The innovative learning game Professor S. is created for educational purposes and stimulates playful learning in children aged 9-12 by joining Professor S. on an adventure through time. The interface, created in collaboration with LudInc, helps telling the game’s story with a completely intertwined design.
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The Reality
LudInc, a company that creates innovative games, turns learning into a magical experience, combining interactive stories with educational content. Through dialogue and tasks children become part of the story and acquire new skills and knowledge. After developing the LudInc mini computer we were also asked to create a specific design for their web application, which should be intertwined with the entire game’s story.
The story tells of Professor S who has built a time machine to attend all great events in history. But his machine breaks down and the professor needs help. After finding the computer they meet the professor – played by the teacher – and communicate with him, asking him what kind of help he needs. The professor then gives the children assignments.
“Some kids where able to perform tasks which they could not accomplish in last years normal curriculum”
The Approach
For this game the focus was more on User Experience than solely on creating the graphical interface. It was important to develop something accessible and usable, for both teacher and student would need to work within the same structure. We listed all possible scenarios, necessary functions and buttons, always keeping the chat function at the centre of the game and our approach.
“The Professor S interface is designed with the professional world of the teacher and the imaginary world of the student in mind.”
The final design
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- The final interface designed by Ludinc’s graphic designer with our UX designs. It’s is easy to use and engages the user directly with the story.
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- After logging in you enter the chat room where you can watch videos, chat with the professor and record audio or video yourself.
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- Teachers have access to two different areas. In the chat area it’s possible to send videos and messages to individual students, groups or the entire class.
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- In the assignment area they can find a broad range of different courses, from math to art and physics, including tasks and instructions.
The Result
So far dozens of licenses have been activated. It is a great addition to the curriculum and the usability of the interface is a stress relief for teachers. They enjoy working with the game and experience freedom within the established framework. Children are focussed on the assignments, and those who are having difficulties with traditional learning show tremendous engagement. But most of all it’s fun and exciting.
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