Coruscant, our art therapy app

Coruscant, a global art therapy app

Coruscant is created by a department of 50 youths in the charity.

It helps underprivileged children access the therapeutic benefits of art. Coruscant integrates artistic development and literacy: children are given a fictional story to freely illustrate on a custom-built digital canvas with character outlines which we call sprites, promoting self expression and fostering creativity.

There are also engaging video tutorials that help children improve their artistic abilities, teaching them to draw objects

We are initiating collaborations with leading global and local charities to beta-test and launch Coruscant. They include, amongst others, organisations in:

- India (Mindroot: supports 34,000 students in rural areas)

- Philippines (Save the Children Philippines: reaching 826,000 children in need

- Liberia (CFUH Liberia: network of over 500 kids)

- Malaysia (Dignity: Assists over 2,300 children in Malaysia)

Stories

On the main menu, children can choose one of four story types: self discovery, friendship, animals and fantasy.

We present kids with a blank canvas for each part of the story, and provide sprites - which are suggested simple outlines of characters appearing in that part of the story - as a starting point.

Users can drag sprites onto the canvas, and use a range of colours and drawing tools that have different sounds depending on which brushes they choose. This simulates real life drawing which is interesting for the kids, and they can also customise their wallpaper and background music.

We have a language toggle for kids speaking different languages.

We also have a prompt bar for each part that encourages kids to think beyond the sprite: about the background setting. They can draw however they imagine, and build their own special world, fostering a sense of accomplishment, creativity and relaxation.

Tutorials

For children seeking to further their art skills, this section is tailored to suit children with different levels of art expertises. They can access a wide range of art tutorials divided by theme - cultural objects, animals, nature, fruits. Within each theme are modules for specific objects in the category, for example in animals, the sheep module will teach them how to draw one. In this module there are 3 levels of increasing difficulty, and 3 lessons in each level. Level 1 teaches them to draw the outline, level 2 on colouring and level 3, which is for more advanced students, on gradients etc. Each planet represents a lesson, and will light up once the lesson is finished. That unlocks a new lesson, and children earn points upon completing levels and modules, which allows them to unlock more complicated tutorials.

After each lesson, kids will have a canvas where they can choose to have guided or unguided drawing. The guided drawing outlines step by step what the kids have to draw and ensure that beginners are guided in the right direction.

Why our app

Many therapy apps do not harness the transformative power of art, which has been shown by many research studies to help children deal with mental health problems.

When they are art apps:

1. Many offer simple colour-in experience, lacking the creative element

2. Some free draw apps offer no guidance at all for beginners

3. Templates are too complex for kids who seek an accessible source of relaxation. Our app differs in these aspects:

Firstly, the imaginative story illustration process serves as a safe and supportive space for self expression and emotional healing, empowering children to build confidence, resilience, creativity and teamwork, which are crucial for personal development and future employment.

Secondly, many underprivileged children lack access to art education. Our art tutorials allow children to receive guidance from talented artists to improve on their artistic skills, which they can apply to the story illustrations. The videos offer a human element to lessons which is more engaging to kids, and is the bridge between children and youths.

Additional Credits:

Luke Kwok - Designed sprites for stories: “Isla”, “May the best win” “the ordinary mirror” “the village” “wildflower” “the race