Health Anxiety
Robert struggles with health anxiety, he is often overly aware of physical symptoms or sensations in his body, and will try to attribute them to a disease or ailment that he does not actually have. Last week, after he came home from work, Robert became aware of his elevated blood pressure and started to worry. This worry spiraled into a full blown panic attack, Robert was convinced he was having a heart attack and asked his brother to drive him to the ER. The doctor found nothing wrong with Robert’s heart and he was dismissed the same night with a wristband and a hefty medical bill.
Stress
Robert works long shifts in a high stress environment. It’s hard for him to find the time or the energy to make a doctors appointment, but checking in with his doctor is the only way he’s found to alleviate anxiety about his health.
Insights
Goal
To calm invasive health anxieties and motivate the user to take control of their blood pressure.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) challenges unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, while improving emotional regulation and the development of personal coping strategies.
Since CBT is based in logical thought and reasoning, it follows simple thought exercises and has been shown to be effective when applied by AI.
AI is no replacement for a real therapist, but it can be incredibly helpful in breaking invasive thought loops that come along with health anxiety.
Style and comfort in a wearable.
The user will be wearing their blood pressure monitor throughout the day as opposed to a bulky cuff that takes 1 or 2 readings a day. This creates a more accurate portrayal of their blood pressure throughout the day. The wearable needs to be unobtrusive during everyday activities.
Privacy in the age of AI.
We explored the interaction of "lifting up the head" of the AI companion. This creates a passive form when off and an engaged form when on. Interactions with the AI are always initiated by the user.
Cora is an AI companion that monitors your blood pressure and other health related aspects in your life. Cora is a family of products.
Cora Watchband
Cora’s wearable blood pressure monitor takes readings continuously throughout the day. A soft fabric screen creates gentle interactions as to not facilitate anxious and incessant checking.
Tap.
Tap to display current blood pressure, a visual representation gives a quick glance of where you are without alarming numbers. Exact readings can be found on the app.
Monitor.
PPG technology allows for blood pressure to be monitored continuously through a small sensor on your wrist.
Charge.
Cora
Cora is an at home AI virtual assistant. Through the use of CBT, health suggestions, and reminders, she can help you take control of your blood pressure and cope with invasive health anxiety.
Talk.
Relax.
