As part of the D&AD New Blood Awards, 21 GRAMS needed help to break the smartphone and tablet habits that are causing myopia. The amount of young adults with a condition called myopia, which causes distant objects to appear blurred, is increasing due to the sustained and constant use of smartphones and tablets. They are asking to use these electronic devices as a tool to communicate and inspire those to help solve this worsening situation.

After a thorough research done by our team, we have found after doing an interview with an optometrist that the situation explained by the brief is based on preconceived notions. Myopia is not caused by screen time directly. It’s screen time causing the lack of outdoor time that is causing myopia progression.

Thus, our solution is to inspire them to go outside regardless of whether or not they have their phone on them as sunlight exposure is the main component to preventing myopia progression. We do it by creating a game that incentivises them to go outside to get the necessary sunlight exposure. In return, for creating these positive habits, they get rewarded in-game currency that can be traded for accessories for their digital companion or vouchers of their favourite brands.

This is a group project done with Jocelyne Kurniawan, Louise He and Nguyen Song Tra Le.