Novo

Novo is a product aimed to help users understand and identify the early warning signs of a panic attack. Through the combination of a hand held product with a mobile application, Novo enables users to break down trigger point situations and gain an understanding as to when their panic occurs. 

Novo is a small hand-held wooden product, with a circular track of beads. This is what helps users regulate their panic, as this track is a breathing technique, users breathing in and out as they feel around the beads.  Embedded in this product is a panic button. If users find that their panic is progressing they press this button and a diversionary phone call is sent to the users mobile, giving an excuse to leave any social situation. 

My research topic was ‘social anxiety’ so I began exploring what this condition is, what it does to people and how people deal with it. I explored lots of different research methods including interviews with professional counselors and sufferers, focus groups with University of Dundee Mental Health society and using forums gain insight into what it is to deal with mental health issues. 

Along side this I developed an assisting mobile app. With this users are able to track how little or often they are using the product and how many interruptions they have had. 

They are also able to log details about interruptions, writing down what happened and what they were thinking is the best way to be cathartic. They are able to save these and if they are revisiting a similar situation they can reflect back.