Review Fix chats with Shawn Sheng, Chief Product Officer, STEM Lab Games who discusses the company’s new “STEM Lab: Little Engineer†system for iPad, breaking down its creation, development and goals for the future.
About “Stem Lab: Little Engineerâ€:
STEM Lab: Little Engineer allows children to build maps and passages that help the main character, Q, fix robots. The process demonstrates oft-used programming instructions such as sequential, looping and conditional statements. The Little Engineer package includes the Explorer X system (iPad stand and front-facing camera attachment), a downloadable app and 15 child-friendly coding blocks constructed of silicone and plastic that complies with all food safety standards. The software stimulates kids’ problem-solving abilities and hones important STEM skills. The Explorer X is compatible with iPad2 and later.
Review Fix: Why was this game created?
Shawn Sheng: We value how important STEM education is to our children’s future. AR, VR and AI are shaping our day to day life. We see coding/programming as one of the most important skills for our kids to learn and we want our kids to start early. However, at the same time, we don’t want learning to be a burden for our kids. That’s why we created a game that is easy, fun and educational.
We want to use interactive games to lower the entry point for coding. Even younger kids can learn coding, problem solving and logical thinking without feeling like they’re learning. This will prepare them for future coding classes.
Review Fix: How easy is it to get into?
Sheng: We used toy blocks for Little Engineer because we want to make coding as easy as playing with building blocks. Every command is presented by a command block. By combining these blocks, kids can control the characters in the game. Using fun and beautiful 3D animation as a hook, kids will get drawn into it easily.
Review Fix: What do you think makes it special?
Sheng: First, we combine the virtual and the physical in a compelling way. In the game, kids have to use traditional toys to solve the games puzzles and scenes, linking the traditional, physical blocks to the virtual world. It brings our kids a fun and interactive experience. Meanwhile, we encourage kids to use the right posture to play while they simultaneously train their left and right brains.
Second, we added a creative mode for our kids to create their own puzzles. Kids can mix the knowledge they’ve learned from the game with their own creativity to create something no one has ever thought of before. Through the interaction with other kids, the game gets bigger and has more potential.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Sheng: Boys and girls ages 5-8 will really enjoy this game because they are curious and adventurous. They also like to explore. This game has a unique yet simple game mechanic that is in line with the development stages of kids in this age range. We actually see lots of parents enjoying this game too, because they love playing with their kids.
Review Fix: Bottom line, why should someone play it?
Sheng: Kids need this game not just to learn coding, but also to train their logic ability, creativity and problem solving skills. Kids will want to play this game for the same reason they play many games: it’s fun!
Review Fix: What’s next from the company?
Sheng: From the STEM side, we will keep exploring and making more products to cover more age groups. For example, we’re currently developing a coding robot. We are also concerned with our children’s health and fitness, so we are launching Paiband, a smart kids bracelet that promotes a healthier lifestyle for children. We are also working on a revolutionary kids AI tablet that will change the way they interact with screens. This product will also promote premium content and a safer internet environment.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Sheng: Coding is not just a skill, it’s a way to think and explore the world. We want kids to learn and understand it in their early stages so they have a solid foundation of knowledge going forward as they use these skills to help shape the world into a better place.
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