Whacko! is a simple and easy prompt card game for children. This is in response to the growing issue of technology taking over active play. We chose to target 7 to 11 year olds, as this is the age where kids are first beginning to develop independence but are still learning and growing.
For this audience, we’ve designed the game to inspire activities away from screens that stimulate their brains and step them out of their comfort zones. This is while still being fun and not feeling like a school task. The user journey begins through schools, and ends at home.
Our influence on illustration and colour palettes is inspired by existing children’s books. Overall there
is a vibrant and naive feel and look. We’ve created a sense of movement and playfulness as we wanted kids to be immediately drawn to and inspired by them.
is a vibrant and naive feel and look. We’ve created a sense of movement and playfulness as we wanted kids to be immediately drawn to and inspired by them.
THE GAME
Our Strategy
The game itself is designed to be as inexpensive as possible to produce; it is small and portable and comes with instructions for the game written on the pack. The cards feature objects and locations that are common and accessible to most kids, encouraging anyone to play. The game pushes kids to immerse themselves in new activities that they wouldn’t have thought of. It boosts creativity and helps them grow mentally and emotionally without seeming like a chore.
How To Play
Place all your cards upside down. Pick one card form ‘How’, ‘Where’. and ‘What’’. Next you want to spin the arrow to see how much time you have to complete your challenge! Play by yourself, or grab a bunch of friends to play. You can also combine and trade cards with your friends because they will have different packs.
CARD DESIGNS
THE PACK
Kids will get their own packs of 12 cards, 4 of each group, with varying combinations.
Since each pack is randomised, they can get together and combine their cards to create more combinations. It brings a more social aspect and gets them excited about purchasing more cards to expand their collection and therefore activity ideas. The pack folds out into a template for the cards to be laid out in order, and features a spinner to determine how much time they have.
THE WEBSITE
The interactive website offers a digital version of the card game where a computer generated challenge is produced after selecting the player's location. The timer can be clicked and the time starts counting down. The aim of the digital version is to use technology to get kids off technology. Even if they get distracted or carry on with the activity after the timer ends, it means Whacko! has worked successfully. A website also means that kids who don’t own the card game can still play, plus you can buy additional packs off the website.
ADDITIONAL PAMPHLETS & POSTERS
Email: Katieathfield@gmail.com
Posters & Pamphlets
