Technical Change - Game Design
Project breakdown
This project was designed to promote the concept of free play and creative learning through an interactive board game aimed at children between the ages of 7 and 12. The objective is to engage young minds in solving real-world challenges by finding innovative ways to supply energy using renewable sources, particularly in times of emergency. Unlike traditional games, this one has no fixed end goal. Instead, players decide when they are satisfied with their progress and can conclude the game once they believe they have successfully fulfilled the goal of SDG 7—providing clean and sustainable energy for all (UN, 2019).
The game fosters collaboration by encouraging players to help each other, simulating a global community where energy needs differ across regions. Players can either share energy they've gathered during the game or assist others in constructing tools, infrastructure, or objects to harness energy from renewable sources. Children are provided with a variety of building blocks in different shapes, which they can creatively assemble without a predetermined outcome. The focus is on building functional structures based on the intended purpose rather than the final appearance, allowing for open-ended design (Abstract - The Art of Design S02E04, 2019).
Through gameplay, children learn to assess available resources and adapt to rapidly changing scenarios. They explore renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, and are challenged to implement clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solutions. The game emphasizes the importance of flexible problem-solving, creativity, and innovation, as players navigate unpredictable challenges using the energy they've stored or by designing new and inventive ways to generate it.
This project highlights my skills in game design, strategic problem-solving, and creative thinking, as well as my ability to incorporate educational objectives with engaging and meaningful gameplay. By merging design, education, and sustainability, I aimed to create an experience that not only entertains but also informs and empowers young minds to think critically about renewable energy and the role it plays in building a more sustainable future.