Portrait Ilana Mallak

Engaging kids in climate education through play: A winning idea

Ilana Mallak won best presentation in the FutureMakers competition with her idea, Leko.

– Taking part in the competition has been so fulfilling. The jury gave me constructive feedback and it increased my confidence in presenting in front of an audience – something I still struggle with.

It was during an EdTech Hackathon in São Paulo, Brazil, that Ilana got the idea for Leko. Leko is a product that helps children develop fine motor skills while teaching them about climate and environmental issues in an entertaining way.

Ilana’s passion for design and digital technology led her from Brazil to Sweden. She is now a first-year student in the two-year Master’s programme in Interaction Design at Malmö University.

– I have received so much support and encouragement for Leko since I moved here. I have been given the opportunity to participate in activities such as the pre-incubator Level Up and the FutureMakers competition.

To develop her idea, Ilana enlisted the help of the MaU Innovation and Drivhuset. They provide students with free guidance and workshops, as well as scholarships.

– I have a Bachelor’s degree in architecture and urban planning, but halfway through my studies, I became more interested in design, especially at the intersection between design and digital technologies. When I started applying for Master’s programmes, Scandinavian universities stood out. I was very happy to be accepted at Malmö University.

Creating future change agents
A strong driving force behind Iliana’s choice of education is the opportunity to contribute to sustainable societal development.

– Interaction design is an exciting and developing field. My goal is to have a positive impact on society and the planet through design, technology and education.

Ilana strongly believes in making sustainability fun and integrating it into the everyday lives of children, teenagers and their families.

– We need to train leaders and activists who push for the development of laws and decision-making processes that prioritise ecology and address climate change.

Taking Leko to the next level
Ilana wants to integrate the thinking behind Leko into her thesis work, that is, to make sustainability education fun and part of everyday life.

– I want to continue exploring the core aspects of Leko, such as gamification, sustainable design, the Internet of Things and augmented reality. I have the opportunity to test and revisit design decisions I made for Leko in my thesis, based on more extensive fieldwork and co-creation. I hope to explore market opportunities and further develop the product.

Her next goal is to apply for the Leapfrogs scholarship, a SEK 40,000 grant awarded by MaU Innovation and Sparbanken Syds Foundation, to allow students to develop their ideas over the summer.

– To have the opportunity to work full-time on Leko all summer, without having to take a job, would be fantastic. And to do it alongside other students driven by similar ideas would be a big bonus.