illume
STEM game app for girls
Girls generally lose interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects starting at an early age. illume is a STEM-inspired game for girls ages 8-11 designed to encourage them in learning STEM subjects and have fun while doing so. illume is an educational app that is collaborative, full of new experiences, and a place for girls to play and be entertained. illume is a game where learning is done through discovery, where collaboration is a key goal, and where girls can work together and help one another.
GAME CONCEPT
My team members and I knew early on that we wanted to create a compelling game concept that focused on the user’s natural tendencies like nurturing, collaboration and strong decision making. The premise of our game is simple, earn points to move into new levels and lands. Our STEM app is unique in that it’s a double reward system where both the player and the characters she interacts with are rewarded for the player’s correct answers in gameplay. Our research showed that girls in this age range have a strong inclination towards nurturing and building, so our game concept is based around helping characters by answering STEM-themed questions. Each land the played travels through has a different illustrated landscape and corresponding characters. Players can unite together through chat, bartering and inviting one another to work together in gameplay.
Video of illume as a clickable prototype that I created in InVision:
RESEARCH & DISCOVERY
To understand the young girls of today and their disengagement in STEM, my team members and I began with extensive research.
RESEARCH CONTINUED
We created a two part online survey: one surveying parents and another just for girls so we could understand what kind of game would be engaging for them. The results were exciting and inspiring!
USER TESTING
Along with user research done through multiple surveys we also user tested in person with three girls in our target audience age range. Their valuable feedback helped to make the illume game what it became. A fun game built upon exploration, nurturing and learning.
WHITEBOARDING & PROTOTYPING
Beginning our game testing with multiple rounds of whiteboard sessions our team was able to create an enjoyable learning experience that is engaging and educational. We created many design iterations based on feedback from parents and their girls. Created to uplift the bright women of the future illume is all about illuminating your mind.
CUSTOMER JOURNEY
I created a customer journey map which followed both a young girl (Lucy) and her mother (Jenna) and their frustrations and emotions on Lucy’s personal experience with STEM subjects in school.
LOOK & FEEL
The illume brand was specifically designed for young girls between the ages of 8 and 11. These are girls that are just coming into their own in terms of friendships, education and style. We created a brand that was otherworldly and adventurous to match the spirit of STEM subjects. The app revolves around exploring different lands, interacting with animals and friends, and nurturing the world around you. The visual style developed for illume is almost that of a fairy tale. It’s a possibility and a glimpse of what the future can hold if you dream big.
TEASER VIDEO
Along with all the pieces we created to extend the illume game Erika built this beautiful teaser video:
illume was a sprint project I created with Erika Nicks and Suzie Jaberg. We researched, concepted and completely created every aspect of this game in just 3 weeks including branding, task flows, wireframing, user testing, visual design, user experience and video.