Case Study - Face your fears, find your strength

Overview

Through careful analysis of user engagement data, the Phobia team identified that their initial self-reporting assessment process needed improvement to better serve their community's needs.

The original system relied solely on users manually selecting their anxiety triggers, but this approach didn't capture the nuanced nature of anxiety and phobias. Some users found it difficult to accurately articulate their experiences through simple checkboxes.

To address this, we developed a comprehensive assessment system that uses a combination of guided imagery, optional voice stress analysis (with explicit user consent), and clinically-validated questionnaires. This multi-modal approach helps users better understand and express their anxiety experiences while ensuring more meaningful connections with others facing similar challenges.

We're currently developing an optional VR extension that will allow users to safely explore and understand their triggers in a controlled, therapeutic environment, developed in consultation with mental health professionals. The first module focuses on gradual exposure therapy techniques for common anxiety triggers.

What we did