BLU
6 weeks, 2022
System | Game | Digital - Design
Umeå Insitute of Design
An innovative, participatory project crafted to enhance online safety for teenagers.
Born from a series of insightful workshops, Blu evolves into a transmedia ecosystem encompassing three key platforms. First, a dynamic series of posters and booklets, distributed on birthdays, grow in content complexity as teenagers mature. These materials not only inform but also spark vital discussions with parents about online safety. The second component is an augmented reality game. This engaging platform provides a controlled, secure environment for teenagers to learn about interacting with strangers online. It simulates real-world scenarios, offering a hands-on experience in identifying and managing potential online risks. Lastly, Blu includes a comprehensive app that presents various online situations teenagers might encounter. This app is a treasure trove of information, offering clear explanations and suggesting proactive steps teenagers can take to stay safe online. Together, these platforms form a robust system, empowering teenagers with the knowledge and skills to navigate their digital world with confidence and security.
TEAM
Game
Teenagers encountering strangers online is pretty much inevitable, and making the right choices can get tricky. That's where this reality game comes in, letting young people practice these online interactions in a safe, fun way with friends, and yes, even parents. We've crafted scenarios from real-life stories, and players navigate these using a cool point system – gain 'popularity points' for smart moves, lose them for not-so-smart ones.
Imagine getting a message from someone new online. Is it a chance at a great relationship, or just a catfish lurking? In our game, you can test out safety strategies before facing the real deal. And here's a twist: parents get to play too. They experience the same digital dilemmas as their kids, helping them understand those baffling teenage decisions. It's all about bridging the gap and getting everyone on the same digital page.
App
Navigating the complexities of online interactions can be daunting, especially when you're not sure who to turn to. The fear of blame or being misunderstood often makes it hard for young people to ask adults for help. That's why having easy access to information is key. Whether you're a teenager or an adult, our resource allows you to quickly find out what's legal, what isn't (which can be confusing for everyone), and the steps you can take if something feels off. One of the coolest features? You can learn about the process of reporting someone. Knowing what happens if you involve the police can be really reassuring. We provide clear, transparent information that demystifies the process, easing the common fear of what might happen next. This helps everyone feel more comfortable about taking action when needed.
Box
Every year, we send out a special box to young people, tailored to their age. As they grow, their rights and responsibilities in society evolve, and this box helps them keep up. The physical nature of the box means it's more engaging – it's not just another digital notification you can dismiss. Included in each box is a booklet specifically for caregivers or the adult closest to the young person. Parents have told us how valuable a tangible booklet can be. It's a handy reference tool for busy times, much like the material from Systembolaget about discussing alcohol with kids. Parents appreciate the convenience and thoughtfulness of having something they can physically flip through, rather than just another webpage to scroll through.
Fantasy workshops
In our project, we concentrated on understanding the needs of both parents and kids during unsafe situations. To do this, we created a fictional, magical world as our setting. This enchanting backdrop, complete with potions, charms, and imaginative heroes, provided a unique way for participants to express themselves. By using reference images to build their own heroes and magical tools, they could vividly illustrate how they would navigate and resolve challenging scenarios they might face. This approach helped us delve into the deeper emotions and needs experienced by both children and parents when dealing with feelings of unsafety, all within a creatively engaging and non-threatening environment.