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Project Overview
In today's world, games have the potential to drive social change. This project invites you to tackle real-world challenges through board game design. You'll explore the intersection of gameplay and social issues, applying core skills to create a game that resonates with players and fosters community dialogue.
Project Sections
Understanding Social Impact
This section dives into the principles of social impact design, exploring how games can influence societal change. You'll learn to identify relevant social issues and the role of community engagement in your design process.
Key challenges include selecting a social issue that resonates and ensuring your game mechanics align with your message.
Tasks:
- ▸Research social issues that can be addressed through gameplay and select one for your project.
- ▸Analyze existing games that tackle social issues, noting their successes and failures.
- ▸Create a design brief outlining your chosen social issue and initial game concept.
- ▸Engage with community members to gather insights on the selected issue and their perspectives.
- ▸Draft a mission statement for your game that reflects its social impact goals.
- ▸Present your findings and concept to peers for feedback and refinement.
Resources:
- 📚Books on social impact in gaming
- 📚Articles on community engagement strategies
- 📚Case studies of successful socially impactful games
Reflection
Reflect on how your chosen social issue aligns with your personal values and the potential impact of your game on the community.
Checkpoint
Submit your design brief and mission statement for review.
Iterative Design Principles
Explore the iterative design process crucial for refining your game. This section emphasizes the importance of playtesting and gathering feedback to enhance gameplay and ensure the game effectively communicates its message.
You will face challenges in balancing feedback with your design vision.
Tasks:
- ▸Develop a prototype of your board game based on your initial design concepts.
- ▸Conduct playtesting sessions with diverse groups to gather feedback.
- ▸Analyze feedback to identify common themes and areas for improvement.
- ▸Iterate on your game design, making necessary adjustments based on playtest results.
- ▸Document the changes made and the rationale behind them.
- ▸Engage with mentors or industry professionals for additional insights and suggestions.
Resources:
- 📚Playtesting guides
- 📚Feedback analysis frameworks
- 📚Iterative design case studies
Reflection
Consider how the feedback received has influenced your design decisions and the evolution of your game.
Checkpoint
Complete a revised prototype ready for further testing.
Community Engagement Strategies
Learn effective techniques for involving community members in your design process. This section focuses on fostering collaboration and ensuring that diverse voices are heard in the development of your game.
Key challenges include effectively managing diverse opinions and ensuring inclusivity.
Tasks:
- ▸Create a community engagement plan outlining how you'll involve stakeholders in your design process.
- ▸Host a workshop to gather input from community members on your game concept.
- ▸Facilitate discussions to explore how the game can better represent community perspectives.
- ▸Incorporate feedback into your design, ensuring it reflects community values.
- ▸Establish partnerships with local organizations for support and resources.
- ▸Document the engagement process and insights gained from community interactions.
Resources:
- 📚Community engagement toolkits
- 📚Workshops on facilitating group discussions
- 📚Local social impact organizations
Reflection
Reflect on the effectiveness of your engagement strategies and how they shaped your game's development.
Checkpoint
Submit your community engagement plan and documentation.
Ethical Considerations in Game Design
This section addresses the ethical implications of designing games around social issues. You'll learn to navigate these complexities and ensure your game promotes positive messaging and responsible representation.
Challenges include balancing entertainment with ethical storytelling.
Tasks:
- ▸Research ethical considerations specific to your chosen social issue and game mechanics.
- ▸Draft an ethical framework that guides your game design process.
- ▸Evaluate your game against this framework to identify potential ethical dilemmas.
- ▸Seek feedback from peers on the ethical implications of your design.
- ▸Revise your game to align with ethical standards and community expectations.
- ▸Create a presentation outlining your ethical considerations and their impact on gameplay.
Resources:
- 📚Ethics in game design literature
- 📚Frameworks for ethical storytelling
- 📚Case studies of ethical dilemmas in games
Reflection
Consider how ethical considerations have influenced your design choices and the overall message of your game.
Checkpoint
Submit your ethical framework and presentation.
Preparing for the Showcase
This final section focuses on preparing for the public showcase of your game. You'll learn how to effectively present your game to diverse audiences, highlighting its social impact and engaging potential.
Key challenges include crafting a compelling narrative and managing audience interactions.
Tasks:
- ▸Develop a presentation that effectively communicates your game's concept and social impact.
- ▸Create promotional materials for the showcase, including flyers and social media posts.
- ▸Rehearse your presentation with peers, incorporating their feedback.
- ▸Plan interactive elements for your showcase to engage attendees.
- ▸Organize logistics for the showcase, including venue and materials needed.
- ▸Conduct a final review of your game to ensure it is showcase-ready.
Resources:
- 📚Presentation skills workshops
- 📚Marketing materials templates
- 📚Showcase event planning guides
Reflection
Reflect on your preparation process and how you plan to engage your audience during the showcase.
Checkpoint
Complete your showcase presentation and materials.
Timeline
A flexible timeline of 8-12 weeks, allowing for iterative development and regular feedback sessions.
Final Deliverable
The final deliverable is a polished board game prototype accompanied by a comprehensive presentation that highlights its social impact, design process, and community involvement. This showcase-worthy product will serve as a key portfolio piece.
Evaluation Criteria
- ✓Depth of research and understanding of the social issue
- ✓Quality and creativity of the game design
- ✓Effectiveness of community engagement strategies
- ✓Adherence to ethical considerations in design
- ✓Clarity and impact of the final presentation
- ✓Ability to respond to feedback and iterate on designs
- ✓Overall impact of the game on players and the community
Community Engagement
Engage with local communities and fellow designers through workshops and showcase events, fostering collaboration and feedback opportunities.