KUKUA APP Project Scope

Project Background and Description In the United States (US), 73% of scientists and engineers are white with less than 2% being African American (AA) women. While AA girls and women comprise 7% of the US population, they are significantly underrepresented in STEM education and professions. Commonly cited barriers to engagement and retention of AA girls and women in STEM fields include gender and racial stereotypes that threaten how they evaluate themselves, absence of role models, inability to see oneself as a “STEM person,” and lack of interest and confidence in STEM subjects. We are developing Kukua - an innovative, fun, and engaging, early childhood STEM as a promotion intervention program for AA girls (4–8 years-old). Kukua will increase STEM skills development and interest from observational, play-based learning, and role modeling. The specific goal of the project is to develop a prototype of the Kukua program with a smart doll, animated video series, and a mobile app, initially for AA girls between the ages of 4-8 years old. For the project, we are doing an initial iteration of the development of a mobile app for AA girls ages 4 – 8. For the Springboard project, we want to develop initial mock-ups and test them with the AA girls and their mothers. We have some initial themes/concepts drafted based on the focus group sessions and we would like for the team to work on design iterations.  

Kukua App

Project Background and Description In the United States (US), 73% of scientists and engineers are white with less than 2% being African American (AA) women. While AA girls and women comprise 7% of the US population, they are significantly underrepresented in STEM education and professions. Commonly cited barriers to engagement and retention of AA girls and women in STEM fields include gender and racial stereotypes that threaten how they evaluate themselves, absence of role models, inability to see oneself as a “STEM person,” and lack of interest and confidence in STEM subjects. We are developing Kukua - an innovative, fun, and engaging, early childhood STEM as a promotion intervention program for AA girls (4–8 years-old). Kukua will increase STEM skills development and interest from observational, play-based learning, and role modeling. The specific goal of the project is to develop a prototype of the Kukua program with a smart doll, animated video series, and a mobile app, initially for AA girls between the ages of 4-8 years old. Having already conducted insightful focus group sessions, we now have a solid foundation for the app's initial design. However, we recognize the importance of continuous improvement and innovation. We are seeking a fresh perspective and a boost in creativity to take our initial mock-ups to the next level. As part of the Springboard project, your primary task will be to elevate the existing design, making it even more captivating and high-fidelity for our target audience. We aim to provide a seamless user experience that resonates with both AA girls ages 4 – 8 girls and their parents.