SNRIs to regulate serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Benzodiazepines have a psychoactive relaxing effect & β blockers ease the physical symptoms of performance anxiety. Psychotherapy has a better long term effect whereas medication has the risks of unwanted side effects such as substance abuse. 

To simplify a very complex mental illness, social anxiety is heightened anxiety about acting a certain way, showing symptoms of anxiety like blushing & uncontrollable shaking in the fear that they will be negatively scrutinized by others. The condition completely interferes and strips opportunity to speak out for what they stand for and their passions in life. Their routines are structured around this mental block, needing help for the simplest tasks like asking for extra cutlery at a restaurant. The suffering thoughts consume those who have recurring feelings of worthlessness. 

This device combines the psychotherapy physical methods & techniques with the relation sensations of medication focusing on the breath of the user. Returning a calming breathing pattern to lower heart rate and circulate oxygen around the body. Measuring the users high bpm readings to gently tap a rhythmic pattern against their wrist as encouragement to breath & change their focus from fear to confidence. The pattern runs for a full 2 minute cycle with an additional function of ‘snoozing’ the tapping sensation to alert the device that you are calm and under control. A prototyped app records times of increased heart rate peaks and customisable patterns of comfort. Neutral aesthetics to help minimise the physical symptoms of social anxiety. An everyday accessory to help the user slowly overcome the fear. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have accessible therapy means, this device can be a big stepping stone to enjoy life with every social setting and take every opportunity to speak for themselves. 

Never assume that anyone is not suffering. Be kind & spark conversation, it may be the light of their day. A simple “ Hello” or “How is your day?” can easily encourage their voice and enlighten their mood. A strong encouragement is needed within New Zealand, most who don’t reach out for help will silently suffer, we all don’t have an amazing support group behind us. 

References

Betterhealth.vic.gov.au. 2020. Social Phobia. [online] Available at: <https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/social-phobia?viewAsPdf=true>.

Cornes, M., 2020. Overcoming Social Anxiety. [online] Youtube.com. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqM-17Iw_2k> [Accessed 8 May 2020].

Youtube.com. 2017. Social Anxiety Disorder - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Pathology. [online] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLjPrNe63kk> [Accessed 8 May 2020].

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COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, University and all classes were halted for four weeks during our nationwide lock-down. This extended all our briefs and altered our design processes for the upcoming projects. I returned home to Auckland for the lock-down, proving that remote learning would take some getting used to. The new brief for project two is now based on our own resources to create a solid proof of concept for the desired product. Using more visual elements such as video presentation and blog posting to convey the idea.

The core of project two still remains the same. Presenting a story through the concept. Context, type and range of input, output, mechanism, impact.

Why this concept? 

What is the background to this idea? 

Establishing all key information and elements to the concept. Establishing the INPUT & OUTPUT. 

How will it be used? Who will be using it? 

Is the output permanent or temporary?

Using a video to demonstrate the refinement and proof of concept. 

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Existing projects.

http://www.studentshow.com/gallery/19200421/Calming-stone-Ramon-Telfer

Calming stones: Inspired by Japanese Zen stacking stones “ The 'calming stone' is something that anyone struggling with stress can place their trust to help regain a sense of control”

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Managing the fear

- Meditation exercises

- Breathing exercises

“Breathwork is a general term for a range of methods that–when practiced with awareness–have a host of potential emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. In essence, it’s breathing practiced with mindfulness. Like yoga or meditation, there are many forms of breathwork and they all have their own approaches for using the breath as a catalyst for change.” “ It’s a tool that’s always with us; we can access it any time for calm, balance, and presence of mind.”

- Take a comfortable seat or lie down.

- Breathe in and out through the nose for a few cycles to settle in.

- Next, bring your attention to your exhale for three rounds of breath.

- Begin to extend your exhale by 2-3 counts.

- Repeat for five minutes.

- Lastly, bring your awareness to your body and notice how you feel after your practice.

goop.com

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beyondanxietyanddepression.com