Memory Matching Game
A multi-sensory learning experience for young children
Overview
Memory Matching Game is intended for young children to learn about their favourite farm animals! It is a multi-sensory learning experience that aims to improve spatial thinking skills and the motoric development of young children.
Two players play the game asymmetrically, each having different capabilities and roles within the game. One plays using headphones and audio cues, while the other has a tablet and follows visual cues.
Each player plays with a randomized set of memory cards (featuring tracking markers) and tries to match their cards with the other player. What follows is an interactive and fun learning experience for children integrating different stimuli!
Asymmetric Gameplay
The game features innovative asymmetric multiplayer design where each player has a completely different experience:
Audio Player
- Uses headphones for audio cues
- Hears farm animal sounds
- Must communicate what they hear
- Experiences purely auditory information
Visual Player
- Uses tablet for visual cues
- Sees farm animal images
- Must describe what they see
- Experiences purely visual information
Game Loop
After a playing field is set up, the game consists of 3 main stages:
1. Lock
Players turn around their respective game cards to choose which they want to compare and lock these choices in. The Audio player gets a cue on their headphones while the Visual Player gets to see their animal on the tablet. Neither knows about the information of the other player.
2. Discuss
The players are now encouraged to discuss their respective (auditory or visual) information. This promotes communication and collaborative problem-solving between the children.
3. Compare
Players push their cards together to compare if it's a match or not. This creates a physical interaction and reveals whether their communication was successful.
Educational Benefits
- Spatial Thinking Skills: Understanding relationships between objects and positions
- Motoric Development: Physical interaction with cards and devices
- Communication Skills: Describing and discussing sensory information
- Multi-Sensory Learning: Connecting visual and auditory information
- Animal Recognition: Learning about farm animals through multiple senses
- Collaborative Problem Solving: Working together to find matches
Technical Implementation
The game showcases advanced AR and mobile development techniques:
- AR Tracking: Uses tracking markers on physical cards
- Cross-Platform Integration: Tablet and headphone synchronization
- Real-Time Communication: Seamless data sharing between devices
- Child-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design for young users
- Randomized Content: Different card sets for replayability
Development & Research
This project was developed as a practical project for 3D User Interfaces at TUM (Technical University of Munich). It represents a research-oriented approach to educational game design and AR interaction.
Evaluation
The project was evaluated with parents of the target audience. Key lessons learned during evaluation include insights about child interaction patterns, the effectiveness of multi-sensory learning, and the importance of clear communication prompts in asymmetric gameplay.
The evaluation process helped refine the game mechanics and validate the educational approach, ensuring the game truly benefits young learners.
Technologies: Unity, C#, AR Foundation, Mobile Development