Description:

This project began by addressing the issues faced by families with working parents who struggle to maintain a healthy bond with their children. Based on user studies with families where a child’s parents/caregivers worked more than 30 hours per week, many parents expressed that it was difficult to give consistent love, support and attention to their children due to their work commitments. This proved to have lasting effects on a child’s mental health, often placing strains on family relationships.

Although parents wanted to remotely communicate with their children, concerns about online safety, cyber-bullying and prolonged screen-time meant many parents wanted to resist giving children a smartphone.

Squawky Talky is a mobile communication device that safely connects children and their families. It functions similarly to a walkie talkie, allowing children to select their contact, and send and receive voice messages. The Squawky app allows parents to listen and record replies and also features GPS tracking and geo-fencing to keep families safe and connected. Children are notified of a new message when the contact light flashes, vibrates and releases a short ringtone; however, these features can be silenced either by reducing the device volume, or setting “quiet times'' via the Squawky app. Squawky Talkys were designed to fit snuggly in a child’s hand and use simple, durable and intuitive interactions.

During the user testing phase, a second issue arose from discussions with working parents and their children: they rarely spent time together which made capturing family memories rare. From this observation, features to develop more meaningful connections were integrated into the user experience. The Squawky app captures valuable memories by collating everyday voice messages into “personal podcasts.” Messages can be auto-collated or hand-selected, capturing snippets of family moments to save, playback and cherish forever.

As more schools continue to ban smartphones, the market for screen-free devices is also increasing. Unlike typical dumbphones, Squawky Talky is designed for kids. The device is built tough, with thick Flexicast rubber grips to offset impact when dropped and a universal clip allowing for easy transport on backpacks, lanyards and everyday clothes. With its playful aesthetic and intuitive interactions, Squawky acts as a child’s companion, giving children the independence to explore the world while still feeling connected to their parents.

Squawky Talky is designed for kids aged 5 to 13, before they switch to a regular smartphone at around 14 to 16. To incentivise responsible disposal, returning a used Squawky Talky to stores or manufacturers will give users a discount on a new phone or phone bill. This ensures that old devices can be properly broken down and processed, maximising the life of reusable parts and ensuring safe and responsible processing of recyclable parts.

By creating a simple, playful and accessible mode of communication, Squawky Talky facilitates more regular and meaningful interactions between children and caregivers, fostering stronger relationships for families to thrive.