Globally, many people are struggling with stress and experiencing severe anxiety. With the theme ‘Imagination that Spurs Happiness’, five students from Hong Kong designed a tool to help people relax. They explored various ways to raise awareness of psychological wellbeing and build a positive attitude towards mental health, before deciding on their idea.

Among many tech-related inventions that were conceptualized, Evelyn, Alicia, and three other friends from Diocesan Girls’ School incorporated art as a solution to resolve mental health, especially stress and anxiety. “Art therapy is much more interesting and fun than other common therapies,” said Alicia.

Art in, anxiety out

Their simple but highly creative solution is called AiAo, short for Art in Anxiety out. AiAo is a mobile application designed to help students understand their current emotional state and relieve stress by using different art-related elements.

AiAo is incorporated with art therapy, color therapy, and sound therapy techniques for stress relief, such as the Mandala drawing board, Kalimba piano keyboard, a stress release clicker playing soothing underwater sounds, added with a stress test and expert help contacts.

Importance of human touch in technology

“The best kind of technology are those used to make people’s lives easier,” said Evelyn. “Also, adding a human touch to technology is very important to connect with users,” added Alicia.

Recognized for their achievement in observing and highlighting prevalent issues among their peers, as well as their knowledge in STEM, research, and arts, the team became champions for Hong Kong’s Solve for Tomorrow.

Broadened perspective and critical thinking

The group intimated that winning Samsung Solve for Tomorrow shaped them, training them to think more critically and work as a team. “It broadened our perspectives. We understand how important it is for us to solve problems and create change,” they said.

Based on their experience with Solve for Tomorrow competition, the five girls will now seek even more innovative ways they can contribute and make a positive impact on society.