Publications

Peer-reviewed research and design thinking behind Save Tuba.

Peer-Reviewed Conference Proceedings
ResearchGate 2025
Leveraging Gamification for Developing Sustainable Behaviors: Frequently Asked Questions
B. Youhana, A. Duane, K. Mehta — Lehigh University · doi: 10.5539/jsd.v18n3p135
IEEE GHTC 2023
How Teacher Feedback Helped Reimagine, Redesign, and Recode a Sustainability Education App
A. Gavade et al. — IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, Santa Clara, CA, USA
IEEE GHTC 2023
Save Tuba: A Gamified Approach to Fostering Sustainable Habits
A. F. Santana et al. — IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, Santa Clara, CA, USA
IEEE GHTC 2022
Save Tuba: A Gamified App for Children to Explore Environmental Issues and Develop Sustainable Behaviors
A. F. Santana et al. — IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, Santa Clara, CA, USA, 2022, pp. 299–306
IEEE GHTC 2020
Smart City Innovations to Improve Quality of Life in Urban Settings
T. Persaud, U. Amadi, A. Duane, B. Youhana and K. Mehta — IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, Seattle, WA, USA, 2020, pp. 1–8

A Gamified Approach & Influential Storyline

The design of Save Tuba focuses on the employment of gamification to build digital games and immersive worlds where children not only learn key concepts, but practice sustainability. In doing so, they develop the kinds of behaviors, habits, and mindsets that will serve them for life. Empathy is a driving force for change and is encouraged through engaging storytelling and emotional engagement.

Children learning

Cross-Generational Change

To create lasting impact, a focus on creating behavioral change is imperative to foster a community of sustainability-conscious Kazakhs. The country's recent realization of the need for change and education is an opportunity to start from the ground up with Kazakhstan's youngest citizens. Educating children about sustainability education and developing habits earlier rather than later will produce a longer lasting impact.

Children learning