Grogo
Parental Control Software
"Eight Bit didn't just build us an app — they helped shape an entirely new parenting mindset around screen time. They did everything we asked and more."
Interrupting the Scroll: How Grogo and Eight Bit Studios Transforms Screen Time into Brain-Boosting Breaks for Kids
The Client
Grogo is a subscription-based mobile app that transforms screen time interruptions into brief educational moments. Designed for families with kids in grades 2–12, Grogo helps parents establish healthier tech habits by turning digital disruption into snack-sized learning opportunities.
Overview
With concerns about excessive screen time on the rise, Grogo set out to create an entirely new category of educational tool. Rather than controlling or restricting screen use, Grogo empowers parents with a tool that encourages kids to take short "brain breaks," an approach that's both engaging and educational.
To bring this vision to life, Grogo partnered with Eight Bit Studios to lead the charge from idea to app store launch.
The Ask
Grogo engaged Eight Bit Studios to help shape and deliver a brand-new app experience across iOS and Android. The team was asked to:
- Collaborate on the concept and technical foundations
- Design the entire product ecosystem: apps, branding, admin tools, and website
- Develop and launch fully functional app to Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Ensure a playful, high-trust experience for both kids and parents
The Solution
Eight Bit assembled a cross-functional team of over 10 strategists, designers, developers, and QA specialists to craft Grogo from the ground up. Key phases included:
- Discovery & Strategy: Business requirements, user journeys, and a phased product roadmap
- User Research: Parent and child interviews, research synthesis, and insight reporting
- Brand & Character Development: Visual identity, illustration system, and Grogo's character design
- Design & Development: Dual native apps (iOS and Android), backend API development, QA testing, and a custom admin web portal
01 Discovery & Strategic Planning
From Ambiguity to Clarity for a Transformational EdTech Product
During discovery, our team facilitated workshops and working sessions with Grogo stakeholders to align on business requirements, establish clear deliverables, and craft a release strategy for a Minimum Lovable Product (MLP) launch.
Key outputs included:
- Strategic alignment workshops
- Business requirements documentation
- User flow and technical architecture
- Strategic release planning for MLP launch
02 Research & User Validation
Understanding the Needs of Parents and Students
We conducted qualitative 1:1 research sessions with both parents and learners, synthesizing our findings into key themes and strategic recommendations. These insights were validated with project stakeholders through collaborative sessions.
Key outputs included:
- 7+ participant research sessions
- Research synthesis and readout
- Stakeholder validation sessions
03 Branding & Visual Identity Exploration
Building an Engaging Brand to Resonate with Families
We developed original brand positioning and visual brand identity to resonate with Grogo's target audience, including kids and their families.
Key outputs included:
- Brand strategy workshops
- 5 original illustrations
- 10 badge designs
- 2 revision rounds
- Production-ready digital files
04 Delivery & Release
Eight Bit assembled a cross-functional team of over 10 strategists, designers, developers, and QA specialists to craft Grogo from the ground up.
Key outputs included:
- 3 iterative design sprints
- Native iOS and Android development
- Web admin portal
- Backend/API infrastructure
- Usability testing
- Marketing website
Results
Grogo's successful launch in early 2025 was powered by clear goals, thoughtful design, and a true partnership between Grogo and Eight Bit Studios.
- Simultaneous iOS and Android platform release
- Delivered personalized, adaptive quiz engine spanning 5 subjects
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