This paper describes the design process of a collection of educational Java applets for fostering spatial abilities in primary and secondary education. It describes the process in which I tried to exploit the unique possibilities of software in realizing learning activities with a clear add-on value in reaching the learning objectives.

I will not only use the viewpoint of an educational designer who is inspired by the possibilities of software, but also that of a software designer and programmer who is inspired by educational needs and ideas to modify existing software features or create new ones.