About the Project

When overwhelm triggers the brain’s fight-or-flight response, users lose the ability to think clearly, yet most grounding apps either oversimplify or overload the experience. I designed a system that restores control quickly without adding cognitive stress.

Design priorities

• Design a system that learns user needs and patterns through behavior, not explicit input.
• Prioritize quick nervous system stabilization through short, effective regulation cycles.
• Reduce cognitive load by removing decision-making at the point of entry.
• Support emotional expression and connection through optional features while maintaining user control and low-friction interaction.

Design Journal

Project Tasks

User Research

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Style Guide

Brand Identity

Purpose

I experienced a moment where nothing around me could help and I needed something that could meet me where I am. That's why Tether exists.

Vision

Everyone deserves access to nervous system support regardless of their ability to pay, their environment, or their state of dysregulation.

Mission

To return anyone in overwhelm to emotional baseline without adding cognitive load, through immediate, sensory-based, personalized intervention.

Brand Voice

She’s Tether, understanding, adaptable, observant, compassionate. She doesn't instruct, she accompanies. She doesn't ask questions, she shows up accurately for each person. She speaks simply, warmly, and without urgency. She’s soothing and helpful without being pushy. She loves and you can tell.