Calm
Sphere

Stress And Anxiety Relief Device

By: Karen-Happuch
Calm
Sphere

Stress And Anxiety Relief Device

By: Karen-Happuch
Calm
Sphere

Stress And Anxiety Relief Device

By: Karen-Happuch

Project Overview

Project Overview

What is CalmSphere? A handheld haptic device that helps people relieve stress in the moment and reset quickly.

User problem: Stress and panic spikes are hard to stop fast, and most tools and methods are slow and mostly ineffective.

My role: Product and interaction designer, research, concept, prototyping.

What I designed: The physical form, haptic interaction system, and companion experience.

Outcome or validation: Prototype built and refined through user feedback and research insights.

What is CalmSphere? A handheld haptic device that helps people relieve stress in the moment and reset quickly.

User problem: Stress and panic spikes are hard to stop fast, and most tools and methods are slow and mostly ineffective.

My role: Product and interaction designer, research, concept, prototyping.

What I designed: The physical form, haptic interaction system, and companion experience.

Outcome or validation: Prototype built and refined through user feedback and research insights.

What is CalmSphere? A handheld haptic device that helps people relieve stress in the moment and reset quickly.

User problem: Stress and panic spikes are hard to stop fast, and most tools and methods are slow and mostly ineffective.

My role: Product and interaction designer, research, concept, prototyping.

What I designed: The physical form, haptic interaction system, and companion experience.

Outcome or validation: Prototype built and refined through user feedback and research insights.

CalmSphere is paired with an app that gives users more control and a more personalized experience

Pairing CalmSphere with an app gives users more control and a more personalized experience

CalmSphere is paired with an app that gives users more control and a more personalized experience

Problem Statement

Problem Statement

Anxiety disorders are the world’s most prevalent mental health condition, affecting over 359 million people worldwide. Among young adults, cases have risen by 52%, yet most existing solutions fail to provide immediate, personalized, tactile relief during moments of acute distress.

Anxiety disorders are the world’s most prevalent mental health condition, affecting over 359 million people worldwide. Among young adults, cases have risen by 52%, yet most existing solutions fail to provide immediate, personalized, tactile relief during moments of acute distress.

Anxiety disorders are the world’s most prevalent mental health condition, affecting over 359 million people worldwide. Among young adults, cases have risen by 52%, yet most existing solutions fail to provide immediate, personalized, tactile relief during moments of acute distress.

Desk Research

Desk Research

Statistical evidence validating market need and haptic therapy efficacy in anxiety management.

Statistical evidence validating market need and haptic therapy efficacy in anxiety management.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million U.S. adults; only 43.2% receive treatment. (WHO,2025)

Anxiety in ages 10-24 increased 52% from 1990-2021, among females.(Psychiatric Research, 2024)

Haptics provides stress relief

and intuitive therapeutic experiences.

(Titan Haptics, 2025)

Haptic coordination: Squeezing a vibrating stress ball decreases anxiety.

(Aguiar et al., 2024)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million U.S. adults; only 43.2% receive treatment. (WHO,2025)

Anxiety in ages 10-24 increased 52% from 1990-2021, among females.(Psychiatric Research, 2024)

Haptics provides stress relief

and intuitive therapeutic experiences.

(Titan Haptics, 2025)

Haptic coordination: Squeezing a vibrating stress ball decreases anxiety.

(Aguiar et al., 2024)

Empathy Map

Empathy Map

What do they do?

What do they do?

Carry anxiety medication "just in case". Avoid triggering situations or settings.

Use generic meditations.


What do they think?

“I don't want people to see me as weak or incapable."
”I just want to feel normal again and live without this feeling.”

“I don't want people to see me as weak or incapable."
”I just want to feel normal again .”

What do they feel?

Overwhelmed, Isolated, Embarrassed,

Frustrated, Vulnerable,

Helpless, Stressed.


What they see?

Carry anxiety medication "just in case". Avoid triggering situations or settings. Use generic meditations.


What do they see?

Carry anxiety medication "just in case." Avoid triggering situations or settings.

Use generic meditations.


What do they hear?

Advice that feels generic and not personalized to their needs. Expensive therapy.


What do they need?

Access to immediate stress and anxiety relief.

Who are we empathizing?

