Alpha Zoo was the first app I developed independently. I led the design and development of this original IP, created to help children learn their ABCs with a wild twist.
The idea began as a simple alphabet concept developed by a few friends, combining short poems with flat illustrations. At that stage, it was intended to become a book.
It already had charm and potential, but I saw an opportunity to take it further. I transformed the concept into an interactive experience that introduced children to the alphabet while teaching them how to form each letter correctly.
Alpha Zoo presents the alphabet through a cast of animal-themed characters created for preschool and early-primary learners. I led the transformation of the intentionally simple, naïve-style 2D illustrations into fully realised 3D characters. Bringing them to life through animation was a joy and gave the app a distinctive personality, helping it stand apart from the more conventional educational titles available at the time. We pre-rendered every animation, giving us far greater creative freedom without the technical limitations of rendering the characters in real time.
I also oversaw the production of a companion book, arranging its printing through a partner in China. To help fund the wider Alpha Zoo venture, I launched a successful Kickstarter campaign. It was a steep learning curve, but an incredibly rewarding experience that taught me a great deal about independent development, crowdfunding and physical production.
The app received positive feedback for its charm, polish and approach to early learning. Reviewers described it as “a lovely idea with some nice theming” and praised its “fun illustrations and animations.” Parents also highlighted how its combination of humour, gentle interaction and visual appeal kept children engaged while they learned.
The idea began as a simple alphabet concept developed by a few friends, combining short poems with flat illustrations. At that stage, it was intended to become a book.
It already had charm and potential, but I saw an opportunity to take it further. I transformed the concept into an interactive experience that introduced children to the alphabet while teaching them how to form each letter correctly.
Alpha Zoo presents the alphabet through a cast of animal-themed characters created for preschool and early-primary learners. I led the transformation of the intentionally simple, naïve-style 2D illustrations into fully realised 3D characters. Bringing them to life through animation was a joy and gave the app a distinctive personality, helping it stand apart from the more conventional educational titles available at the time. We pre-rendered every animation, giving us far greater creative freedom without the technical limitations of rendering the characters in real time.
I also oversaw the production of a companion book, arranging its printing through a partner in China. To help fund the wider Alpha Zoo venture, I launched a successful Kickstarter campaign. It was a steep learning curve, but an incredibly rewarding experience that taught me a great deal about independent development, crowdfunding and physical production.
The app received positive feedback for its charm, polish and approach to early learning. Reviewers described it as “a lovely idea with some nice theming” and praised its “fun illustrations and animations.” Parents also highlighted how its combination of humour, gentle interaction and visual appeal kept children engaged while they learned.
