Raveena Batham

Design Products (MA)

Zoomed-in details of "Bubbaa®'s Hope", carved and finished on Iroko wood.

“Bubbaa®’s Hope” is a floor lamp and the fourth product in the Bubbaa® series, marking the first custom design tailored for a client. The design of the lamp is inspired by the client's father's favourite flower, the marigold. It features five marigold flowers, symbolising their tight-knit family bond.

Bubbaa: Your grief companion® is a series of design- therapy tools that aid children of age 6-10 cope with the loss of a parent or a loved one. This stool, called "Bubbaa®'s Rest", facilitates role-playing activities in a play therapy setting, where children interact with Bubbaa®, using it as a medium to articulate and explore their emotions safely. This method allows children to attribute complex emotions to Bubbaa, making it easier to discuss their inner experiences without the burden of direct self-disclosure.

This version of "Bubbaa®'s Rest" features interchangeable ears and arms, crafted from various textures to stimulate curiosity and encourage tactile play. Children can customise their stool, creating their own version of Bubbaa, which helps them feel a sense of ownership and control in an otherwise overwhelming situation. This element of personalisation fosters engagement and comfort during therapy sessions. The hollow centre optimises space and provides convenient storage for the different interchangeable ears and arms when not in use. Additionally, it can also store the warm, soft fleece blanket with Bubbaa®'s illustration,, which offers children a comforting and versatile tool for play. Children can use the blanket to build forts, cocooning themselves in the safety of their grief companion.

About

As an architect and now, product designer, Raveena’s career reflects her struggle between designing for personal fulfilment and contributing to the greater good of society and later discovering that true contentment lies in finding the right balance between these seemingly conflicting aspirations.

Her work uniquely blends design therapy principles with a touch of fantasy, believing that fantasy has the potential to inspire real-world change. Intrigued by design therapy’s distinct capabilities compared to traditional art therapy, she explores how design can offer unique therapeutic benefits. Raveena is passionate about using thoughtful design to spark meaningful conversations and instigate transformative change, particularly addressing mental well-being and the profound impact of grief. She focuses on creating safe spaces through innovative products and furniture that encourage open discussion of these issues.

As she continues to navigate the intersection of design, therapy, and societal impact, Raveena is committed to pushing creative boundaries and fostering dialogue that aims to shape a better future for generations to come.

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