Quest of the English Club: A Hybrid Learning Experience
Experiential Branding | Hybrid Learning Design | Motion Design | UX Design | Curriculum Design
Goals & Objectives
The primary goal was to create an engaging, hybrid learning experience that would transform language education from an abstract concept into an immersive adventure. The core objectives included:
- Digital engagement through narrative videos and interactive character dialogues
- In-person activities including physical puzzles, collaborative challenges, and collectible seals for progression
- Problem-solving opportunities that required English language application in meaningful contexts
Project Overview
To foster deeper engagement in English learning, I designed a comprehensive hybrid experience for Junior High School students that balanced digital storytelling with hands-on activities. The project transported students to Esperia, a magical world where English proficiency powered abilities and unlocked progression.
Students participated in an evolving narrative through custom videos and interactive challenges, while physical elements like house competitions, card battles, and achievement seals created tangible motivation for language practice both in and beyond the classroom.
The Problem
Traditional language learning approaches often struggle to maintain student interest and participation for several key reasons:
- Students view English as an abstract academic subject rather than a practical communication tool
- Traditional methods rarely connect language learning to students' interests or provide genuine motivation
- Limited opportunities exist for meaningful language application in relevant contexts
- Few systems effectively blend digital engagement with physical activities and rewards
Design Process
I followed a user-centered approach to create this immersive educational experience:
Research & Discovery
Analyzed student engagement patterns and interests through surveys and observation. Studied successful hybrid learning frameworks combining digital and physical elements.
Experience Architecture
Developed a comprehensive experience map connecting digital storytelling with physical activities. Created a progression system with achievement "seals" that students could collect.
Identity & Asset Creation
Designed a unified visual language including logo, typography, character designs, and environmental assets. Created physical materials including cards, seals, and worksheets
Implementation & Iteration
Brought the experience to life by animating character videos, building custom worksheets, and designing physical materials like seals and scoreboards. I used OBS Studio to seamlessly present videos, story updates, and live point tracking in the classroom. Collaborated with teachers to co-facilitate sessions, adjusting pacing and content based on real-time student reactions and feedback.
The Approach
I implemented a cohesive system that blended digital and physical elements to create an immersive learning environment:
Experiential Branding
Created Starlight Union Academy with cohesive visual identity, establishing a consistent world that students could connect with across both digital and physical touchpoints.
Interactive Learning
Developed an 18-session structure where language challenges were embedded in meaningful contexts. Digital storytelling set up problems that required real-world English application to solve.
Progression System
Implemented collectible achievement "seals" that students earned through completing challenges. This tangible reward system created visible markers of progress and motivated continued participation.
Collaborative Competition
Created a house system with real-time leaderboard that fostered both team collaboration and friendly competition, giving students social motivation for language practice.
Multimodal Engagement
Balanced digital elements (videos, interactive dialogue) with physical activities (card battles, puzzles, worksheets) to create a comprehensive learning ecosystem.
Extended Learning
Integrated Microsoft Teams to extend engagement beyond classroom hours, allowing students to earn additional points through optional English practice activities.
Tools & Technologies
I leveraged various tools to bring this hybrid experience to life:
Content Creation
Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, InDesign, Premiere, Audition)
Digital Experience
Unreal Engine 5, RPG Maker MZ, OBS Studio, VoiceMod
Interactive Systems
Google Suite (Sheets, Docs), Microsoft Teams
Physical Materials
Digital printing, Seal stamps, Card designs
Role & Team
This project required a balance of design expertise and educational understanding:
My Role: Lead Designer & Educator
Designed the comprehensive learning experience including branding, curriculum structure, physical materials, and digital content. Developed the narrative architecture, created motion graphics, and facilitated implementation.
Team
Worked with Mack Kellas, Kim Tran, Chihiro Takeda, Shaune Rodney, Maya Bewsher, and Tahmid Rahman on curriculum integration and classroom facilitation to ensure the experience supported educational objectives while maintaining engagement.
Outcomes & Impact
Project Gallery
A selection of key assets and deliverables from the project:
Chapter Example
Gamified English RPG Example
Reflections & Learnings
This project provided valuable insights into educational design:
This project demonstrated how thoughtfully designed hybrid experiences can transform educational engagement by connecting abstract learning to meaningful contexts.
By integrating digital storytelling with physical interactions and rewards, I successfully created a learning ecosystem that addressed multiple engagement styles and motivations. The positive impact on student participation affirmed the effectiveness of designing for intrinsic motivation rather than relying solely on traditional educational approaches.
Key Takeaways
- Hybrid experiences that bridge digital and physical worlds create more comprehensive engagement
- Tangible progression systems (like collectible seals) provide powerful motivation
- Narrative frameworks give context and purpose to otherwise abstract learning
- Balancing collaboration with competition creates sustainable social motivation
- Extended engagement beyond classroom hours significantly increases practice opportunities