Magrid for Psychologists
A structured, research-based tool to support assessment, intervention, and skill development
Magrid is a research-based learning program designed to support the development of early mathematical and cognitive skills through structured, visual, and language-neutral activities.
It provides psychologists with a consistent, observable framework for understanding how children engage with core learning processes, while supporting targeted intervention over time.
Grounded in cognitive and developmental research
Magrid was developed in response to research highlighting how early mathematical learning is often impacted by language barriers and unequal access to foundational skills. It was designed to provide a more accessible, language-neutral approach to developing early mathematical and cognitive abilities.
Magrid is built on principles from:
- cognitive science
- developmental psychology
- early mathematics learning
The program focuses on foundational skills that underpin learning, including:
- visual perception and discrimination
- working memory and attention
- spatial reasoning and mental manipulation
- pattern recognition and logical structuring
- early number sense and quantitative reasoning
These domains are widely recognised as critical to later academic development across mathematics, literacy, and broader cognitive functioning.
Validation studies in classroom settings have demonstrated:
- improvements of up to 70% in mathematics and cognitive skill development (classroom studies across Europe, 2015–2021)
- the same outcomes regardless of home language, supporting equitable access (multilingual classroom study, Luxembourg)
Further details on these studies and the underlying research can be found on the Magrid research and evidence page.
A structured environment for observation
Magrid provides a consistent and controlled task environment, allowing for more reliable observation of how children approach learning.
Because tasks are:
- visual and language-neutral
- systematically structured
- progressively sequenced
Professionals can more easily observe:
- problem-solving strategies
- error patterns
- persistence and attention
- response to feedback
- independence in task completion
This supports qualitative insight alongside formal assessment tools.
Supporting assessment and data-informed understanding
Magrid is not a diagnostic tool. However, it provides detailed, longitudinal data that can contribute meaningfully to assessment processes.
Available data includes:
- activity completion and progression
- time spent and engagement patterns
- performance across specific cognitive and mathematical domains
- assessment outcomes linked to defined skill areas
This information can help:
- identify emerging strengths and areas of difficulty
- support hypothesis generation
- monitor changes over time
- complement standardised assessments
A tool for intervention and skill development
Magrid can be used as part of targeted intervention to support the development of foundational skills.
Its structured progression allows for:
- repeated exposure to key concepts
- gradual increase in complexity
- skill consolidation through practice
It is particularly relevant for children who:
- benefit from visual and structured learning
- require reduced linguistic load
- need repetition and consistency
- experience difficulties with attention, working memory, or early numeracy
As a result, Magrid can function as both a training tool and a support for ongoing intervention.
Accessible and inclusive by design
Magrid is designed to minimise common barriers to engagement, allowing children to interact directly with tasks in a consistent and controlled environment. This supports both equitable access and more reliable observation of underlying abilities.
Accessible task environment
- Low-stimulation visual design – a calm, uncluttered interface reduces distraction and supports learners with attention or sensory processing differences
- Language-neutral interface – tasks are fully visual, removing reliance on reading or verbal instruction and enabling use across multilingual contexts
- Clear visual guidance – scaffolded task structures and strong visual cues support independent engagement and reduce ambiguity
- Non-verbal interaction – all activities can be completed through simple actions (tap, drag, select), removing barriers related to literacy or expressive language
- Minimal reliance on audio – less than 1% of content includes optional sound, and all core activities can be completed without it
- Inclusive usability – designed for both left- and right-handed learners, with a colour palette that supports clarity, including for those with colour vision differences
These features support more direct engagement with tasks, reducing the influence of language, instruction, or environmental complexity on performance.
Structured and progressive content
Magrid’s content is carefully sequenced to support gradual skill development while maintaining consistency across tasks.
- Structured progression – skills are introduced step by step, with increasing complexity over time
- Defined learning domains – cognitive and mathematical skills are developed within a clear, organised framework
- Non-verbal, low-literacy activities – support conceptual understanding without dependence on language-based processing
- Meaningful repetition – reinforces skills through variation and repeated exposure, supporting consolidation
- Adaptive pacing – allows learners to progress at an appropriate rate, with opportunities for reinforcement where needed
This structured approach supports both intervention planning and longitudinal observation.
Supporting engagement and persistence
The design of Magrid supports sustained engagement while avoiding overstimulation.
- Balanced feedback system – immediate visual and optional audio feedback supports learning without overwhelming the learner
- Encouraged exploration – tasks allow for trial and error, supporting problem-solving and reducing fear of failure
- Short, manageable sessions – activities are designed for focused engagement (typically 10–15 minutes), supporting attention and consistency
- Confidence-building environment – the absence of language pressure and the presence of achievable tasks support motivation and persistence
Consistency across contexts
Magrid is designed to function consistently across environments, supporting continuity between settings.
- Works across tablets, computers, and mobile devices
- Can be used in clinical, educational, and home environments
- Functions offline after initial setup
- Provides a consistent interaction model regardless of context
This consistency supports collaboration and reduces variability in how tasks are experienced.
Flexible implementation across contexts
Magrid can be integrated into a variety of professional settings:
Direct sessions (in-person or remote)
Used as a structured activity to observe and guide learning
Between-session practice
Assigned as independent work to reinforce targeted skills
Home-based support
Enabling continuity between clinical, educational, and home environments
Collaborative intervention models
Supporting coordinated input across professionals
This flexibility supports consistent engagement and maximises intervention time.
Supporting collaboration and communication
Magrid makes it easy to share insight across the child’s support network.
Data and progress can be:
- accessed through the platform (either within the app or via a web-based dashboard)
- shared with families and caregivers
- used to inform discussions with educators and other professionals
This supports:
- clearer communication
- aligned goals across settings
- a more cohesive understanding of the child’s development
Practical and easy to implement
Magrid is designed for quick integration into professional practice.
- Simple setup with individual learner profiles
- No logins or passwords required for children
- Works across devices and offline after initial use
- Minimal training required to begin
This allows psychologists to incorporate the tool without adding significant complexity to their workflow.
A complementary tool within professional practice
Magrid is not intended to replace formal assessment or clinical judgement.
Instead, it provides a structured, evidence-based environment that supports observation, intervention, and ongoing understanding of a child’s learning profile.
By combining independent engagement, detailed data, and a research-based framework, Magrid supports psychologists in building a more complete picture of each child’s strengths and needs.