Simona Virelli

CalmSync

PiggyBank

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A Trauma-Sensitive Product Ecosystem for Survivors

BACKGROUND

CalmSync is a trauma-sensitive product ecosystem designed to support survivors through real-time, discreet, and personalized tools. The system includes a wearable, mobile app, and desktop integration, offering grounding exercises, biofeedback, and customizable features tailored to emotional regulation.

SCOPE

UX/UI Design, User Testing, User Interviews, Research, Presentation

MY ROLE

Co-Lead Designer — Responsible for end-to-end design including research, ideation, user flows, wireframes, visual design, and prototyping.

TOOLS

Figma, FigJam, Photoshop, Illustrator, Google Forms

Support without the stigma

For many trauma survivors, daily life can be disrupted by flashbacks, panic attacks, or emotional dysregulation. Generic mindfulness tools often fall short—feeling too impersonal or public. CalmSync was designed to change that: a trauma-informed, discreet support system that empowers users in real time, without judgment or overwhelm.

Survivors navigating life after trauma often face sudden moments of emotional overwhelm—yet most tools focus on generic mindfulness, not trauma-informed care. These gaps leave users without real-time, discreet support when they need it most. While therapists and loved ones want to help, there’s a need for tools that respond with sensitivity, privacy, and personalization.

Design a trauma-informed support system that offers real-time grounding without judgment or disruption. The goal was to build a tool that feels calm, private, and empowering—helping users navigate panic, flashbacks, or dissociation with personalized care that adapts to their emotional patterns.

I started by reviewing existing mindfulness and mental health apps to see how they support users in moments of emotional distress. While these tools offer general relaxation techniques, I found that they often lack real-time responsiveness and personalization needed for trauma survivors experiencing flashbacks or panic attacks.

To dive deeper, I interviewed trauma survivors and mental health professionals. They shared frustrations with overly complex interfaces and generic guidance that didn’t fit their unique emotional needs. This research revealed a clear need for a discreet, trauma-sensitive platform that provides personalized support exactly when it’s needed most.

Key Takeaways from User Interviews

User 2

College student managing CPTSD from childhood trauma

“I’ve tried apps before, but they feel too clinical or robotic. I want something that feels human.”

Users crave a more empathetic, emotionally resonant experience—not cold or medicalized.

User 1

Trauma survivor, 34, working in a fast-paced office

“When I’m triggered at work, I can’t just leave—I need something quick and subtle.”

Survivors need discreet, workplace-friendly grounding tools that don’t draw attention.

User 3

Retired veteran, living alone, struggling with flashbacks

“Sometimes I don’t even know what I need—I just know I don’t feel okay.”

Support tools must be intuitive and responsive, even when the user can’t articulate what’s wrong.

After identifying key needs around safety, personalization, and ease of use, I began brainstorming ways to help users feel grounded and supported—without overwhelming them or triggering distress.

The concepts focused on delivering calming techniques through customizable sensory experiences, integrating discreet wearables, and using soft UI cues to foster emotional trust and stability during high-stress moments.

CalmSync is a personalized support tool for managing anxiety, panic, and emotional overwhelm. Designed for ease and discretion, it offers quick access to grounding exercises, soothing visuals, and calming routines.

The final design prioritizes clarity and speed—so users can find what they need without added stress. Key features like the “Anchor Now” panic response, emotion tracking, and personalized strategies help users feel safe, supported, and in control, wherever they are.

CalmSync’s visual identity features a soft, muted palette of blues and gentle greys to evoke calm and safety. Combined with clean, rounded typography and simple iconography, the design creates a welcoming, non-intimidating space that feels both professional and comforting—helping users feel supported during challenging moments.

This project pushed me to prioritize empathy and subtlety in design. Every interface element was thoughtfully chosen to create a calm, reassuring environment that respects users’ emotional states during moments of distress.

Designing for trauma-sensitive experiences required careful research and testing to ensure the app feels accessible and supportive without being overwhelming. It deepened my understanding of how design can actively foster safety and empowerment for users facing difficult emotions.

CalmSync’s breathing exercises screen offers soothing, guided visuals to help users regulate their nervous system in moments of distress. The accompanying dashboard allows for personal customization—users can adjust the pace, duration, and type of breathwork based on what calms them best. By tailoring techniques to individual needs, CalmSync ensures every session feels safe, effective, and truly supportive.

Following initial ideation and wireframing, I created a mid-fidelity prototype that delivers grounding techniques through a calming, intuitive interface. The design emphasizes emotional safety with gentle visuals, personalized content, and simple navigation, aiming to support users in moments of stress without overstimulation.

To assess usability and emotional impact, we conducted mid-fidelity prototype testing with individuals affected by trauma. Participants appreciated the calming tone and discreet design but noted some challenges with navigating between grounding tools and emergency features. Users emphasized the need for immediate clarity during high-stress moments. Feedback helped us refine visual hierarchy, simplify instructions, and prioritize accessibility—ensuring the experience feels intuitive, supportive, and safe during moments of distress.

Concept Sketches

User Testing Key Metrics

When trauma resurfaces, support often falls short.

Create a safe, responsive space for emotional regulation.

Why do existing mental health tools fall short for trauma survivors?

Designing tools that support emotional regulation in trauma-sensitive moments.

Bringing calm within reach anytime, anywhere.

Designing for emotional support

Calm, Soothing, and Trustworthy Design

Navigating sensitive user needs

Mid-Fi prototype focused on personalized, trauma-sensitive support

Problem

Goal

Research

Ideation

Final Design

Visual Identity

Reflecting on CalmSync

Ground, Breathe, and Regain Control

Development

User Testing

How Might We...

Provide discreet, real-time support during moments of emotional distress—without drawing attention?

Personalize grounding techniques based on individual trauma responses and emotional patterns?

Build trust with users by designing a calming, non-triggering experience across multiple devices?

User interviews revealed that survivors want discreet, real-time support that feels personal and non-judgmental. Many found existing apps too clinical or overwhelming during emotional distress. They emphasized the need for simple grounding exercises, biofeedback, and customizable features that respond to their unique triggers and emotional patterns.

Affinity Map

Jordan Kim

21 | College Student | Lives with CPTSD

They’re looking for an emotionally supportive app that feels human and helps them stay grounded during panic episodes.