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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

A Big Ocean with Narrow Currents

Kids have access to infinite content, yet their worlds are getting smaller.

Spending hours unsupervised in vast online ecosystems, teens can average over 7 hours of screen time daily, and even 5-8 year olds are online for over 3.5 hours a day.

Though filtered platforms like Youtube Kids offer a wealth of enriching media, competing priorities often result in failure to deliver. Instead, young users are frequently subjected to "filter bubbles". These algorithmic loops lead children down narrow, repetitive, or even harmful content streams.

As these online environments increasingly encourage addictive consumption behaviors, we see a self-reinforcing threat to child development: unprecedented access to content without the skills required to engage with it meaningfully:

Childhood exposure to diverse ideas is limited by
58%
as natural curiosity narrows to increasingly homogeneous content paths
External filters inevitably miss approximately
27%
of concerning material as children become dependent on safety that takes shape as mere restriction
Inability to question credibility, purpose, or perspective impacts
76%
of children as critical thinking remains unprompted, leaving children consume content passively
(YouGov)
OPPORTUNITY SPACE

Guided Autonomy to Broaden Horizons

Analysis of children/parent/guardian behavior reveals...
Parents desire higher quality, educational screen time but lack intuitive tools beyond time limits.
Current safety mechanisms (filters) are often perceived as ineffective, failing to teach self-evaluation.
Appropriate guidance (transferring evaluative responsibility) builds stronger digital literacy than unrestricted access or heavy filtering alone.

In response, I began to frame these platforms not just as content providers, but partners in developing mindful, competent digital citizens.

I soon envisioned a different, more empowering kind of “filter”—one that understands, empowers and expands, equipping children to navigate digital media with confidence and purpose.

SOLUTION ECOSYSTEM [1/4]

CHOBO: Your Child's First Mate

An Ever-Reliable Companion

CHOBO the Octopus employs AI and active analysis to observe content patterns, emotional engagement cues (like pauses or replays), and response interactions to evolve his prompts and suggestions over time.

His name, a nod to 'chobot' (Czech for octopus), hints at his clever and adaptable nature, inspired by the remarkable intelligence and curiosity of his real-world counterparts.

Throughout their exploration of digital oceans, CHOBO validates interests, offers timely tips, and asks thoughtful questions, illuminating new possibilities and celebrating every step of the way.

SOLUTION ECOSYSTEM [2/4]

Curiosity Compass

“Where Will Your Curiosity Lead?”

When your child shows interest in a topic, the Curiosity Compass presents exciting new pathways to discovery. Instead of just more of the same, CHOBO offers choices to go deeper, explore a related topic, or even try a hands-on activity.

View the Figma prototype
View the Figma prototype
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SOLUTION ECOSYSTEM [3/4]

Exploration Scenes

“Let's Wonder Together!"

CHOBO encourages imagination and active thinking with contextually-themed, felt-look scenes that swim into view. Within these environments, CHOBO poses open-ended discussion prompts that facilitate metacognition and critical thinking.

View the Figma prototype
View the Figma prototype
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SOLUTION ECOSYSTEM [4/4]

Explorer's Map

“Your World of Discoveries!"

In this fun, visual dashboard, your child tracks their discoveries, sees how their passions connect like constellations, and collects badges like "Perspective Pilot" to motivate growing expertise.

A parallel parent/guardian view provides a unique view into their child's imagination. Insights to their learning journey encourages celebration and inspiries meaningful ways to support their interests in the real world.

View the Figma prototype
View the Figma prototype
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DESIGN STRATEGY
CHOBO's Design Difference: Active & Alive
CHOBO doesn’t limit the ocean—he helps kids explore it with confidence and wonder. 
My independent study, a deep synthesis of the learning sciences, child development theories, and digital product innovation, crystallized my design objective: to shift passive consumption into active developmental environments.

The resulting ecosystem principles reflect how kids learn best, making CHOBO feel like a natural part of the fun:
🌟
Engaging & Motivating
Fosters intrinsic motivation by tapping into a child's natural drive to learn.

Offers dialogue, choices and modules that celebrate curiosity (informed by Self-Determination Theory) to make learning feel self-directed and joyful.
🧭
Guided Autonomy
Provides a safe space to explore freely while offering gentle guidance to build strong judgment and digital citizenship skills.

