KIDMO

What it does

Kidmo is an interactive system that fights childhood sedentarism and supports gross motor development through guided movement-based play using technology, storytelling and Colombian-inspired characters, empowering children grow healthy, active and confident.

Your inspiration

The idea was born from observing how children increasingly replace active play with screen time, affecting their physical and cognitive growth. I often see it in my younger cousins, my little brother, and even neighbor kids—glued to screens, lacking movement and guidance. Our research revealed a critical gap: lack of safe spaces, parental orientation, and accessible tools for motor stimulation. We wanted to transform technology from passive to active. Our mission: design a product that motivates movement, connects families, and promotes Colombian storytelling. We also envisioned a circular system—Kidmo modules could be returned and recycled.

How it works

Kidmo consists of an app and a modular physical platform with Arduino-based pressure sensors, LED lights, and audio. The kid follows movement sequences shown as light and sound patterns. Meanwhile, the app guides them through a themed adventure, tracking progress with visual and voice instructions. Animated characters inspired by Colombian ecosystems (like the Amazon or Cocuy glacier) were created in 3D Max and Procreate. Designs were validated using eye-tracking for visual engagement. Kidmo records the child’s performance and gives feedback to parents via the app. How it works – Step by Step: 1. ⁠Parent select child’s age and activity level on the app. 2.⁠ ⁠Kid places Kidmo on the floor and the fun start. 3. LED ⁠Lights and sounds guide movements (jump, step, balance). 4.⁠ ⁠The app narrates the adventure with animated characters. 5. ⁠Sensors track balance, steps, and response time. 6. ⁠After each session parents receive a report with progress and tips

Design process

1.⁠Problem: We began with research on children behavior and environments to understand the decline in physical activity. Key issues included screen overuse, lack of engaging tools, and limited parental involvement. These shaped the user’s emotional and functional needs. 2.⁠Ideation: We defined criteria for a modular, attractive, movement-based solution. Through brainstorming and low-tech mockups, we explored physical-digital hybrids focused on motor stimulation, emotional connection and multisensory play. 3.⁠Design Proposal: We developed Kidmo: modular floor pieces with RGB LEDs, sensors, and magnetic connectors. Its ergonomic design suits children aged 4–6. A mobile app offers challenges, feedback, and parental monitoring. A second version is planned for older users with a robotic companion. 4.⁠Prototyping & Refinement: We built EVA foam prototypes, refining form, safety, and usability. Arduino-powered lights and sounds were added. Magnetic connectors improved reconfiguration. UI/UX was developed for coherence and accessibility. 5.Sustainability & Testing: Kidmo uses recycled EVA and is designed for circularity. Eye-tracking validated focus, and the BESS test showed improved balance and motor control. Testing with children and parents refined pacing, storytelling, and clarity.

How it is different

Unlike many educational toys, Kidmo doesn’t aim to reduce screen time—it transforms it. It offers a hybrid experience where interactive floor modules with lights, sensors, and sounds connect to a mobile app that guides children through story-driven physical challenges. This encourages gross motor development, balance and coordination through engaging adventures with characters, evolving levels, and culturally-rooted worlds inspired by Colombian ecosystems. Unlike fitness apps or passive play, Kidmo keeps kids active and immersed. It evolves with the user—offering a second version with complex layouts, that monitors movement and sends progress reports to parents, including muscles worked and suggested activities. It also fosters emotional connection, family involvement, and healthy habits. Its sustainable business model based on renting, returning, and recycling makes it affordable, inclusive and environmentally responsible, creating impact locally and globally

Future plans

The next step for Kidmo is to secure funding for technical validation, improved prototypes, and real-world testing. This will allow us to bring Kidmo to schools, foundations, and families seeking movement-based play tools. We plan to develop a second version for older children and explore partnerships with brands like Crocs to integrate recycled materials. Our vision is to launch Kidmo as a circular product—rentable, returnable, and recyclable—supported by a digital platform with evolving content and exercises. Through this, more children can access active play that builds motor skills and creates meaningful experiences.

Awards

Kidmo has not yet been nominated for external awards, but was nominated by our professors for the Laureate Thesis distinction at our university, recognizing its strong social focus and commitment to sustainability in promoting motor development, healthy habits, and inclusive early education through play and technology.