Epoch
Enhancing Teenagers' Understanding of Physics
OVERVIEW:
Epoch is an immersive, story-driven experience that helps students engage with physics. Instead of just reading about scientific breakthroughs in a textbook, they get to live these moments in history.
Set within a futuristic science center environment, it combines Augmented Reality (AR), Holograms, and Virtual Reality (VR). Students go through a narrative-based journey across space and time solving challenges rooted in real physics concepts.
ROLE:
User Research,
Game Design,
Branding,
Character Design
TEAM:
DURATION:
7 weeks
What is the problem?
Science education in India often feels like learning to swim without water. Students just memorize facts and experiments are just instructions followed with no room for curiosity.
It is found that interest in physics begins declining particularly at the secondary school level due to being viewed as too abstract, mathematically challenging, and disconnected from real life. A study found that 48% of students admitted to forgetting concepts from earlier classes simply because they were unable to connect them or visualize them meaningfully. This shows a need for traditional classrooms to make learning active, experiential, and emotionally engaging.
The Research
We began the research by creating a mind map to explore various dimensions of science education for children, as well as those that integrate technology within the learning.
Primary research was then conducted with students aged 12-15, parents and teachers. It was found that teenagers have a strong desire for interactive, story-based learning that creates a sense of agency.
What We Got From The Data
We narrowed down to 3 key personas to cater to:
The Studious Kid, The Struggling Kid and The Distracted Kid
1
Giving children the freedom to create their own narratives and scenarios is essential for developing a sense of wonder and curiosity.
2
Children who see diverse superheroes in stories tend to develop more inclusive perspectives, positively influencing how they interact with and perceive their peers.
3
Some children dislike scientists associating them with excessive studying, suggesting the need to portray them as curious explorers rather than academic burdens.
4
Many students wonder where the science they study is actually used, emphasizing the importance of linking scientific concepts to everyday life.
5
Most kids rely on rote learning for formulas and concepts, not grasping their deeper meaning.
So how might we transform science education for children aged 12–15 to encourage active exploration and deeper understanding instead of passive, task-based learning?
Our Solution
How Does It Work?
Blending scientific discovery with game mechanics, Epoch helps teens interact with historical scientists, solve challenges rooted in real physics concepts, and play an active role in saving disrupted timelines. Epoch transforms complex physics into hands-on missions that make learning memorable.
Spatial Design of the Experience Centre
The Epoch Experience Centre is planned to be installed within interactive public spaces like museums or physical gaming zones so that it could be easily accessible by children.
Characters of the Game
Famous scientists are reimagined with stylized costumes and exaggerated expressions, reflecting comic book hero archetypes. This makes them seem more approachable while preserving their historical essence.
Storyboard
The narrative of Epoch follows a mission issued by the League of Temporal Agents, an organization dedicated to protecting scientific history. When “The Disruptor” begins altering pivotal moments in physics, students are recruited to restore the timeline.
Final Prototype
The prototype of the AR and VR game was made using Unity
