Anxie-Tee

  • Timeline:
    October 2024 - Present
  • Role:
    Concept Ideation & Development,
    Founder
  • Tools:
    Figma, Github, & Google Workspace

Overview

Anxie-Tee is an innovative wearable solution designed to help college students manage anxiety symptoms discreetly and effectively. This groundbreaking tank-top undershirt offers multi-sensory support through features like hug-mimicking compression, therapeutic vibration, cooling, and warmth. The project aims to transform how students cope with anxiety in academic and social settings, providing immediate, non-pharmaceutical relief.‍

Personal Motivation

As a designer who has experienced anxiety firsthand, I initiated this project to address a deeply personal and widespread issue among college students. My own struggles with anxiety during my academic journey made me acutely aware of the need for discreet, effective solutions that don't interfere with daily life. The overwhelming nature of anxiety symptoms, as described by one user as - "detrimentally overwhelming" - resonated strongly with my experiences and those of my peers.
‍
This project is valuable to me because it represents an opportunity to make a tangible difference in students' lives. By supporting and growing AnxieTee, I aim to empower students to manage their anxiety independently, improve their academic performance, and enhance their overall quality of life. The potential to transform moments of panic into manageable situations drives my passion for this project.

Problem

Anxiety is a prevalent issue among college students, with 26.6% of people aged 18-29 reporting symptoms in 2022. For many, anxiety significantly impacts academic performance, with 33% stating it negatively affected their class performance in the past year. Traditional coping mechanisms often fall short, especially in public settings where discreet solutions are crucial.

Solution

Anxie-Tee combines discreet sensory features that can be worn in any environment:

  • Compression: Mimics a comforting hug to reduce tension.
  • Vibration: Soothes tight muscles and alleviates physical symptoms.
  • Cooling/Warming: Adjustable inserts regulate temperature for relaxation.

We asked interviewees to describe their experience with anxiety, here's what they said:

"it can go from 0 to a 100 in a second, but not the other way around"
"there was a point last year where I was just so nervous to be alive and so nervous to go to school every day"
"detrimentally overwhelming"

Research

The Method

Interviews: Conducted 11 in-depth sessions to explore anxiety triggers and needs.
‍
‍Surveys: Collected responses from 41 participants to validate the demand for discreet solutions.

‍Expert Consultations: Consulted 4 medical professionals on therapeutic approaches.

‍

From these methods we identified that:

  • Physical symptoms like muscle tension, nausea, and trembling are common.
  • Users prefer non-pharmaceutical options that don’t draw public attention.
  • Medical experts emphasized potential benefits for exposure therapy and sensory sensitivity.

Market Analysis

The anxiety relief market includes products like compression wear, weighted garments, and temperature-regulating vests. These are some of the primary competitors:

  1. Compression Shirts (e.g., CalmCare)
    • Price: $50–$120
    • Strengths: Effective at reducing physical tension.
    • Limitations: Lack of multi-sensory relief and discreetness.
  2. Weighted Blankets
    • Price: $80–$150
    • Strengths: Provides pressure therapy for relaxation.
    • Limitations: Impractical for on-the-go use.
  3. Cooling and Heating Vests (e.g., Gobi Gear)
    • Price: $200–$300
    • Strengths: Targets temperature regulation.
    • Limitations: Bulky design and limited portability.

Anxie-Tee's Competitive Edge

  • Combines the benefits of multiple products into a single discreet wearable.
  • Designed for everyday use in public settings, ensuring privacy and portability.
  • Price point ($300) is competitive when considering combined functionality.

Design

Discreet Design

Anxie-Tee was designed with a focus on ensuring users can manage anxiety symptoms without drawing public attention:

  • Slim Profile: Made with lightweight neoprene fabric, the tank top fits seamlessly under everyday clothing.
  • Adjustable Compression Straps: Customizable to provide support without bulk or visible lines.
  • Quiet Operations: Vibration motors are engineered to operate silently, ensuring usage remains private.
  • Minimal Aesthetic: Neutral tones and sleek design prioritize invisibility under various types of attire.

Portability Features

To make Anxie-Tee suitable for use in any setting:

  • Battery-Powered Heating and Vibration: Compact rechargeable batteries last up to 3 hours on a single charge.
  • Lightweight Components: Cooling packs and heat patches are made with advanced materials to minimize weight.
  • Compact Design: The tank top can be folded and carried in a backpack, making it ideal for travel or on-the-go use.

Ease of Maintenance: Removable inserts for easy washing and reuse, ensuring practicality for daily wear.

Current Iteration

A neoprene tank top with adjustable compression straps.

Removable cooling packs and battery-powered heat patches.

Lightweight vibration motors designed for up to three hours of use.

What's Next?

Conduct large-scale user testing in real-world settings (e.g., classrooms).

Explore partnerships with counseling centers and healthcare providers.

Introduce sensory add-ons, like built-in fidget mechanisms, based on user feedback.

Anxie-Tee exemplifies how user-centered design can address complex mental health challenges among college students. By focusing on discreet, multi-sensory solutions for anxiety management, Anxie-Tee empowers users to take control of their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. As an ongoing process, we remain committed to continuous improvement through iterative design, user testing, and expert collaboration.