iyarn: Developing the Evidence Base: Final Project Report

Report produced by UTS researchers with contributions from iyarn CEO Lockie Cooke, and commissioned by iyarn.

Research Background

iyarn is an Australian company that has developed a digital platform for people in schools and workplaces to ‘check in’ about their wellbeing, as a tool for monitoring and managing issues such as stress, anxiety, isolation and depression. iyarn’s product is already being adopted by schools across Australia to promote and support young people’s wellbeing.

The company wanted to invest in research to ensure the tool is grounded in evidence and enhance its effectiveness for young people and schools in improving student wellbeing outcomes. iyarn partnered with the Centre for Research on Education in a Digital Society and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at UTS to successfully apply for NSW Government research funding under the COVID TechVouchers Program.

Research contribution

The project aimed to help iyarn create a model of how the check-in tool can best be implemented to achieve its intended impact. It was designed to be research led, while grounded in practice, to ensure the rigour of the work and its practical value in supporting the future design and use of iyarn and its ultimate goal of supporting young people's wellbeing.

To do this, UTS worked with Lockie Cooke and the iyarn team – together with subject expert Dr Paula Robinson from APPLI (Applied Positive Psychology Learning Institute) – to create a model and theory of change. This was used to drive literature reviews and syntheses of key evidence on topics such as efficacy of check-in apps to support wellbeing, and teacher support for wellbeing. Interviews with teachers were then conducted to triangulate this evidence, adding rich user insights on current use and future directions for the tool.

This evidence was used to assess and highlight the strength of evidence underpinning aspects of the iyarn tool and to generate new design directions and evaluation approaches, as well as creating FAQs for stakeholders about the tool.

Research significance

A research report was delivered to iyarn in July 2022 and demonstrated that, in most areas where there is research evidence, iyarn is well supported. Broadly: check-in apps can build routine and awareness around wellbeing; use of apps can support young people as part of school use; teachers - and support for them - play an important role in this use. The report also identified gaps in the research base and made recommendations around future development and possibilities for iyarn to contribute to the research evidence.

A specific 'evidence-informed check-in wheel' was also developed as part of the research, grounded in theories of wellbeing and mapped to support strategies and resources for young people.