Discover Patchy, an interactive game that connects children and grandparents through playful learning. By assembling sequences representing complex systems, users engage with technology together, fostering intergenerational bonds and understanding.
Abstract
Patchy is an interactive game designed to connect children and their grandparents, facilitating an understanding of complex systems in an engaging and playful manner. The project addresses the need for intergenerational bonding, especially when family members reside in different countries, by offering a shared learning experience that leverages technology and play.
Pathcy interacting with the user by giving a visual feedback through lights - Image courtesy of Piyush Churad, Stefano Magri, Sara Normanni and Matteo Subet under CC BY SA 4.0
Concept
Patchy consists of two boards that connect users through a wireless voice assistant, guiding them throughout the activity. The objective is to collaboratively assemble sequences on the board that represent complex systems, such as sending and receiving a message. This is achieved using blocks that symbolize individual steps of these processes. The voice assistant provides explanations and feedback, ensuring users comprehend each step. Additionally, a visible LED ring offers real-time visual feedback, lighting up green for correct placements and red for incorrect ones. Upon successfully completing an activity, users receive rewards, such as the ability to send an actual message to the other participant.
Pathcy devices communicating each other - Image courtesy of Piyush Churad, Stefano Magri, Sara Normanni and Matteo Subet under CC BY SA 4.0
Process Development
Over a two-week university project in March 2022, the development team—comprising Piyush Churad, Stefano Magri, Sara Normanni, and me. As the Developer and Product Designer, I was responsible for developing the source code using an Arduino Mega 2560 and designing the product. The project emphasizes a guided user experience through the voice assistant, employing simple language to cater to both children and adults. The activity cycles are designed to be repetitive, reinforcing understanding of technological concepts and facilitating ease of learning and repetition. Future developments could include enhancing the voice assistant’s recognition capabilities and expanding the range of activity kits and associated rewards.
Zoom on a Patchy device - Image courtesy of Piyush Churad, Stefano Magri, Sara Normanni and Matteo Subet under CC BY SA 4.0
Note
The project was developed during the Multimodal User Experience Design in Products course of the Master of Arts in Interaction Design at SUPSI together with my collegues Piyush Churad, Stefano Magri and Sara Normanni.
How to cite this page:
Subet, Matteo (2022). Patchy. Retrieved on 18 December 2025 from zumat.ch/projects/patchy.html