Turning facial expressions into fun and therapy with a unique app that combines gaming joy and support for Facial Palsy UK

Working pro bono for Facial Palsy UK, I embarked on an idea that merged my passion for design with a noble cause. The charity, dedicated to supporting individuals affected by facial palsy, was an inspiration for this unique gaming app. My role as Creative Director was not just about design; it was about making a difference.

The challenge was to create an engaging and beneficial tool for individuals, especially children, with facial palsy. Traditional physiotherapy can be tedious and unengaging, so the brief was to devise a solution that made exercises enjoyable while raising awareness and funds for the cause.

Inspired by the iconic Dance Dance Revolution game, I envisioned an app that uses facial expressions instead of bodily movements to score points. The idea was to make facial physiotherapy fun and engaging. Using the mobile camera to track facial movements, players follow a sequence of expressions to earn points. This playful approach turns therapy sessions into an enjoyable game. To encourage donations, I incorporated a feature where top players could unlock achievements by contributing to Facial Palsy UK directly through the app. From the app idea to branding and character design, my involvement was comprehensive, focusing on creating a joyful and meaningful experience.

Incredible potential to be a delightful success, turning physiotherapy into a fun activity for kids with facial palsy. It’s not just a game; it's a therapeutic tool that brings smiles and aids recovery. The app also serves as an innovative platform for raising funds and awareness for Facial Palsy UK, showcasing how creativity and technology can be harnessed for social good.

Pro Bono Client: Facial Palsy UK

Creative Director and Brand Designer: Berto Macario

Country: UK