As part of the eGames Lab project, WOWSystems developed eHealthyCouples - a literacy, training and support platform helping young people and adults to recognise and respond to abusive behaviours in intimate relationships.
The development was the result of close collaboration with Dr. Ana Saial, psychology researcher at ITI - Interactive Technologies Institute (LARSyS), who deepened the scientific research, validated the psychometric instruments, and structured all pedagogical content in the app.
Technology serving prevention
The app combines game mechanics, interactive narrative and self-assessment tools to make traditionally difficult topics more accessible. Users explore the "City of Relationships", where each neighbourhood is a case to analyse - gradually building emotional literacy, critical thinking and response strategies to dating violence warning signs.
Key features include:
- Interactive cases based on real situations, with decisions and contextual feedback;
- Quizzes and daily missions to reinforce healthy-relationship literacy;
- Response training for warning signs and protection strategies;
- Progression system with levels, XP and badges to sustain engagement;
- Scientifically validated resource library with national support hotlines.
Research and content validated by ITI
Dr. Ana Saial - ITI researcher working on psychology applied to intimate relationships - led the theoretical foundations, defined the assessment criteria, wrote the psychoeducational content, and validated every clinical case in the app. This ensures the playful experience rests on rigorous scientific grounding.
WOWSystems delivered UX/UI design, technical architecture, Lovable Cloud integration, progression and gamification systems, and multi-platform deployment (web + iOS/Android via Capacitor).
A real example of transformational games
The transformational games concept - a core pillar of eGames Lab - refers to games that produce real change in players: learning, behavioural change, skill development, or measurable social impact. eHealthyCouples is a concrete example of this approach: blending entertainment, user-centred design and scientific research to tackle a serious social issue - dating violence - in a language close to young people.
This collaboration between WOWSystems and ITI - Interactive Technologies Institute, within the WOW-led eGames Lab consortium, illustrates how industry, academia and research centres can join forces to create digital products with real societal impact.
eHealthyCouples is part of the eGames Lab product line dedicated to mental health, well-being and prevention apps - one of the strategic areas of the consortium.