BlockSchool – A Gamified Mobile App Educating Millennial-aged Individuals About Cryptocurrency

Abstract

Millennials, who account for 22.5% of global consumer spending, are not only significant economic contributors but also prolific smartphone users. The widespread adoption of smartphones has transformed how individuals access information, including mobile learning. Despite growing interest in cryptocurrency—particularly among millennials, who are the most likely demographic to invest in it—many remain confused by its complexity. Approximately 44% of millennials believe cryptocurrency to be risky or difficult to understand. Furthermore, 50% of millennials believe it is the future of finance. In response to this gap between interest and understanding, I created BlockSchool– a gamified mobile application designed to educate millennial-aged individuals on cryptocurrency concepts in an engaging, low-risk environment. The project began with a literature review to explore existing research in both cryptocurrency and gamification spaces. This was followed by participatory design sessions that guided the development of initial prototypes. Usability testing then informed further refinements, leading to the final iteration of the app design. BlockSchool aims to bridge the knowledge gap in cryptocurrency through accessible, mobile-first learning experiences that combine gamification concepts with educational value. The goal is to empower users with cryptocurrency knowledge while fostering confidence in navigating the cryptocurrency landscape.

Keywords: Smartphones, gamification, cryptocurrency, millennials, participatory design, usability