The question
People experiencing panic attacks may need support in the moment, while anxiety care can involve long waits and inconsistent access. The project asked how a device and service might respond before symptoms escalate.
← More explorations
MSc project · Product and experience design · 2023–2024
ONARA
A wearable support concept for people navigating panic attacks.
Project
overview.
ONARA explores whether a personalised wearable could recognise patterns that precede a panic attack and offer timely, discreet support. It is a speculative design project, not a tested medical device.
Academic concept · My independent workThe approach
I explored wearable forms and a proposed care journey. In my report, I considered how personal baselines and several signals, including breathing, heart rate and movement, might help distinguish rising distress from other causes such as exercise. Potential responses include grounding prompts, guidance to a safe space and contact with trusted people.
The result
The project produced wearable visualisations and a phased service proposal: an initial research stage with healthcare oversight before any wider use. I identified data quality and distinguishing symptoms from ordinary activity as open design risks. Detection accuracy, clinical benefit and partnerships remain unvalidated.
A closer look.
Open the original concept artwork at a larger size. These are product visualisations, not photographs of a manufactured device.
