PBS KIDS wanted to understand how well Count on June Bug! resonated with children 3-5 years old and their caregivers, both as a short-form video property and as an interactive game experience. Conducted in two distinct phases, the research explored engagement, comprehension, and early math learning. The goal of the project was identifying what was working well and where refinements could strengthen clarity, challenge level, and overall usability to inform future design and iterations.

Fluent conducted two phases of in-person research with 25 children and their caregivers. In Phase 1, children watched a selection of Count on June Bug! shorts, while researchers observed their engagement and gathered feedback through brief pre- and post-viewing interviews. In Phase 2, children participated in guided play sessions with the June Bug’s Count-y Fair game experience. Researchers observed gameplay behaviors, navigation, and areas of success or struggle, alongside brief pre- and post-play interviews to capture understanding of math concepts and overall reactions.

Across both phases, findings showed strong enthusiasm and engagement from young children. They were drawn to Count on June Bug!’s appealing characters, playful tone, and vibrant, nature-inspired visual style. Caregivers consistently valued the educational approach, noting that the math content introduced concepts beyond basic counting and supported early learning in an encouraging, confidence-building way. Overall, results suggest Count on June Bug! translates well from viewing to interactive play. The findings also highlight opportunities to strengthen clarity and usability, particularly around instructions, pacing, and key interaction cues. Adding more variety and challenge could better meet a wider range of ages and skill levels.