Yeebee's World
A Multimedia Language Learning Platform for Public Schools
2003-2009
Yeebee’s World was an innovative multimedia platform that made language learning fun and interactive through video games and complementary materials. Developed between 2003 and 2009 for with GV Enterprise Inc., this pioneering project became one of the first video game-based educational tools approved by the New York Board of Education for use in public schools.
Services provided
- Product Design for Web, Multimedia, and Print
- Game Production & Development (Versions 1.0 and 2.0)
- UX/UI for Educational Platforms
- Creative Direction
- Marketing & Promotional Assets
Challenge
When GV Enterprise approached me in 2003, to create an educational product that combined entertainment with effective language learning. However, the challenges were substantial:
- No existing roadmap for developing a game-based language platform that could meet educational standards.
- The need to align with New York Board of Education requirements for classroom use.
- Building a multidisciplinary team capable of designing games, developing technology, and creating educational materials that encouraged reading and vocabulary acquisition in multiple languages.
Solution
As Product Designer, I led the development strategy and design execution through my studio:
- Research & Development: Conducted in-depth research on educational gaming and language acquisition to ensure the platform aligned with curriculum objectives.
- Game Design & User Experience: Created engaging missions that integrated vocabulary learning into interactive storylines featuring Yeebee, a galaxy traveler on a mission to discover languages and cultures.
- Complementary Learning Tools: Designed activity books, memory cards, teacher guides, and print materials to extend learning beyond the screen.
- Compliance & Iterative Testing: Collaborated with educators and iterated designs through classroom testing to meet Board of Education standards.
Results
- Educational Approval: Earned official recognition from the New York City Board of Education and featured in The City Record (2009).
- Pioneering Impact: One of the first game-based platforms to integrate into U.S. public school curricula.
- Holistic Learning: Combined digital games, print materials, and classroom activities to create a fully immersive language-learning experience.
- Legacy: Operated successfully until 2015, setting a precedent for future educational technology products.
Credits
- Product Designer: Maria F. Izaguirre
- Development: Pasqual Livrieri, Herman Herrera
- Graphic Design: Miguel Monteagudo, Angelita Castañeda
- Design Assistance: Yare Acosta
- Illustrations: Alessandro Gianna
- Additional Engineering: Carlos Gómez