An education platform where learning feels like progress, not software. Game-inspired UX that keeps students engaged and at the top of their game.
Make it feel like a game
NexEd set out to prove that education for young students could be just as engaging as their favorite games. We took cues from retro games like Mario, Minecraft, and Battlestar to create a design language full of playful cues, bold colors, and gamified progress, all wrapped in a clean interface that keeps the focus where it matters. We wanted to make progression feel tangible. The solution was a game-inspired map where every module is a destination, every path a step forward. Clear goals, visual rewards, and small moments of discovery keep students motivated to see what's next.
Adding fun, without losing focus
NexEd already had gamification built into their educational system, we needed to elevate it to the next level. We struck a balance between playful visuals and functional layouts. Pixel icons, gem counters, and streak trackers add personality, while clean typography and structured layouts keep the content easy to follow. The result? Students stay engaged without getting lost.
Scalable and accessible
If you ask students one feature they want: it's dark mode! And we wanted it too. Setting up a deeply integrated token structure in the design system allowed for two immersive modes, easily implemented. All while maintaining WCAG 3.1 AA color contrast (required for the European Accessibility Act).
CREDITS
Client
NexEd
Design
Tom Spel (now at Hyra)
Creative consultant
Max Pinas (now at Hyra)
Implementation
NexEd
