DistrAction - Unwind Your Mind
A wise teacher once said, “Technology is about intention, not just invention.” And while yes, we love playing with all the newest, most cutting-edge bleepety-bloops in creative tech, we really love it when the work is in service of meaningful change.
Our partners at ThinkArgus—a marketing and branding agency focused on public sector and purpose-driven organizations—came to us with a prompt from the MA DPH Bureau of Substance Addiction Services: Create a radically engaging digital tool to teach 11- to 13-year-olds mindfulness practices. We had to think hard about the “digital” part; being online no doubt adds to the stress our kids experience today, and we didn’t want to become part of the problem.
But like it or not, around 95% of US teens have access to a smartphone. So while a million risk factors for harmful behaviors are at our kids’ fingertips, we saw an opportunity to plant the opposing force—the “protective factors”—there too. To build something affirmative into young teens’ digital habits, and to sneak some beautiful art and positive reinforcement through the cracks of these dopamine factories.
We looked to research from professional experts, along with the insight of REAL experts (our fellow kids) to hone in on a series of activities that would have the most impact on young teens’ mental health (box breathing, music making, journaling). We scripted fresh versions of these exercises and corralled them into four distinct worlds, which began, organically, to take the shape of an interactive game.
Our team developed a suite of characters (Frank the Narwhal made it, Paul the Rolling Meatball did not); landed on an age-appropriate visual style, and honed in on an avatar who could take the kids inward. Our Inner Wanderer needed to exude internal peace—to demonstrate that the tools young people seek out to bolster their own well-being are already inside them. That the game is just practice, and that the habits themselves, once mastered, won’t rely on a screen after all.
From the depths of the Sea of Serenity to the quiet corners of the Zen Garden, our brave (young, digital) pioneers spent hours learning breathing exercises, writing positive affirmations, and composing simple melodies to help them find a sense of focus and calm, and to help us refine and perfect our MVP.
There’s still more to do (welcome Phase II: the statewide App version), and the learning so far has been immense. Join us as we go inward, see how our work came to life, and visit the nerd zone breakdown below, if you dare…
Wander is a space for, well… wandering. For letting go of all the "have-to’s" and "should-have's" in life—and just doing what feels right. Choose a codename, travel to different subworlds, complete activities, learn new skills, collect tips + tools, and level-up your emotional awareness as you go (in the Real World™ too!). You are in complete control: of this place, your body, your mind, your world.
Y o u r I n n e r W a n d e r e r
We all have one! It’s here to guide you through all the ups, downs, and acrosses of this place. Wherever you wander, it goes, too—and as you gain knowledge, it gains strength. The coolest part is, even when you have to stop playing, your Inner Wanderer will always be there to help you apply those new skills in any situation.
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I n t r o V i d e o
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T h e I m p a c t
We worked very closely with our partners at with - to ensure useful data collection while maintaining youth privacy throughout the pilot program. The findings were heartwarming to say the least:
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P r o c e s s B r e a k d o w n
Character Development
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Initial World Concepts
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World Map + Launch Zone
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Storyboards
In a significant stride towards supporting students with ADHD, a team of ingenious Indian teenagers has unveiled an innovative online therapeutic game. The collaborative efforts of "Bit by Bit," the driving force behind this initiative, have resulted in an online platform that equips early adolescents with valuable stress-reduction tools. Central to their project, "DistrAction," is an engaging self-guided game designed to assist youth in cultivating an internal toolbox of self-regulation, mindfulness, and coping skills.
The visionary behind the "DistrAction" project, Vinit Yadav, has not only steered his team to success but has also left an indelible mark on the landscape of mental health support. Guiding his team to victory in the esteemed MyGov Gaming Hackathon India competition, Yadav's brainchild earned them not only acclaim but also a grant of 20,000 rupees to propel their mission further. Hailing from the Yaducanshi School in Rewari, Haryana, the team's groundbreaking innovation resonates deeply in the realm of mental health.
At the heart of "DistrAction" lies a virtual universe thoughtfully tailored to captivate and motivate young individuals aged 11 to 13. The expansive canvas of "DistrAction" encompasses a series of immersive "subworlds," each offering distinct mindfulness experiences. These accessible, encouraging, and engaging activities provide an array of stress-reduction techniques tailored to address the unique challenges faced by adolescents with ADHD.
The accolades for this project extend beyond the competition triumph. The project was showcased at the prestigious CHI Play Game Awards 2019, where it stood alongside the work of IIT Bombay students. This collaborative effort reached new heights by securing a spot in the semi-final round at the CHI PLAY GAME awards in Germany. The comprehensive presentation of the game, complemented by a meticulously crafted research paper, underscored the project's exceptional merit.
Yet the journey does not halt here. Vinit Yadav and his dedicated team are now dedicated to bringing the transformative power of the "DistrAction" game to schools across Haryana. Their strategic partnership with NGO's sharing their commitment to enhancing mental health among Indian youth, holds the promise of broadening the initiative's scope. Together, they are poised to catalyze positive change in the lives of young students grappling with ADHD.
The trajectory of "Bit by Bit" and their brainchild "DistrAction" serves as a testament to the potential unlocked by youthful innovation combined with a steadfast commitment to addressing pressing challenges. This revolutionary therapeutic game emerges as a beacon of hope for young minds, ushering them on a journey towards bolstered self-regulation, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.
