Tech Safe Kids with Maro Design Ltd.

The challenge our team aims to address is the growing concern of digital safety and responsible technology use among children aged 10–14. With the pervasive influence of smartphones and online platforms, this demographic faces increasing risks, including cyberbullying, online scams, and excessive screen time. Parents and educators struggle to equip children with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely, and existing resources often lack engagement and fail to capture the interest of this age group, leading to diminished motivation, superficial participation, and limited knowledge retention.

Our team will tackle this challenge by developing a lightweight, web-based game, "Operation Digital Defender." The game merges education with entertainment, teaching essential cyber defense concepts through engaging gameplay. Players assume the role of a secret agent battling a network of hackers, each embodying specific online threats. Through mission-based gameplay, mini-games, and a robust reward system, children will learn critical skills such as identifying phishing attempts, managing app permissions, and fostering emotional resilience against cyberbullying.

To achieve this, we will employ a hybrid art style combining pixel art for the game and cards with vibrant cartoon visuals for the website, ensuring a cohesive yet captivating user experience. Our team will leverage iterative prototyping, user testing, and collaboration with the client to refine gameplay mechanics, art direction, and educational content.

The anticipated outcome is a high-fidelity prototype of the game’s first level, showcasing the core mechanics, art style, and educational impact. This prototype will serve as a compelling proof of concept, laying the groundwork for future development and integration into school curriculums.