Uvita

What it does

UVita is a smart, modular UV-protective jacket for SLE and UV-sensitive patients. It features adjustable parts for comfort, real-time UV alerts, health support, and data collection to prevent flare-ups and aid future medical research.

Your inspiration

As an autoimmune disease SLE patient, I understand how challenging daily life can be. It is not just UV sensitivity, but also the need for daily medication, constant hospital follow-ups, and mental health struggles. I have spoken with fellow patients and medical experts, and it became clear that we need a smarter, more adaptable solution. That is what inspired me to create UVita, a jacket that not only protects against UV exposure but also empowers patients with the confidence, comfort, and tools to live a freely and better-quality life.

How it works

UVita uses an integrated UV sensor and Bluetooth-enabled chip to track UV levels in real time. When UV exposure exceeds safe limits, it sends alerts to a connected mobile app, helping patients avoid flare-ups. The app also provides medication and hospital reminders, educational content about SLE, and an emergency call feature for quick response in urgent situations. It includes access to a support group section, offering mental health resources and peer connection. The modular jacket design features detachable sleeves, a foldable hood, removable visor, ponytail-friendly hood opening, and glove with watch access — allowing users to adjust coverage based on their personal needs and UV exposure. It also collects anonymous UV data to support future medical research and UV-related innovation.

Design process

As an SLE patient, I began developing UVita from personal experience with UV sensitivity. To understand broader challenges, I conducted surveys and interviews with SLE patients, rheumatologists, and dermatologists. Many described how sun exposure limits outdoor activities, travel, and daily routines — often contributing to mental health struggles as well. Inspired by this, I envisioned a wearable solution that is both functional and stylish. The process began with a mockup focused on material comfort. Feedback revealed the need for flexibility, leading to a modular design with detachable sleeves, hood, and visor. I then explored technology integration which embedding a UV sensor and Bluetooth chip to sync with a conceptual mobile app. The app was designed to provide real-time UV alerts, health education, and daily support. I also added photochromic textiles that shift color under UV light for visual indication. Through 3D modeling, I refined the form and selected mint green to evoke calm and freedom. UVita has grown from insight to prototype — designed to protect, empower, and improve life for SLE patients.

How it is different

Unlike standard UV-protective clothing that only blocks sunlight, UVita integrates smart technology, modular design, and patient-focused features. Its UPF-rated fabric and photochromic elements provide visible UV protection, while the connected app offers real-time UV alerts to help prevent flare-ups. Users can adjust modular parts like sleeves, hood, gloves, and visor to suit personal comfort and UV conditions. The app includes reminders for medication and hospital visits, plus access to health education, mental wellness support, and emergency contact functions. UVita also collects anonymised UV exposure data to support future medical research. What truly sets UVita apart is its emotional impact. Designed with aesthetics in mind, it helps patients feel confident and stylish, not ashamed. By blending function with fashion, UVita supports both physical safety and emotional well-being — empowering SLE patients to live more freely, comfortably, and proudly.

Future plans

I connected with Clinical Research Centre at Hospital Pulau Pinang during the early data collection phase. Moving forward, I hope to deepen this collaboration for further research and development. I plan to work closely with healthcare professionals and engineers to improve the app’s functionality and user experience. Field testing with SLE patients will provide insights to enhance comfort, usability and technical performance. In the long run, UVita aims to support medical research through anonymised UV exposure data and evolve into a globally accessible product that empowers UV-sensitive individuals with protection, education and confidence.

Awards