Exploring Gobo's Friends: Scratch Mascots

Study Notes

Introduction

In the world of coding and creativity, the Scratch platform stands out as a popular destination for learners of all ages to express their ideas through programming. As part of this dynamic environment, the Scratch community introduced five unique characters known as Gobo's Friends, which include Pico, Nano, Tera, Giga, and others. These characters serve as mascots that represent various aspects of the Scratch experience, fostering engagement and providing inspiration for users. Let's delve deeper into each character, exploring their appearance, personality traits, and significance within the Scratch ecosystem.

Gobo: An Early Arrival

Gobo, named after the term used to describe smaller units of measurement in the metric system, was among the first set of sprites introduced when Scratch transitioned from version 1.0 to 2.0. Drawn by artist Wing Ngan, Gobo served as a friendly presence that guided new users through the learning process. Over time, the Scratch team redesigned Gobo, giving him a fresh look on the website.

Pico: Trickster Extraordinaire

Pico, representing the smallest unit in the metric system, is characterized by its playful nature. It is drawn with a light orange-red coloration, rounded ears, and a pointed head, making it appear youthful and fun. The name "Pico" is also associated with elements of trickery, likely inspired by the April Fool's Day prank in 2013 when Scratch temporarily replaced the mascot image of Gobo with Pico.

Tera: Graceful and Blue

Tera, named after the term indicating larger units in the metric system, features a blue body with fluffy, feathered hair. This gentle design gives Tera an air of elegance and serenity. Tera appears in various contexts across Scratch, including the Email Address Confirmation pages, the Scratch Day video, and even in the Scratch Mentors' series called "Scratch Mystery".

Nano: Small but Mighty

Nano represents a unit of measurement that is both small and wide. While being the shortest of Gobo's Friends, Nano is also the widest, resulting in a rather unusual aspect ratio. Despite its size, Nano remains a beloved character within the Scratch community.

Giga: Powerhouse Personified

Giga, representing a billion units of measurement, embodies strength and energy. Similar to Pico, Giga sports a dark red color with pointy hair, creating a powerful impression. Giga is featured prominently on the 404 Error page, highlighting its important role in guiding users who encounter broken links or missing resources.

Conclusion

In summary, the Scratch mascots - Gobo, Pico, Nano, Tera, and Giga - serve as endearing representatives of the Scratch community. Their diverse appearances and characteristics reflect the range of experiences available on the platform, offering guidance, encouragement, and inspiration to creators of all levels. These mascots continue to engage and delight users, solidifying Scratch's reputation as a welcoming space for creative exploration through code and collaboration.

Description

Delve into the fascinating world of Gobo's Friends, the unique characters representing different aspects of the Scratch platform. Learn about Gobo, Pico, Nano, Tera, and Giga - their appearances, personalities, and significance within the Scratch ecosystem.