Digital Communication Design and Interaction Design

Magdalena Žulj

Virtual Pet Project: Hide & Seek

Project

The “Virtual Pet Project: Hide & Seek” is a narrative mini-game designed entirely in Figma. It is played on a Tamagotchi-like device with interactive paw-shaped buttons that function as stimming controls, similar to those found on fidget and stim toys.

The story follows Lucid, a demonic bat-like creature from an unknown planet yet to be discovered by humans. The player can choose to become Lucid’s friend and follow the story as they gradually discover what he is capable of. Lucid appears damaged and is unaware of his power to take the lives of innocent beings. While running away from his problems, he encounters an innocent animal already dying on the road and chooses to take its life. This triggers the “Game Over” message: “Stop running away from your problems by trying to save others.”

The title “Hide & Seek” refers to hiding from one’s own problems while searching for opportunities to help others. As options such as Rest and Sleep offer little progress, the game gradually leads the player towards an action they may initially be unwilling to take.

Year

2026

Mentors and collaborators

(mentor) - Petar Branislav Jelušić, Assistant Professor (mentor)

Institution

RIT Croatia

Author

Magdalena Žulj is a graphic designer from Zagreb. She began her education at the School of Applied Arts and Design in Zagreb and is currently completing an undergraduate degree in New Media Design at RIT Croatia. Her work focuses on character design, visual development and the exploration of different design tools, which she also applied in the “Virtual Pet Project”.

Petar Branislav Jelušić contributed to the project as a mentor and assistant. He is an educator and graphic designer specialising in interactive and digital design. His work explores the use of digital tools in the development of functional systems. After working in corporate and freelance environments, he founded his own design studio.
His academic work includes international research collaborations and publications in data visualisation, steganography and design processes. He teaches in the New Media Design programme at RIT Croatia, where he leads courses in interactive and digital design and combines technical skills with creative exploration.

ORGANISER
Partneri
Sponzori
MEMBER OF
ORGANISER
Partneri
Sponzori
MEMBER OF
ORGANISER
PARTNERS
Sponzori
MEMBER OF
ORGANISER
PARTNERS
Sponzori
MEMBER OF
ORGANISER
PARTNERS
SPONSORS
MEMBER OF