The Evolution of Digital Play: Insights from an Interview with Jessica McLaughlin

Serendipitous Beginnings

Jessica McLaughlin's venture into the world of children's media was not meticulously planned; it was more of an accidental yet happy journey. Initially honing her skills in broadcasting and journalism, Jessica found herself moderating chat rooms and engaging with children's online communities in the early 2000s. This serendipitous entry laid the foundation for a thriving career in children's digital content, eventually leading her to significant roles, including as a senior creative director at Hasbro's Find Your Fun Studios.

Designing for Interaction and Learning

Throughout her career, Jessica has been passionate about creating digital games that are not just entertaining but also educationally valuable. The evolution of digital play has seen a shift from traditional web-based Flash games to highly interactive apps and online platforms. According to Jessica, successful children's games today incorporate interactive elements and reward systems that are age-appropriate and foster learning and creativity.

For younger children, games need to be simple yet engaging—sometimes involving paper prototypes and in-classroom observations to perfect the user experience. This thorough testing ensures that games meet the diverse needs of children, ranging from areas with robust internet access to more remote locations with limited connectivity.

Balancing Education with Entertainment

Jessica notes that while some educational games focus on specific learning objectives, such as math or English, others broadly support social-emotional learning through storytelling and interactive narratives. This blend of education and entertainment—or "edutainment"—is essential, as it sustains engagement and encourages repeated play.

However, she cautions against the overuse of gamified rewards for very young children, as they may not fully comprehend or be motivated by them. Instead, the goal is to cultivate a play environment that encourages genuine interaction and learning.

Safety and Accessibility

Safety and accessibility are paramount in children's game design. While most games Jessica has worked on do not focus on direct child interaction, ensuring that games are accessible to children of varying abilities is critical. This involves considering colour contrasts, physical interactions, and alternative play methods.

Additionally, there's an emphasis on educating parents about navigating the intricacies of today’s digital landscape. Jessica’s venture into Play Wise Labs exemplifies this effort, offering parents valuable insights and tools to evaluate digital games critically.

The Future of Digital Play

Looking ahead, Jessica expresses excitement about the potential of augmented reality as a platform for children's online play, highlighting its ability to merge interactive virtual play with physical real-world action. While virtual reality may not be appropriate for younger kids, augmented reality holds promise for creating enriching play experiences.

In conclusion, as digital games continue to carve a significant space in children's daily lives, it's essential for creators and parents to collaborate in fostering safe, educational, and enjoyable digital experiences. With initiatives like Play Wise Labs, parents can become more informed, giving them the tools needed to make confident decisions about the digital content their children engage with.

Jessica McLaughlin's journey is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in digital media, paving the path for future generations to experience play in dynamic and fulfilling ways.