The team behind SPARX
The story so far
In 2012, a team from the University of Auckland began developing a digital tool to help NZ youth repair their mental and emotional wellbeing. First, we pulled together proven strategies to combat depression and anxiety, inspired by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Then, in order to reach youth with maximum impact, we combined these therapeutic strategies with online gaming and storytelling.
In 2013, the team began randomised controlled trials (RCT) and by 2014, the first version of the SPARX game was live; the name representing our goal to promote Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts. From the outset, SPARX was specifically designed to be relevant in Aotearoa, incorporating a fantasy wawata setting with the use of Māori-styled graphics.
In 2018, further milestones were made when SPARX became available on mobile, getting our e-therapy programme into the hands of even more youth, locally and internationally. By 2021, the second iteration of SPARX was launched; the further refined version of the game, with better support for LGBTQI+.
SPARX has far surpassed expectations, reaching communities far and wide, with new international partnerships and adaptations in the works.
Those who made it happen
Prof. Sally Merry
Professor Sally Merry conceived the idea for SPARX while working in the overstretched community mental health services that were unable to help all the local rangatahi in need.
Dr. Karolina Stasiak
Dr. Stasiak’s PhD project became the prototype for SPARX, which she then co-created and trialed with youth.
Dr. Mathijs Lucassen
Working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Dr. Lucassen was heavily involved in the development of SPARX, going on to create SPARX: The Rainbow Version.
Assoc Prof. Matthew Shepherd
With experience as a clinician in the child and adolescent mental health field, Matt was instrumental in developing SPARX and its relevance to rangatahi Māori and their whānau.
Assoc Prof. Terry Fleming
Terry Fleming joined SPARX development to help put evidence-based therapies in the hands of those working closely with young people.
Awards and Recognition
World Summit Award
The World Summit Awards honour excellence in multimedia and e-Content creation. Forty winners (five in each category) are selected from 100 countries. The World Summit Awards are under the auspices of United Nations.
International Digital Award
Netexplo is a ‘global observatory on digital society’, hosted by UNESCO. The awards were presented for projects that Netexplo call “the 10 most innovative and promising digital initiatives of the year”.
Gold Winner in Website Design
Gold Winner in Websites Design for Social Change
The award showcases the work of innovative design agencies and individual designers across various industries, including those in the non-profit and social change arena.
