The impact of technology on children
Technology usage has become extremely prevalent amongst children. In the US, smartphones are in 98% of homes with children under 8. While many parents find benefits to technology and want to expose their children to it, there are concerns around technology’s effects on children’s cognitive development; as well as their mental and physical well-being.
With phone addiction being rampant amongst teens, providing children the correct tools to engage with technology allows them to grow up with healthier lifestyles and better relationships with their electronic devices.
Problems with current children’s electronics
Goal
The goal is to expose children to technology in a way that improves their lifestyle and encourages healthy cognitive growth.
The Users
How can we provide a healthy lifestyle to children?
Studies show physical play aids in problem solving skills, creativity, language development, and social skills.
Being active also helps children cope with stress and establishes healthy patterns they can carry onto adulthood.
Doing creative projects can be rewarding for children. It encourages artistic development, plus the fine-motor skills required for healthy growth. There are many DIY projects that keep children entertained but also aid in their cognitive development.
Solution
Creating a companion
I developed the character Eddy the Yeti to help guide the child and build a positive relationship with. Eddy does all the activities with the child to make them less lonely and help motivate them. His design is simple which allows for an easier time animating him throughout the apps.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
I focused on keeping the flow simple and easy for a child to navigate. I kept the frames very image heavy and with minimal text. I wanted to incorporate Eddy in many of the wireframes to guide and encourage the user throughout the app.
Starting + Homepage
Eddy walks through the features and action buttons of the app so the child can easily understand how to operate it. Everything is said audibly and can be replayed.
The homepage contains 5 features: play, craft, move, chat, and rewards. Clicking on Eddy directs the child to his health.
Play + Craft
The play and craft icons lead to a list of activities the child can do. Eddy walks through all of the materials needed and the steps for the activity.
While the child is doing the activity, the screen shows an animation of Eddy playing as well.
Exercise for mental and physical health
Clicking the “move” icon leads to different exercises and stretches. The movements are geared towards children and meant to be fun for them; ex: “walk around like a crab”.
While the child is doing the exercise, the screen shows Eddy doing it as well.
Chat with Eddy
Children can speak to Eddy as an emotional outlet. Eddy will ask them how they are feeling and give them healthy tools to deal with their emotions.
Ex: If the user is angry, Eddy will walk them through a breathing exercise.
Eddy’s health
Doing activities with Eddy keeps him happy and healthy. He becomes sad if an area is neglected and will notify the child.
Adding a care-taking aspect to the games incentivizes children to do the activities. It also helps them learn important social skills and how to process empathy and compassion. Caring for Eddy teaches responsibility and allows them to grow up into caring people.
Rewards
Eddy rewards the child with badges for completing tasks. This further incentivizes the user to do the activities.
There are always new goals to accomplish which keeps the app exciting for children.
Creating the physical companion
Having a physical toy for children creates a more immersive and tactile experience for the child. When the screen is idle, the app shows his face as if it’s the stuffed animal’s face.
There is a protected compartment to hold a phone or tablet where Eddy’s face is. He comes in different sizes based on the device. There is velcro on his paws so Eddy can be wrapped around the child’s neck or shoulder.
Children can easily take him anywhere on adventures and will feel like they have a companion playing with them.
