Mushy music
BBC Bitesize
A playful music game for Reception-aged children, created for BBC Bitesize. Set in a forest festival, kids explore instruments in themed zones and conduct their own band of Mushies on the Main Stage.
The Challenge
BBC Bitesize identified a gap in their offering for Reception-aged children (ages 4–5) as they begin formal education and prepare for KS1.
They needed a fun, curriculum-aligned game to introduce little learners to rhythm and instruments, encouraging creativity, exploration and free play.
My Role:
Lead game designer (UI / UX /
Art direction / Script)
Product:
E-learning Game
Produced at:
Aer Studios
Target Audience:
Children in Reception (ages 4-5) to play independently at home or school.
The Solution
I led the design and development of Mushy Music. The game invites children to discover and play with a variety of interactive instruments across whimsical forest zones, encouraging them to experiment with rhythm, layering, and timing as they create their own unique musical performances.
Creative concepts
I created a new world from scratch, a woodland music festival with fun mushroom characters, starting with a mood board and initial character sketches. I developed the full game concept, including interaction design, user flow, and storyboards and wireframes for every screen. I worked closely with BBC teams to align with learning goals and produced a detailed Game Design Document to secure approval.
Design & art direction
I led the UI, interaction, and branding design, and defined the game’s visual direction. I collaborated with a freelance illustrator and animator to develop characters and backgrounds from my original concepts, ensuring visuals were playful, cohesive, and age-appropriate. I also created some of the background illustrations myself.
Writing the voice-over script
I wrote the voice-over script, which was narrated by award-winning musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown, providing both instructional guidance and a friendly narrative to help children navigate the game.
Collaborating on the coding
Mushy Music was built using the BBC’s games engine (IVOR). I worked closely with the developer, contributing to the code and ensuring the final product aligned with both my creative vision and the educational goals.
Social media pack
For the game’s launch, I created a social media marketing pack, including a 30-second trailer and supporting animated moments assets.
The results
“Mushy Music” successfully met all of the BBC’s educational and creative goals. It now features proudly in the Early Years section of BBC Bitesize, supporting Reception-aged children as they transition into Key Stage 1, all while encouraging fun and creativity in music learning.
