Tranquillum
panic attack relief app
In my semester project as a UX designer, I decided to respond to a specific and often neglected need - immediate help for sudden panic attacks. I created the design of Tranquillum, a mobile app that allows users with panic disorder to manage a crisis situation through breathing exercises, meditation techniques, distraction activities, and personalized calming messages. I designed the project independently following a design thinking methodology, in close collaboration with a therapist and several respondents living with the disorder.
Tools Used for this project: Figma
the Diary entry
Research
Context and objectives
The goal was to create a tool that can instantly calm users during a panic attack. It was not about prevention, but about acute intervention at a critical moment. The underlying problem is the suddenness and unpredictability of these attacks.
Methodology
- Qualitative research: interviews with 5 respondents with a confirmed diagnosis of panic disorder.
- Consultation with an expert: a therapist specialised in cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Analysis of expert sources: literature on panic disorder and its manifestations.
Main findings
- Most common manifestations: heart palpitations, choking sensation, trembling, panic fear ('I'm going to die', 'I'm going crazy').
- Helpful: breathing techniques, cuddling with an animal, meditation exercises, listening to nature, distraction (counting, simple games).
- Places of occurrence: anywhere - at home, outside, at school.
Challenges
- Focus on acute help, not therapy or diagnosis.
- Stigmatisation of users - addressed by emphasis on unobtrusive design.
- Quick access to content - minimising cognitive load during an attack.
Design process
Definition of criteria
Based on my research, I established several key requirements:
- Quick access to functionality
- Possibility of personalization
- Unobtrusiveness
- Lightweight, foldable (mobile device)
- 24/7 availability
- Possibility to combine multiple calming methods
Brainstorming and selection of solutions
I considered three solutions:
1. Therapeutic jewelry
2. A design medicine box
3. A mobile app (chosen concept)
The app offered the best possibilities of combining multiple strategies while being highly accessible, personalized and unobtrusive.
low-fidelity design
high-fidelity design - Menu section
The design: Tranquillum application
Main features
- BREATHE: guided breathing exercise accompanied by animation, voice or vibration.
- COMPREHEND: mental tasks and activities for distraction (counting, questions, simple games).
- MEDITATE: soundtracks with nature sounds or favourite music.
- MEMORISE: flashcards to move from negative to rational thoughts.
- MESSAGES: self and loved ones recorded messages as a form of support.
- TIPS, TRICKS: textual advice on how to handle an attack.
- JOURNAL: used for later reflection and therapy.
Personalisation
- The user chooses the panels to use.
Prototype
First, a visual low-fidelity design (mockup) was created. This design was subsequently redesigned into a high-fidelity prototype, with an emphasis on clarity, simplicity, visual calm and unity.
Iteration and feedback
Testing the low-fidelity prototype
- Conducted with 2 respondents and a therapist.
- Based on feedback, I minimized the number of icons on the main screen so that the user would not have to search for anything complicated during the attack.
- Discussion about the "Diary" panel - some found it counterproductive, but the therapist supported it as a good tool for therapy.
Results and self-reflection
The project has achieved its main goal: to create a simple, unobtrusive and personalizable tool for acute panic attack management.
- The app is designed to be easy to use under stress.
- It brings a sense of control and support to the user.
Lessons learned and next steps
- Limited testing is the biggest weakness of the project.
- In the future, I would like to conduct user tests with a larger sample on a redesigned high-fidelity prototype and possibly explore other forms of help, such as physical objects.
- I would also establish deeper collaboration with experts (e.g. psychiatrists, developers).
Summary
Tranquillum is a concept designed with a deep understanding of user needs. It brings practical, personalized and empathetic help for those living with panic disorder.