Industrial - Bachelors

VAVA

VAVA is an anxiety measurement and management device designed for young adults with diagnosed Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Innovative in function and uniquely playful in form, this therapeutic medical device facilitates both conscious and subconscious anxiety-releasing interactions that empower patient self-management and strengthen the accuracy of anxiety data for the practitioner.

Tara McCarthy

the design process

Double Diamond
Anxious girl

The Problem

Anxiety is the most common mental illness experienced by 17% of Australians, with young people being the most vulnerable demographic. Primary research involved 22 GAD patient survey responses and five in-depth interviews with practitioners (including psychologists, counsellors, psychiatrists, and GPs). Key findings highlighted significant barriers in measuring accurate GAD data through the patient’s self-reported experiences, due to cognitive and emotional biases, the blurred ‘offline’ anxious brain, poor memory, and patient minimisation. Practitioners taking this qualitative data with a “grain of salt” reduces the effectiveness and personalisation of anxiety management, leaving the patient to continue self-managing traumatic, distressing, and overwhelming anxious experiences alone.

“The awareness and identification… of their own cognitive biases… and the exact trigger and moments of anxiety would be the biggest challenges [when it comes to patient self-management of anxiety].”

– Primary Research Participant, Provisional Psychologist

“When I get overly anxious, my brain tends to turn off and becomes a blur so I don’t remember much afterward”

(patient survey response, Q15)

The design opportunity

The value in objective, non-bias anxiety data

radar of value in objective anxiety data

Practitioner-expressed value of objective anxiety data | (1) Increased accuracy & personalisation of treatment, (2) identify anxiety triggers/patterns, (3) longitudinal data gain

Name
Design Research Report
File Type
application
File Size
10 MB
Download File

Design Opportunity, Criteria, principles

Design opportunities, criteria, principles

The SOlution

VAVA – the device

VAVA – where innovative function meets sophistication and beauty in form – is specifically designed for the lifestyle needs and wants of young adults with GAD. The device’s sleek, discreet profile makes it an appealing ‘everyday essential’ for managing anxiety in daily life, encouraging consistent use through its engaging and playful design. By consciously exerting physical force (‘pulling’) against the finger slit or subconsciously rubbing, gripping, twisting, or twirling the device, interactions with VAVA help to release anxious energy by transitioning it from the mind to body. Integrated sensors measure these various physical interactions, which can be later viewed by the patient and practitioner together in therapy sessions to contextualise and understand anxious experiences and personalise treatment accordingly.

vava – the bespoke wireless charging dock x trinket tray

wireless charging dock renders

This wireless charging dock helps the patient to create an ‘anxiety ritual’ – the experience of taking the device off charge and then ‘docking’ it back in at the end of the day – helping to close the loop. By placing this on a bedside or walk-in table and sitting rings or keys etc. inside, the dock helps keep the device front-of-mind, encouraging its engagement and emotional durability.

the system

the anxiety ritual (interaction journey map)

vava promo Video

Marketing mock-ups

additional design process

Initial concepts

Product Development | Form, Symbolism, Interactions Evolution

Form – Aesthetics & Symbolism

VAVA’s form marries aesthetics with deep symbolism, drawing inspiration from natural curvatures such as rivers, leaves, and human body contours. As well as fitting comfortably in the user’s palm, this organic shape enhances the device’s role as both a therapeutic tool and a personal accessory. This harmonious symbolism makes VAVA emotionally resonant and aesthetically pleasing to a diverse audience. The variety of (CNC anodised aluminum) metallic colorways appeal to different genders and personal styles, transforming the device into a fashionable, everyday essential that does not alienate, but rather empowers, users.

Function – tech & interactions

The integrated tech sensors in VAVA (force plates, temperature sensor, and accelerometer) measure the various anxious interactions (force exertion, rubbing/gripping/sweating, and fidget-like behaviours respectively). The Wi-Fi capability sends interaction data discreetly in the background to the VAVA app to be later reviewed with the practitioner.

Anthropometrics & ergonomics – play & self-discovery

VAVA’s ergonomic design adapts to a wide range of hand sizes and grip styles, ensuring it is accessible and comfortable to a diverse user base. Its organic shape inspires play and self-discovery – whether slipping fingers through its slits or grasping the bulge. This design freedom and inclusivity make each interaction unique and meaningful – it welcomes continuous exploration and a sense of ownership of the device as the user becomes increasingly familiar with their personal VAVA.

Tara McCarthy

Tara is a creative innovator who intersects the spaces of design thinking, business strategy, and health tech. She is inspired and fuelled by design research and problem-solving that empower others and bring about meaningful change, particularly in the field of health. Her diverse design experiences globally and roles in facilitation, consulting, and design operations allow her to create innovative, unique, and inclusive solutions.