Dash & Blink
BBC Bitesize
BBC Bitesize tasked us to create a Duolingo-style language game for KS2 learners. The result was Dash & Blink, a suite of fun, story-led games that help children build vocabulary and grammar in French, Spanish and Mandarin. The experience had to be curriculum-aligned, engaging enough to encourage repeat play, and accessible for kids to use independently.
The Challenge
Most language apps feel too dry and academic, which can turn younger learners off. Dash & Blink needed to strike the right balance between structured learning and genuine fun, supporting regular practice across multiple sessions without feeling like homework.
My Role:
Lead UI/UX Designer, Game Designer
Product:
E-learning games
Produced at:
Aer Studios
Target Audience:
KS2 children, aged 7-11, looking to learn a new language independently
The Solution
We created 'The Multilingual Misadventures of Dash and Blink', a lovable monster and his malfunctioning translator-bot, in three interactive games full of humour and storytelling. I led the concept, design and art direction, working with a wider team of writers, developers, illustrators and learning consultants to ensure the experience was both educational and entertaining.
Concept development
I created an initial proposal featuring my concept for a distinct, game-like experience with playful characters, rewards, and interactive elements to engage kids, supported by sketches, a rough game flow.
I crafted the visual style, story, and game mechanics. I collaborated with an illustrator to create vibrant, original illustrations for Dash and Blink, which were tested with KS2 child focus groups to ensure appeal with our audience.
Crafting the visuals
I forged a bold and vibrant visual style to engage the target age group. The game features amazingly stylish backgrounds and slick UI that adheres to the BBC Games GEL design system.
Art directing animation
Packed with hilarious animated moments, this game features narrative sequences brought to life in Spine. I sketched and storyboarded each scene, then collaborated with an animator to rig Dash and Blink using Spine’s ‘Skins’, so character outfit upgrades could be dynamically applied across all animations.
Gameplay & learning
Designed to be both fun and effective, the game rewards true language comprehension with upgrades and achievements that encourage repeat play.
A no-fail system with funny animations keeps kids motivated, while voiceovers, phonics, and engaging visual cues reinforce vocabulary across key topics.
Gradual word introduction and spaced repetition ensure learning sticks, with karaoke-style feedback turning mistakes into playful learning moments.
Voiceover & Audio
Catherine Tate brings the intergalactic cast to life with her brilliant comic voice work across all three Dash & Blink games. She’s joined by language specialists who deliver accurate, engaging audio for all learning content. I sourced sound effects and a kicking robo-funk soundtrack to enhance the fun.
Post-Launch Optimisation
After six months live, we analysed engagement data, shortening narrative sequences and enhancing rewards such as earning stickers to boost retention.
The results
The games received high praise from both children and educators and was shortlisted as an award finalist for a BETT e-learning award in 2021.
It stands out as a distinctive, innovative educational game that redefines language learning for young audiences, offering both engaging gameplay and pedagogical value.
