Axial

(The Progression of Creative Education)

From building blocks to Legos, tools for creative play are constantly evolving with technology. With so much of our lives and innovations happening digitally today, it may be time for a new form of creative education to take place.

(Mapping the User Journey)

As the youngest demographic with the level of spacial awareness needed for learning 3D modeling, children of ages 8-10 years old were established as Axial’s primary user base. Personas for both the parent and child were considered when mapping the user journey in order to draw the necessary insights for the purchasers and the players.

(Shooting for the Starts)

As a brand, Axial is the starry-eyed child in all of us. With the game set in futuristic outer space, the logo is constructed out of orbital shapes that float in zero gravity to form a variable logotype.

While the color story features galactic gradients, it is warmed up and given a storybook-like touch with a speckled texture. For typography, Neue Machina is used as the primary typeface for its futuristic yet whimsical characteristics. 

(Story as the Launching Point)

At the core of Axial’s brand is its lore. Based on the classic tale of heroism and family conflict, Axial not only teaches kids about 3D modeling but also the spirit of sustainability and altruism that is essential to the Maker Movement.

(Meet the Crew)

Axial draws its audience through its colorful cast of characters. To warm children up to the idea of 3D technology which can seem cold and intimidating, each character is modeled after existing 3D printers and given its unique personalities. 

(Welcome to Axial)

Axial is the very ship players will be boarding to begin their journey as a Maker Cadet. The architecture features three buildings intersecting in the X, Y & Z axes with each end holding a room that players can explore. 

(Planning out the Menu)

After logging in and customizing their avatars, players will experience the main menu of Axial as the map of the ship. Each room represents a submenu where players can engage with different features, stories and characters.  

(The Communicator)

When a player enters Axial, they will notice a familiar app-like notification on the bottom left corner. This is the Communicator which can be used to receive messages & quests, keep track of missions, collect & share snapshots of 3D models, and take notes throughout the game. 

(Missions as Narrative Drive)

Once a player enters a room, they can interact with the various objects and characters within it. Some characters will provide the player with new missions they can complete with their newly acquired 3D modeling skills. As the player completes more quests, the story will continue to unfurl.

(The Training Module)

Before a Cadet can go complete a mission, they must learn the necessary skills. Players can enter the Training Module to complete lessons in the form of a series of instructions aided by a diagram, followed by a task. As the game continues, more lessons will be unlocked.

(Extra Features)

Other than lessons & quests, players can also create their own models at the Maker Station (top-left), co-create with friends (bottom-left), and play fun mini-games to win items and prizes (bottom-right).

(Positioning & Strategy)

Most of Axial’s promotion will be done through digital platforms to draw traffic towards the website where visitors can download the game. Axial assumes a quaintly encouraging voice that appeals to kids and parents alike in every opportunity for communication.

(Scenes from Axial’s promo video)

(3D in a Non-Digital Space)

Axial combines 3D education with play in every way, even with our merchandise. For example, the Paper Galaxy workbook is filled with papercraft projects that can aid in learning 3D modeling concepts, and our Print-A-Print-O service sends your very own customized 3D printed Print-O right to your door.