Ran Guo

Buddy's Adventure Island

A motion-based game that helps children with DCD build motor and social skills through real-world movements.

Role
Individual project
Dates
Apr–Aug 2024
Island scene with the characters of Buddy's Adventure Island

01

Problem and insight

DCD (dyspraxia) affects physical coordination, so children struggle with everyday movements expected for their age.

Signs and symptoms of DCD by age: 3 to 5, and 6 and older
Comparison of three existing interventions for DCD
Compared three interventions; the task-oriented approach is most effective.

Insight

Fun physical activities can be both enjoyable and effective in building motor skills.

Repeating specific motor actions helps children develop motor memory.

Design goal

Help children with DCD improve cognitive, motor and social skills through an engaging, interactive game.

Based on secondary research: published studies and interviews. [SOURCE NEEDED]

02

The game

Game scene map of the island
Five scenes: the player's island, forest, grassland, mountain and ocean.
Character cards: Buddy, squirrel, bear, rabbit and dolphin
Buddy guides the player; each animal friend needs help with a task.
  1. Game screen: the Magic Map for choosing a level

    01

    Pick a level.

    Open the Magic Map and choose where to go.

  2. Game screen: an animal friend explains their problem

    02

    Meet a friend.

    An animal explains the problem they need help with.

  3. Game screen: Buddy demonstrates how to use the tool

    03

    Learn the move.

    Buddy shows how to use the tool that matches the prop.

  4. Game screen: repeating the movement with the cardboard prop

    04

    Do it for real.

    Repeat the movement with the cardboard prop to finish.

  5. Game screen: earning Moving Funds and inviting animals to the island

    05

    Earn and build.

    Earn Moving Funds and invite animals to your island.

Game screens are designed mockups.

The game being played with a cardboard prop

03

Props and sensor necklace

The six cardboard game props in a row
Axe, scissors, shovel, net, rake and paddle, one for each task.
Spreads from the physical prop book
Handcrafting process for the axe prop in 8 steps

Kids build each prop from cardboard using step-by-step templates.

Labeled diagram of the detachable sensor necklace
Accelerometer, pressure sensor, speaker and magnets in one wearable piece.
Arduino testing of the motion and pressure sensors
Tested motion and pressure sensing with Arduino (GY521, FSR402).

Credits

3D characters modeled by me in Blender. Island environment: [PLACEHOLDER: source].