Making Public Transport Journey Fun: Web Games That Inspire Kids to Care

SP Media, Arts and Design School students who worked on the 4 Young Caring SG Commuters Web Games in collaboration with the Caring SG Commuters Committee. Source: Public Transport Council

In collaboration with the Caring SG Commuters Committee, Year 3 students from Singapore Polytechnic (SP) Media, Arts and Design School developed four unique web games as part of their final year projects. The Young Caring SG Commuters Web Games are targeted at primary school children, helping them to learn how to show care to commuters with different needs using the Four Caring Norms and the 3As “Assess, Ask and Assist”.

The team who developed Caring Journeys with Commuter Champions; (left to right) Jason Soh, Lua Boon Yi, Jolin Tan, and Darren Lim. Source: Public Transport Council

“Our main goal was to make learning fun and seamless,” said Jolin Tan, a 19-year-old student whose team developed the “Caring Journeys with Commuter Champions” game.

These games are not just entertaining, they also present young players with important lessons on how to assist fellow commuters and foster empathy during their daily commutes. Jolin added that through trying out different educational games, she and her team learnt the importance of integrating gameplay with learning elements.

The SP students created the games by drawing inspiration from real-life scenarios that young commuters might encounter like offering a seat to an elderly person or assisting someone with heavy bags. “By using real-world scenarios, they can learn to be more aware of their surroundings while commuting and know how to respond in different situations, ultimately becoming caring commuter champions!” said Jolin. 

Teammates Nicholas Tan (left) and Barrientos Kyle (right) who developed the “My Caring Journey” game, gave a demonstration on their game. Source: Public Transport Council

In the process of developing the games, the students gained a deeper understanding of being a caring commuter. Barrientos Kyle, an 18-year-old student, who developed the “My Caring Journey” game with his team, explained that “before, I only knew the basics, like giving up my seat to someone in need. Through this collaboration, I've learnt to recognise the signs of different commuters in need, including those with invisible conditions. I’m also now aware of the appropriate ways to assist in various situations. With this knowledge, I feel much more confident in helping a wider range of commuters.” The team then reflected on what they have learnt in the games, illustrating commuters with different needs and the various situations to help them.   

Four Young Caring SG Commuters Web Games developed by the SP students. Source: Public Transport Council

“Our game features a variety of minigames and encounters that are engaging yet without being too challenging, designed to teach players how to assist commuters in need through an interactive experience. The cute and colourful art style adds to the appeal, making the game enjoyable and visually-inviting,” Kyle shared about how his team’s game appeals to primary school children.

Wait no longer, visit go.gov.sg/ccw2024 to try out these four games today and learn more about helping commuters in need during your commute!