Introducing Madix
and the BIFBOTS
Combining the art of story, music, and media with technology to inspire young teen creativity.
In the NASA longitudinal study, 98% of 5-year-old children fell into the 'genius category of imagination'. This number dropped to 12% for 15-year-olds. We need to urgently reverse this decline in ways that prepare our young teens for the challenges of the 21st century - in which the capacity to imagine, innovate and solve problems will be their defining advantage.
This is our BIF North Star
Madix and the BIFBOTS Overview
The middle school years mark a pivotal phase when young teen brains begin rewiring for adulthood. This is a critical window to spark neural pathways that future-proof creativity (as opposed to encoding a binary mindset through ‘right or wrong’ exams). And so, recognising this moment, Madix & the BIFBOTS is thoughtfully designed to nurture, and strengthen creative mindsets and skills using entertainment.
By seamlessly blending creative arts with STEM learning, Madix & the BIFBOTS delivers an engaging problem-solving experience tailored for 10-13 year-olds. This innovative approach not only resonates with young teens’ natural interests but also fosters the curiosity and collaboration skills vital for success in a rapidly evolving world.
How Does Madix Work?
Madix & the BIFBOTS is creative literacy, but not as you know it. Think “edutainment”—where an entertaining story forms the foundation for both individual exploration and shared learning.
1. Start with Story
The journey begins with a Graphic Novel that poses a central question: How does a creative girl survive and thrive in a digital world?
Volume 1 introduces the future setting, the challenges Madix and her friends face, and a sentient robot that changes everything. Throughout the story, you’ll see BIF behaviours in action - from individual creativity to collaborative innovation - setting the stage for igniting young teens’ curiosity and drive to create.
2. The Ideas Workbook
Madix & the BIFBOTS doesn’t stop at the story - it comes to life through a companion Ideas Journal that encourages young teens to mirror the characters’ creative journey in their own lives.
From Inspiration to Action
As the graphic novel sparks confidence that Madix and her friends can create and collaborate, teens realise they can do the same.Chapter-by-Chapter Engagement
Each chapter in the workbook aligns with a specific behavior from the story, challenging readers to apply that creative principle themselves. By solving each part of the workbook, they build toward a final idea answering what happens next?Cliffhanger Ending
Volume #1 intentionally ends on a cliffhanger - teens are invited to imagine and create their own version of what’s next. They can write, draw, design, perform - whatever brings their vision to life.
For a detailed look at how each chapter’s creative behaviours tie to individual and shared creativity, click below to explore the chapters in depth.
-
Following Madix’s journey of discovery, young teens learn to tap into their own powers of curiosity. They become more aware of their inner thoughts and the world around them, sparking a sense of wonder that fuels creative thinking.
-
By seeing how Madix gains new insights through empathy, young teens learn to foster empathy for themselves and others - sparking ideas grounded in understanding and stared feeling.
-
Madix discovers that real breakthroughs come from working together. Likewise, young teens team up to develop their own Madix & the BIFBOTS ideas - using art, media, and technology to craft new stories, lyrics, music, illustrations, animations, poetry, performances, and more.
-
Madix and her friends learn to bounce back from setbacks, and so do our young teens. By sharing early ideas for feedback, they gain the confidence to present unfinished concepts, take on constructive criticism, and keep pushing forward - even when challenges arise.
3. Sharing Outputs
We encourage young teens to showcase their ideas in our secure, closed community - a safe online space where they can express themselves, build on each other’s creativity, and even help shape future installments in the Madix & the BIFBOTS series.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We’ve structured Madix & the BIFBOTS as an 8-week program when delivered in schools. Each part features four sessions, and with two 50-minute sessions per week, teachers and students can complete one “part” per fortnight. Both the graphic novel and the e-workbook are provided in digital format, enabling easy integration into class activities, discussions, and creative exercises.
-
Yes! We offer two key supports for teachers using Madix & the BIFBOTS in the classroom:
a. BIF Educator Program (additional)
Gain access to our dedicated educator training, ensuring you feel confident and equipped to integrate Madix into your lessons.b. Madix Teaching Resource (comes with)
Tap into our teacher-prepared guide that showcases best practices, lesson structures, and real-world examples of how Madix has been effectively introduced to middle school students. -
We give Educators access to our Madix program resources in our secure community space. There you will find the Graphic Novel in sections and as completed Book (PDF), and the Workbook in both PDF and .docx formats
-
We believe in celebrating creativity! Within the Madix & the BIFBOTS Workbook, there’s a dedicated session where students learn to confidently present their ideas. We then invite them to share these creations in our secure, online community, inspiring other educators and students who want to ignite their own creativity with the Madix program.
-
We’re dedicated to building an active, collaborative BIF community where people share and develop ideas for the good of people and planet. As this community grows, Matt and the team aim to support it through:
Ad Hoc Live Sessions: Open-invite gatherings (online or in-person) to spark discussion and inspiration.
Guest Experts: Special guests from diverse fields to offer fresh insights and experiences.
Collaborative Opportunities: We’re always open to new ideas and partnerships - if you have suggestions on how to better serve our community, please reach out!
Shop
Madix and the BIFBOTS Story 1
Madix and the BIFBOTS explores the story of how a creative girl survives and thrives in a digital world.
Ideas Journal as Workbook
The companion workbook to follow the story and apply for personal learning & doing.
Interested in Madix for your school?
Use the form below to drop us a line and we’ll revert ASAP to explore further with you:
