IDEA 350 pushed me to grow as both a designer and collaborator through the creation of SOL, a multiplayer educational video game for students in grades 2 through 5 centered on space and Mars. As the Lead Designer and an Artist, I helped develop the game’s visual identity, world, levels, and overall player experience, while also contributing to the research methodology that guided our field research and early testing. That process taught me how important it is to design with real users in mind and to use feedback intentionally. I also created our marketing and business pitch deck, which helped me think about the project beyond the game itself and consider how to communicate its value, vision, and potential. Working across design, research, and presentation made the course especially meaningful, and playtesting the game at a partnered elementary school was one of the most rewarding parts of the semester. Seeing students and teachers engage with the world we built in different ways reminded me how powerful interactive design can be in making learning feel playful, curious, and memorable. To learn more about the game, our research, and the overall process, visit the section linked below: Find More Here
