ActivEngine was originally developed for BBC languages as the ‘Profiling Tool’, but has evolved since this initial delivery. The ActivEngine is a configurable, extensible flash based quiz/game tool that allows editors to set up simple games and quizzes with no bespoke flash development required. A range of ‘off the shelf’ solutions are available such as:

•    multiple choice
•    match pairs
•    fill in the blank
•    Drag and drop’ etc.

The ActivEngine framework is completely customizable and can be extended from its built in ‘off the shelf’ solutions with custom flash games and quizzes, these extra features can then be easily packaged into the ActivEngine wrapper which provides useful facilities for aggregating scores and feedback.

The Design aspect of the ActivEngine project involved creating a variety of simple games and quiz interfaces. As with all design projects the first and arguably most important aspect was to create a user friendly environment that users of all ages would instantly feel comfortable with and understand. This was achieved through creating a variety of design iterations that was sent on to the BBC teams involved to input their thoughts and opinions, highlighting any areas of concern and additional features they may require.

The initial Look and Feel adopted for this project consists of simple graphics and plain colouring with a dash of colour. The main purpose was to create an adaptable “shell” design where editors could customize individual elements to give the ActivEngine a completely unique appearance and so fit in to any website that may require it. During the design process many additional elements have been implemented to make the ActivEngine as easy to use as possible, this included a “check progress” button so users could check there progress in any given area at any point during the quiz. We also included a review resource button so that users could re-visit material shown to them before a set of questions in case they needed a quick reminder.

Aerian are immensely proud to be at the forefront of this project, we are constantly trying to push the boundaries of the web and create award winning software and we feel this is a perfect piece to demonstrate that.