Inspiring the inventors of tomorrow
Khandu / Game Design / Education
This story began with a simple yet powerful idea: to create a tool that helps children develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills through Design. As a designer and entrepreneur, I have always believed in the power of Design to shape how we understand the world. But what if we could plant that seed in young minds from an early age?
The Challenge —
From Passive Learning to Creative Thinking
In a world where creativity and problem-solving are essential skills, many children lack accessible and structured tools to develop them from an early age. Traditional education still emphasises memorisation, often neglecting methods that foster critical thinking in a fun and independent way.
Khandu was created to bridge this gap. Our goal was to design a game that not only entertained but also guided children to think like designers—to imagine, explore, and solve problems creatively and systematically, turning learning into an exciting adventure.
The Beginnings —
A Dream Born on Kickstarter
Inspired by this question, I brought Khandu to life—a game designed to challenge children to think, imagine, and build innovative solutions. The first version was a card game, carefully crafted to make learning a playful and interactive experience. Each card presented a challenge based on the design process, inviting children to solve problems in a structured and engaging way.
To validate the idea, I launched a Kickstarter campaign, trusting that others would share my vision. The response was incredible: we successfully funded the project and distributed the first kits to families and educators worldwide.
Beyond Paper —
The Evolution Towards Digital
Khandu's initial success was just the beginning. Over time, we received valuable feedback from children, parents, and teachers. While the card game was a great tool, many users expressed the need for a more interactive and immersive experience. That’s when I realised that Khandu needed to evolve.
I started rethinking the gameplay experience from scratch. How can we make children feel like they are on a journey of discovery rather than just playing a game? The answer lay in gamification and the creation of a digital platform that would guide children through their learning process.
I designed a new game logic, structuring the challenges into different difficulty levels and expanding the scope to include STEM skills alongside design thinking. At the same time, I reimagined the project’s visual identity, ensuring that every element conveyed Khandu’s essence of creativity and exploration.
Building an Interactive Learning World
To showcase this evolution, I designed a new website to explain and sell the product: khandus.com. Through this platform, parents and educators can discover how Khandu helps children develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and the confidence to tackle future challenges.
One of the most exciting milestones in this process was the creation of a gamified online platform, where children can explore additional challenges, earn badges for their achievements, and track their progress over time. This platform not only complements the card game but also introduces new interactive elements that make learning even more engaging. It offers a dynamic environment where children can unlock challenges tailored to their skill level, receive instant feedback, and participate in immersive learning experiences that strengthen their critical thinking and STEM abilities.
Designing a Visual Universe for Khandu
From the very beginning, I wanted Khandu to be more than just an educational tool—I wanted it to be a visually captivating and immersive experience for children. Every graphic element was meticulously designed to inspire creativity and curiosity.
I personally took charge of creating the game’s characters, developing their visual identity from initial sketches to their final 3D models using Cinema4D. Each character was designed to represent different archetypes of explorers, inventors, and problem-solvers, ensuring that children could relate to them and engage with the story behind each challenge.
Beyond character design, I also worked on the artwork for the cards, backgrounds, and iconography, making sure that every visual component reinforced Khandu’s narrative. The goal was to create a cohesive world where fun and learning felt like part of the same adventure.
The Craft —
The Future of Khandu
Although Khandu is still evolving, we have already achieved significant milestones:
Validated the product’s demand through a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Distributed the first kits to a community of parents and educators eager to foster creative thinking in children.
Developed an interactive platform that extends learning beyond the physical game.
Generated interest within the educational community, receiving positive feedback and exploring opportunities for collaboration with institutions.
The Impact —
Lessons Learned —
A Project That Inspires
Khandu is more than just a game. It is a reflection of my passion for design, education, and innovation. Throughout this journey, I have had the opportunity to apply my expertise in product design, branding, user research, and gamification to shape a tool that aims to inspire the next generation.
This project has taught me that the best ideas emerge when we combine creativity with the drive to make a meaningful impact. And while the journey is far from over, I am excited for what’s ahead and the opportunity to continue helping children become the designers, inventors, and thinkers of the future.