People with Anxiety, Stress, Panic Disorder, Phobias, PTSD, OCD, and ADHD.


What do they say?

Carry anxiety medication "just in case."


Design Solution

Design Solution

Product
Product
Product

Competitor Analysis

Competitor Analysis

Vagus Nerve Stimulator

Apollo Neuro

Strength

Comprehensive HRV tracking and biometric monitoring.

Multiple vibration modes for different needs (7+ modes).

Weaknesses

Unilateral stimulation only (worn on one wrist).

Less effective for acute panic attacks (preventive focus).

Touchpoint Wearable

TouchPoints

Strength

Bilateral stimulation (both sides of body simultaneously).

Rapid stress relief in 30 seconds
(74% reduction claimed).

Weaknesses

No biometric tracking or physiological data collection.

Requires two separate devices to achieve bilateral effect.

Wearable Relief Device

Sensate

Strength

Bilateral stimulation (both sides of body simultaneously).

Rapid stress relief in 30 seconds
(74% reduction claimed).

Weaknesses

No biometric tracking or physiological data collection.

Requires two separate devices to achieve bilateral effect.

Solution Effectiveness Matrix

Solution Effectiveness

Matrix

Low Effectiveness + Low Accessibility

Wellness retreats Consistent meditation

Neither effective nor convenient

Low Effectiveness + High Accessibility

Generic meditation apps Regular stress balls

Easy to access but minimal real impact

High Effectiveness + Low Accessibility

Professional therapy Clinical treatments

• High cost • Side Effects

High Effectiveness + High Accessibility

CalmSphere

• In pocket 24/7 • Works in 3 seconds

Low Effectiveness + Low Accessibility

Wellness retreats Consistent meditation

Neither effective nor convenient

Low Effectiveness + High Accessibility

Generic meditation apps Regular stress balls

Easy to access but minimal real impact

High Effectiveness + Low Accessibility

Professional therapy Clinical treatments

• High cost • Side Effects

High Effectiveness + High Accessibility

CalmSphere

• In pocket 24/7 • Works in 3 seconds

Insights

Insights

47%

Anxiety Reduction

Average decrease in anxiety symptoms within 8 weeks

62%

Panic Attack Frequency

Reduction in panic episodes per month

36%

Stress Relief

Breathing Guidance lowers stress hormones

54%

Sleep Quality

Improvement in sleep satisfaction scores

47%

Anxiety Reduction

Average decrease in anxiety symptoms within 8 weeks

62%

Panic Attack Frequency

Reduction in panic episodes per month


36%

Stress Relief


Breathing Guidance lowers stress hormones


54%

Sleep Quality


Improvement in sleep satisfaction scores


Device Design & Ideation

Device Design & Ideation

3D Modeling & Digital Refinement

3D Modeling & Digital Refinement

Thoughtfully Designed. Effortlessly Calming

Thoughtfully Designed.

Effortlessly Calming

Choose your calm

Midnight Black for understated elegance, Cloud White for pure serenity, or Soft Lilac for gentle tranquility.

Choose your calm

Midnight Black for understated elegance, Cloud White for pure serenity, or Soft Lilac for gentle tranquility.

Take back control

As CalmSphere pulses gently in your palm, feel your heartbeat slow, your breathing deepen, and your mind quiet,

relief is just a touch away.

Take back control

As CalmSphere pulses gently in your palm, feel your heartbeat slow, your breathing deepen, and your mind quiet,

relief is just a touch away.

User Interaction Design Process

User Interaction

Design Process

Initial wireframes defining the companion app structure and features.

Initial wireframes defining the companion app structure and features.

Exploring UI components that fit CalmSphere and support a great user experience.

Exploring UI components that fit CalmSphere and support a great user experience.

UI Iterations

UI Iterations

Testing multiple UI directions to deliver a great user experience.

Final User Interaction Design

Final User Interaction
Design

Next Steps

Next Steps


  • Qualitative research on stress relief needs and existing devices

  • Pilot test with target users to validate the experience

  • Build plan for next prototype, electronics, enclosure, and materials


Tools

Tools

Fusion 360Fusion 360
BlenderBlender
Premiere ProPremiere Pro
PhotoshopPhotoshop
KeyShotKeyShot
FigmaFigma
Google GeminiGoogle Gemini
MidjourneyMidjourney