Meets children where they are by leveraging existing behaviors rather than forcing them into a separate educational tool.
🤝
Just-Right Support
Offers help when needed and ensure challenges are exciting, not frustrating.

Leverages the Zone of Proximal Development to provide progressive, tiered and scaffolded support that evolves with learners.
🎨
Accessible for All
Welcomes all learners, by adhering to Universal Design for Learning standards.

Delivers clear visuals, multiple ways to interact, and a focus on core cognitive capabilities (evaluation, metacognition, and discernment), developing transferable skills for everyone.
IMPACT

Results & Validation

Early concept testing with parents and educators revealed strong enthusiasm for CHOBO’s balanced approach to digital literacy.

[____________]

While a full rollout remains hypothetical, early-stage prototyping and feedback suggest that CHOBO could become a powerful educational differentiator, not only increasing platform value but inspiring a generation of:

🌟 Lifelong Learners
Passionate about discovering how and why things work and empowered to pursue their innate curiosities
🧭 Confident Navigators
Responsible digital citizens that are better at recognizing and avoiding online risk through experience
💡 Thoughtful Thinkers
Discerning critical thinkers with strong media literacy and critical thinking skills developed through exploration
🌟 Lifelong Learners
Passionate about discovering how and why things work and empowered to pursue their innate curiosities
🧭 Confident Navigators
Responsible digital citizens that are better at recognizing and avoiding online risk through experience
💡 Thoughtful Thinkers
Discerning critical thinkers with strong media literacy and critical thinking skills developed through exploration
🌟 Lifelong Learners
Passionate about discovering how and why things work and empowered to pursue their innate curiosities
🧭 Confident Navigators
Responsible digital citizens that are better at recognizing and avoiding online risk through experience
💡 Thoughtful Thinkers
Discerning critical thinkers with strong media literacy and critical thinking skills developed through exploration
FORWARD-THINKING
The Next Wave for CHOBO
Current CHOBO work acts as a foundation for an MVP, but my vision and aspirations extend far beyond! The "Digital Ocean" is vast, and CHOBO has high hopes.

Future explorations aspire to solidify CHOBO as a trusted companion across various educational and entertainment environments, continuously and comprehensively supporting child development:
CHOBO Connect
CLASSROOM, FAMILY & LOCAL PARTNER INTEGRATIOBN
CHOBO's content and learning principles could directly link digital interests to schools, local classes, clubs, activities, or other offline opportunities for connection.

Educator support could include teacher resources, curriculum-aligned lesson plans, interactive whiteboard activities, and fun classroom challenges guided by CHOBO.
CHOBO Live
Offline Activities & Workshops
Bring CHOBO into the real world through fun IRL events, making learning a tangible, communal experience.

Picture planetarium shows hosted by CHOBO, hands-on science fairs, creative art workshops, and even live performances or character meet-and-greets.
CHOBO & Friends
Interactive Children's STORIES
Imagine a series of interactive children's books where CHOBO and new character friends explore diverse educational themes, bringing digital literacy and curiosity to life on the page and screen.
CHOBO Merchandise &
New Digital Channels
FURTHER EXPANSION
Beyond video platforms, CHOBO could guide explorations in other children's apps, interactive games, environments, or even augmented reality experiences, always with the core mission of fostering safe, critical, and joyful learning.
DESIGNER'
Charting CHOBO's Course
Crafting CHOBO was a deeply fascinating and rewarding journey.
Its breadth and depth, from diving deep into heuristic learning to exploring textured art direction, crystallized several invaluable learnings:
🪄
The Art of Natural Integration
Iterating on CHOBO’s dialogue, prompts and "Exploration Scenes" to create those "aha!" moments of understanding for a child was a core focus. 
💪
The Power of Guided Autonomy
My conviction grew that true digital literacy isn't about more restriction, but greater agency within supportive frameworks—making learning feel like a hero's journey, rather than a lesson
🥳
The Joy of Youth-Centered Design
My passion for youth-centered design was reaffirmed through the challenge of weaving essential skills into curiosity-driven exploration and success by way of endearing characterization
ART DIRECTIOn;
COPYWRITING;
CREATIVE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT;
EXPERIENCE DESIGN;
RESEARCH & STRATEGY:
Yanna Nguyen
APPENDIX
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Bibliography
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READY TO ADVENTURE?
Let's explore how CHOBO could transform digital experiences for millions of young learners.
Reach out