‘ImaginMe’ founded by Ricardo Turcios (2014)

Gender is defined as the range of characteristics pertaining to and differentiating between femininity and masculinity. However, gender is no longer simply black and white. In today’s society, it is the one thing that allows people to express themselves in any way they feel and with no restraints. One of the areas that led to the change and people wanting to express themselves is the gender stereotypes. With my main pathway being Interaction Design, I discovered an interactive app which helps to break down these stereotypes within video games. Originally, the gaming world was considered to be exclusive for men and boys only, but in the modern society, half of it is occupied by women. A big criticism of the gaming world is the stereotypical and often sexualised depiction of women, which then has a huge impact on the younger generations. Ricardo Turcios, a parent from New York, wanted to create a new world which doesn’t categorise based on gender. He launched his company, ‘ImaginMe’ to allow kids to interact in a digital world that doesn’t marginalise, after being inspired by the world his daughter was growing up in. The main aim of the app is to create 3D characters based on themselves and create stories and challenges to complete.  Turcios said that the main aspect of his game is ‘no more princesses’ and to teach children about gender stereotypes within the entertainment. By targeting a younger audience, Turcios is helping remove gender stereotypes as the children will grow up with an open and modern mind, that gender is not something that should define what they can do. This way kids can grow up feeling more confident, creative and kinder towards others.