A reward system for a kids game
Context
Kidiyo is an app that provides a safe and interactive digital environment for children aged 2 to 6 to play, learn, and explore on mobile devices. Within Kidiyo, kids can play games, watch animations, and interact with different types of content. A key feature is the reward system, where users collect coins of varying values. Kidiyo approached us with the question of whether and how a reward system could increase independent playtime and engagement, making it easier for children to play without constant parental supervision. This was because the reward system wasn't understood by the kids playing the games within the Kidiyo environment.
Research & Insights
Our starting point was the question: “Does Kidiyo need a reward system?” Through our research into motivational design for young children, we found that primary motivations such as competition, collecting, appreciation, and autonomy play a crucial role in keeping children engaged and motivated to play longer.
Using a gamification principle framework, we compared the existing coin-based reward system with our proposed buddy-system to assess their effectiveness in terms of gamification and intrinsic motivation. The buddy-system scored significantly higher on engagement, affinity, and personal connection. We also discovered that short-term rewards (like animations or immediate feedback) are most effective for the youngest children (ages 0–3), while older kids (ages 4–6) benefit more from long-term challenges and achievements.
Our analysis also showed that the existing coin system was too abstract, lacked interaction, and held little personal meaning for children. Kids want to see their actions directly impact their environment and love sharing their creations with others.
Used methods
Design Solution
Our answer was the Buddy Reward System, designed to cater to both short- and long-term motivation for different age groups. Within the video below, you can see how the adapted user flow works when implmented in the Kidiyo environment.
- Collecting Buddies: Instead of only collecting coins, children can now unlock and collect buddies—cute animals or fantasy figures—by playing games. These buddies are stored in an interactive pond, giving children a tangible sense of progress and achievement.
- Visual Progression & Growth: Buddies move, make sounds, and grow alongside the child, fostering a bond and making progress visible and rewarding.
- Short- and Long-term Rewards: Children receive instant positive feedback and animations as they play (short-term), while collecting and growing their buddies offers a long-term goal.
- Storytelling & Replayability: By integrating elements from the “hero’s journey” and awarding cutscenes when milestones are achieved, we created a logical replay cycle that encourages children to keep playing—without making it addictive or obligatory.
- A Constant Companion: A digital companion guides and encourages children throughout the app, so they never feel alone and need less help from adults.
Deliverables
Reflection
This project clearly demonstrated the importance of grounding design decisions in psychological insights and gamification theory. By carefully considering the cognitive development of different age groups, we created a reward system that taps into the natural motivations of young children.
The buddy-system increases engagement and enjoyment without creating dependency or pressure to return—children are free to choose when and how they play. Allowing kids to save and share their creations also promotes pride and self-confidence.
This process taught me how powerful a well-designed reward system can be for young users when implemented thoughtfully and responsibly. The collaboration between design, communication, and development resulted in a solution that truly enriches the Kidiyo play experience.