"Newskid", immersive journalism for children
This Project, that has received support from CreatiFI, is an augmented reality multi-platform project which explains international news to the little ones.
Can you imagine a media aimed at children? It is now possible with “Newskid”, a transmedia, multiplatform project that uses augmented reality so children can live a playful and immersive experience. "As the children play with "Newskid”, they can learn and be informed about international news," says its director, the Barcelona journalist Eva Domínguez, who has extensive experience in the communicating current affairs to children and youth. "Newskid" is one of the projects involved in the CreatiFI program, led by the Department of Creativity and Innovation of the Institute for Culture of Barcelona, along with other European institutions. The program aims to help creators to innovate in their respective fields with the most advanced technologies.
The "Newskid" project, initially intended for children between 8 and 12, is built around three platforms: a printed supplement, a website and interactive support. "We created a character from another galaxy whose mission is to report on what is happening in our world. Therefore, the character asks the children to help them understand the news," says Eva Domínguez. The director of "Newskid" says augmented reality is built into the history and complements and enriches the information given to each platform part.
The customers of "Newskid" are initially the media, but Domínguez does not rule out opening the door to a business model in which families can subscribe to the platform. Currently, the project has passed the stage of experimentation, including tests with children. "For example, when we were creating the carácter, it was essential to know whether it felt sympathetic and attractive to the children," Domínguez, who said that currently "Newskid" is at a stage of seeking clients and financing.
"It's a project that goes way back. I’ve always liked children journalism, since I started in this profession," says Eva Domínguez. In fact, the director of "Newskid" coordinated for a while the supplement “El Periódico de l'Estudiant”. "With them, you have to work with a very entertaining and informative language and must use the format that they need," she explains. Given the latest technological advances, Eva Domínguez saw clearly the opportunity to develop "Newskid". "With the situation technology is right now, I thought it was time," says Domínguez.