Wake began as a 3,000-word children's superhero origin story and an exploration of how AI might enhance a child's experience of receiving a story. The original concept proposed a digital avatar narrating the story, supported by AI-generated imagery, soundscapes and on-screen text.

During development, practical challenges around illustration rights, generative image quality and technical feasibility prompted a rethink. Rather than focusing on AI-generated visuals, the project shifted towards a deeper investigation of interactivity and participation. Central to this shift was the question: how might children inhabit a story rather than simply consume it? This led to an engagement with Jordan Magnuson's interactive concept of the 'game poem', and through this framework, Wake was reimagined as a digital experience.

Built using AI-assisted no-code tools, the resulting prototype demonstrates how AI can support creative development and interactive design. The project ultimately reframed storytelling as participation, exploring how digital experiences can create emotional engagement through ritual, agency and play.

You can access Wake here.