Development of a Gadget as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention Strategy for Everyday Anxiety in the Productive Population

Abstract

In a society characterized by a fast pace and high demands placed on the working-age population, strategies for managing stress and anxiety are gaining increasing importance in both clinical practice and product design. Given this context, the main objective of this research is to develop a product that helps reduce the frequency and severity of anxiety episodes inw working-age adults (18-65 years), individuals who are particularly exposed to chronic stressors stemming from the work, social, and personal demands of the contemporary environment.

The result of the investigation was: SOMA, a portable gadget that integrates tactile and visual stimulation, as well as guided exercises for the prevention and management of anxiety episodes in everyday life. The User-Centered Design methodology was used, which included ethnographic research through surveys and interviews with potential users and professionals in the field, the definition of essential design requirements, the development of three prototypes (functional, perceptual, and volumetric for interaction), and validation through usability, ergonomics, and perception tests.

The result was an organically shaped device with a clickable rotary knob interface that offers strength exercises, vibration massages, emotion tracking, and synchronization with a mobile app. The tests confirmed high usability, an aesthetic perception associated with calmness, and effectiveness in the execution of its main functions.

SOMA represented a contribution to the design of non-pharmacological and direct solutions for mental health, positioning the field of industrial design as a facilitator of accessible wellness technologies focused on the sensory experiences of users.