Create is an application designed for children ages 8-11. This app celebrates and encourages collaboration between children through an online platform which allows children to read and illustrate stories in real-time.
There are multiple functions to Create, including reading and illustrating daily short stories, the ability to search for, share, and view work, and the opportunity to draw independently.
My primary role in this project involved design development. For more information, see the app demo and full presentation below.
Concepting & User-Testing
Our research included visiting the Kent State Child Development Center, developing mind maps, creating light personas, and running user testing once the app was developed.
Design
The overall design of Create was meant to encourage play. Through the use of abstracted shapes, a minimal color palette, and a textured drawing motif, we designed a piece to spark exploration and adventure.
Structured & Unstructured Play
While conducting research, our team discovered that our target audience (ages 8-11), tends to spend their time during both structured and unstructured play. We designed the app with these types of play in mind, and asked ourselves "How can an app seem fun, and yet be educational? What does 'childish' design mean, and how can Create be mature and playful?"
By keeping this goal in mind, we sought to design a product that gave children the creative freedom, and gave them an opportunity to share their work and build communities. This would, in turn, give children a sense of empowered learning.
Early Style Tile—Too abstract?
Final Style Tile
Observation at Kent State Child Development Center
Earned second place in the 2018 Interaction Design and Children Conference.