NOVA was purposely created to make her design different from other VOCALOIDs. She was asked also to make MAIKA look a little happier, so her face was adjusted slightly. Noriko tested various color combinations with Voctro choosing the final color scheme. The last one was to avoid comparisons with previous VOCALOIDs like IA or Megurine Luka, as originally, the hair was a gradient of peach to light pink. The lineart was completed first Voctro Labs requested Noriko to adjust the hair color scheme. Due to the number of female VOCALOIDs out, it was felt that if the hair was not something bold, MAIKA would not stand out. The hairstyle was a main focus in the design. However, it was accepted that MEIKO's design was a little plain, and so Noriko Hayashi went for a design that was more like Lady Gaga. It was reported via a YouTube video that MAIKA's design was made to look mature like MEIKO's.
Later, on December 22, the site stated that the winning name was 'NOVA'. The little droid that accompanies her acts as a pet, microphone and speaker on October 16, MAIKA's Facebook page started a poll asking fans to give a name to the floating droid. She has a play/pause tattoo (▶❚❚) located on her left cheek. According to Noriko Hayashi, MAIKA was based on the 'Pop Diva' appearance requested by Voctro Labs.
