Designed systems, empowered futures. 

I design creative learning environments that are responsive to the needs of kids growing up in a digital, information-rich,
connected era prizing creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness.       

Good Play

Tackling the growing problem of toxicity online, Good Play implicates us all in developing a response: designers, technologists, parents, and educators. How do we develop kid-friendly online communities that cultivate empathetic, compassionate, and civically engaged kids? Drawing from best practices in conflict resolution, nonviolence, and prevention science Good Play develops techno-social design solutions to issues like inter-player conflict online. Domains such as multiplayer gaming, esports, and virtual worlds provide rich contexts in which to explore ways of enabling pro-social behavior. 

Game-like Learning 

Connecting the core principles of game design, play, and learning I am working on the development of game-like learning environments that are equitable, sustainable, and kid-centered. Projects include the design of an online learning platform fueled by youth Minecraft experts, assisting in envisioning the future of design-led journalism, and the development of scalable design frameworks for 21st century school design.

Kid-Powered Communities

Connection with a mentor who shares an interest can be transformative: research points to academic, emotional and social benefits, making kids more resilient and better able to navigate college, career, and life. As online platforms continue to proliferate it is critical that peer-based mentorship is seen as a key design feature to be integrated, valued, and supported. Kid-powered Communities aims to create innovative and sustainable systems for interest-driven peer mentorship online.