Game design is a complex process that encompasses the learning content, pedagogy, user interface and game mechanics – the “formal rules that define the operation of the game world, what the player can do, the challenges the player will face, and the player’s goals”. Equally important is gameplay experience, including players’ interactions with the game and the behavior of […]
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“SNAP!”: A game to elicit word associations Participants get to activate their minds by tapping on their ability to quickly come up with words on a certain theme, listen actively, and react rapidly when something special happens. “Snap!” is a fast-paced, intensely fun game that can be deployed with three aims: – Energize participants:
15 Games that can also be used as energizer and ice breakers in workshops or community trainings: 1. Meet my Daughter: to introduce group members at the beginning of the workshop and to create a relaxed atmosphere. 2. My Passion: to introduce group members at the beginning of the workshop. 3. Animal Crackers: To introduce group
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A participatory activity for communities affected by disasters aimed at inspiring a desire to learn about safe building methods, in particular “bracing” (structural reinforcement). With limited time and materials, players construct shelter for households recently affected by an extreme event. They confront the trade-offs between quick and cheap housing versus stronger but more resource- and
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Games encourage empowered action and they generate shared experiences and discussions that are truly participatory. For humanitarian organizations and local volunteers it is an active learning experience; a playful dialogue about situated action rather than an abstract discussion or exercise.Despite their usefulness, many people view games as a child’s pastime, as a medium that is not serious, and is
This document gives a few of many possible examples where RCRC pratitioners can use games in their work such as advocacy, dissemination of key messages across age groups or enhancing discussion of complex concepts such as climate change.
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The game centres on climate-related information in decision-making at the community level, and how neighbouring upstream and downstream communities can work together to manage consequences of flood, drought and deforestation. Upstream Downstream is an interactive serious game developed to help participants explore the complex relationships between natural resource management, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Originally
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In pursuit of more efficient ways to engage communities along the Zambezi River in Namibia in a focused dialogue that leads to action on disaster preparedness and risk reduction, the American Red Cross (ARC) began collaborating with the Prototyping, Evaluation, Teaching and Learning Lab (PETLab) at Parsons New School for Design (New York, USA) and
A participatory activity to support experiential learning and dialogue on the differential vulnerability of women and men facing climate variability and change. Players first take on the role of subsistence farmers facing changing risks — then ‘walk in the shoes’ of a specific gender role. Experiencing the consequences of individual and collective decisions, rich discussions
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Disaster Preparedness Games Introduction The American Red Cross’ International Services Department has teamed up with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre and Parsons The New School of Design’s Prototyping, Evaluation, Teaching and Learning Lab (PETLab) to develop a set of participatory games about disaster preparedness and changing climate risks. The games serve as a platform
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