project goal

To educate children on environmentally conscious behavior and help them develop responsible consumer habits and environmental awareness early on. As a generation that will be inheriting an already damaged earth, it is important that they do not make the same mistakes their parents and grandparents did. In turn, their education could benefit their older family members, who might not know or understand the environmental consequences of certain actions. 

context

Environmental health is a pressing issue that affects all of humanity, present and future. However, different generations care about sustainable actions in varying amounts, with the younger ones often caring more - understandably, since they are the ones inheriting the planet. If sustainable habits are developed at an early age, it is easier to maintain them throughout the rest of their lives and educate other people. Kids might not feel like they have a lot of power to make change, but starting early and small can lead to lifelong green habits, easily incorporated into daily routine. From buying used, to toy and clothing swaps with friends, to recycling, and turning off water and lights when they’re unused, kids can take small actions to care for the environment.

process

This project began with a broad ambition: I wanted to inspire sustainable habits through design. However, without clear parameters and with the lofty goal of making something that would create realistic effects, I quickly became overwhelmed by the sheer number of directions I could take. After early exploration, market research — including studying initiatives like Games for Change, Daybreak, and Plastic Pipeline — I landed on creating fun, tactile, and educational content for kids.

I started with lo-fi sketches of all my ideas to allow them to develop with time and research. I presented my work to my classmates and instructor weekly for critique, considering and applying their insights. They always offered fresh perspectives that I didn't see myself, so I was excited to hear what they had to say. Since my project is meant to educate, it should be effective on a young adult audience as well, not just children; thus, these group critiques were essential.

Below are some images of my inspiration and sketches from the ideation phase, as well as preliminary 3D printing designs.

what i learned

• The importance of concrete goals and research at the start

• Make prototypes early and often and don't be too attached to them

• User testing is non-negotiable

• I refined technical skills in 3D printing, handcrafting, and visual storytelling

• Mentorship and structured timelines are key to overcoming project plateaus

• Games about sustainability do exist, but they sadly lack visibility