AVATER: Heal one stroke at a time

What it does

Avater is a therapeutic doll for kids aged 5–8 to express emotions by drawing on its body. Through colors and shapes, they show how they feel, promoting self-awareness and helping psychologists understand emotional issues like trauma or abuse.

Your inspiration

The idea emerged from observing how many children struggle to express their feelings with words, especially when facing complex emotional situations. Inspired by the theories of Piaget, Lowenfeld, and Winnicott, we recognized that drawing, play, and symbolic representation can be powerful forms of communication. We also aimed to create a sustainable solution that connects emotional design with the reuse of discarded materials like styrofoam (icopor) and used cooking oil.

How it works

Avater is made from a new material developed by mixing recycled styrofoam and used cooking oil. The oil acts as a plasticizer, lowering the glass transition temperature of the polystyrene and allowing it to be molded. The resulting material is rigid, impact-resistant, and electrically insulating—perfect for children to draw on with markers without damaging it. The doll is modular and buildable, consisting of a body and a head, and is non-toxic and fully reusable.

Design process

The design has evolved based on three key pillars: psychological functionality, playful interaction, and environmental sustainability. Form and use tests were carried out to ensure children could easily manipulate, assemble, and personalize the doll. We also designed form variations to suit different therapeutic needs: • Bodies with genitalia to address abuse cases, • Thematic heads (circle, cloud, star) so children can project emotions, thoughts, and desires according to their experiences.

How it is different

• Channels emotions through drawing: the child “speaks” by drawing. • Modular and symbolic design: heads represent the mind, body, and aspirations. • Innovative, recycled material: made from styrofoam and used oil. • Therapeutic versatility: adaptable to abuse, autism, violence, or medical treatment cases. • Emotional diagnostic tool: useful for psychologists, teachers, and foundations.

Future plans

Avater has high potential in psychological, educational, and social contexts. It is projected to be distributed to: • Private and institutional child psychologists • Foundations that support children affected by violence or displacement • Schools with a focus on emotional education • Care centers for children with ASD or special medical conditions The long-term goal is to establish a network for collecting recyclable materials (styrofoam and oil) to support production and raise environmental awareness. We also envision a future line of collectible Avaters with complementary functions.

Awards