PROJECT CONTEXT
Isola Ecologica is an educational board game designed for children aged 3 to 6, developed to foster early awareness of sustainability and waste separation. The project responds to the urgent need for environmental education by targeting the formative years of childhood, an age when play is the primary tool for learning. The game was designed to be compact, portable, and technologically interactive, combining analog and digital elements through Arduino programming and RFID components.
PROJECT CONTEXT
Isola Ecologica is an educational board game designed for children aged 3 to 6, developed to foster early awareness of sustainability and waste separation. The project responds to the urgent need for environmental education by targeting the formative years of childhood, an age when play is the primary tool for learning. The game was designed to be compact, portable, and technologically interactive, combining analog and digital elements through Arduino programming and RFID components.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
The core idea driving the project is to create a playful experience that subtly instills responsible behavior. By simulating a real ecological island, the game encourages children to classify different types of waste correctly while engaging with tactile components, lights, and mechanical movements. The interaction was designed to be intuitive and rewarding, guiding the player through trial and error without creating frustration. The objective is not just educational but also experiential, helping the child associate positive emotions with correct environmental actions.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
The core idea driving the project is to create a playful experience that subtly instills responsible behavior. By simulating a real ecological island, the game encourages children to classify different types of waste correctly while engaging with tactile components, lights, and mechanical movements. The interaction was designed to be intuitive and rewarding, guiding the player through trial and error without creating frustration. The objective is not just educational but also experiential, helping the child associate positive emotions with correct environmental actions.
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT
The design process involved extensive prototyping and experimentation with materials and mechanics. The central structure of the game was CNC-milled from laminated wood, while the interactive parts, such as the dice, game tokens with embedded RFID tags, and waste bins were produced using 3D printing and laser cutting. The internal circuit system was entirely programmed and assembled by the team, integrating servomotors, sensors, and feedback LEDs to create a multi-sensory experience. Each component was designed to be easily replicable and durable, ensuring usability in educational settings like schools.
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT
The design process involved extensive prototyping and experimentation with materials and mechanics. The central structure of the game was CNC-milled from laminated wood, while the interactive parts, such as the dice, game tokens with embedded RFID tags, and waste bins were produced using 3D printing and laser cutting. The internal circuit system was entirely programmed and assembled by the team, integrating servomotors, sensors, and feedback LEDs to create a multi-sensory experience. Each component was designed to be easily replicable and durable, ensuring usability in educational settings like schools.
RECOGNITION AND IMPACT
Isola Ecologica was selected for exhibition at Maker Faire Rome 2023, one of Europe’s leading events for innovation, creativity, and education. Presented to an international audience, the game received enthusiastic feedback from educators, children, and parents alike. The event validated the game’s potential as a tool for environmental education and highlighted its ability to translate complex topics into simple, engaging experiences for young users. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can empower children to become more conscious and active citizens of the future.
RECOGNITION AND IMPACT
Isola Ecologica was selected for exhibition at Maker Faire Rome 2023, one of Europe’s leading events for innovation, creativity, and education. Presented to an international audience, the game received enthusiastic feedback from educators, children, and parents alike. The event validated the game’s potential as a tool for environmental education and highlighted its ability to translate complex topics into simple, engaging experiences for young users. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can empower children to become more conscious and active citizens of the future.