iPhone App Development - Me and the Giants case study

A new range of low-cost, high quality educational mobile games for young children has been launched under plans by a Glasgow-based company and the University of Glasgow to address the development needs of infants.

Me and the Giants and the University of Glasgow have teamed up to develop the range of games, designed for children between birth and 24 months, which will supplement specific stages in sensory development and accommodate the differences in the way infants see the world, compared with their adult counterparts

The 5 ‘Baby Look’ games for the iPhone encourage the recognition of shape, colour and contrast; tracking and motor skills; and distinguishing between moods and emotions.

The company has been working closing with Psychology to ensure that the games will stimulate and educate children as well as entertain. The games have also been designed to allow parent and baby to play together. Me and the Giants now plan to build on this relationship with the University by working with Education.

The Baby Look apps, Tickle, Shapes, Faces, Peekaboo and Patterns were released in the Apple Store in January.

Dr Rob Jenkins, from Psychology, was closely involved in tailoring the apps to babies’ needs and abilities. The collaboration was supported by the University’s Innovation Network programme, which aims to build links between the educational institution and small and medium sized businesses in Scotland. The company was funded by a £5000 First Step Award, which enabled Dr Jenkins to work on the project.

Will Adams, animator with Me and the Giants, wanted to work with the University to ensure the apps are not just a way to amuse a baby, but also an educational tool. “We are interested in stealth education – games that are entertaining first and foremost, but that educate and inform as a by-product. By working closing with Dr Jenkins, we have ensured the games stimulate and educate young children,” he says.

Dr Rob Jenkins commented, “I was delighted to work with Me and the Giants on this collaborative project. We wanted to ensure the technology encouraged face-to-face interaction between the carer and infant and that the games are an educational tool as well as being entertaining”.

Dr Fraser Rowan, Business Development Manager of the Innovation Network, added, “In these difficult economic times it is particularly hard for smaller companies to fund research and development. Our First Step Awards give companies the opportunity to start building a partnership with us which I believe could really help to assist their long-term sustainability.

“We are delighted to have helped Me and the Giants to find solutions to help them develop the games which have now been launched to market.”