Understand

Empathize

The Library has a series of classes to prepare young adults for independent life. The Adulting Class focuses on the basics of local government, specifically targeting lack of knowledge and correcting misinformation found on various sites, including Facebook.

Define

The Library needed a way to actively engage participants in the Adulting class. They found straight lectures not to be effective and requested a game to present the information in a fun way.

Learned

I learned the need for young adult citizens to become more aware of local government to counter misinformation available through social media sites. I also came to value the role of libraries in providing valid and reliable information to their communities.

Explore

Ideate

The Library originally requested a video game. The design team conducted a Facebook survey to determine the best vehicle for this game: video vs. traditional board game. Additionally, several user interviews were conducted.

The survey and interview results showed a strong preference for a board game that did not require technology. Participants liked the social aspects of a board game. The Ferndale community seems to enjoy board games. The benefits of a board game included lower costs for development. In addition to the survey, the team…

• Conducted a competitive analysis of 12 similar and different types of games;
• Reviewed maps and other municipal-based boardgames; and
• Considered the Ferndale Library’s website and logo for inspiration.
• Asked team members’ classmates to review game ideas and participate in ideation scenario-based activities.

Prototype

The design team utilized Figma to create several prototype game boards. Each iteration of the game developed into a higher fidelity version. The design moved from a generic lo-fi layout to a roadway to a city map that incorporated local themes, including the library and a park. Considerations for the prototypes involved consideration of the costs of custom game boards.

The design team utilized Figma to create several prototype game boards. Each iteration of the game developed into a higher fidelity version. The design moved from a generic lo-fi layout to a roadway to a city map that incorporated local themes, including the library and a park. Considerations for the prototypes involved consideration of the costs of custom game boards.

Learned

Once again, I learned to be flexible and change designs when required. I also realized that technology-based products are not always the best option. I must always do what is best for the user.

Materialize

Test

The design team found several Library patrons and employees who volunteered to play the various prototypes. Feedback, overall, was positive. Several suggestions for improvements were incorporated into the final product. The evolution from concept to the final game can be seen in the prototype slideshow. Library management was very pleased with the final version.

Future

The game will be used in the Adulting Class. The team also consulted with a video game designer to consider the merits of a digital version of the game. At this time, the game is not scheduled to be produced in other media; however, the possibility still exists. The poster below presents an overview of the game and the rationale of a game meeting the Ferndale Library’s goals for the Adulting Class.

Learned

I learned about the flexibility of design and the potential to transition a project between one medium and another. Play is not commonly used as a method of evaluation or assessment, but I saw the benefits of play-based testing for user satisfaction.

Conclusion

The Library is taking steps to educate their patrons and correct misinformation using game-based learning theory. The Government Game will be a substantial part of this undertaking. This experience provided the opportunity to perform the UX design thinking process in a non-digital environment.

• Jakob’s Law: Participants in user surveys preferred a boardgame platform to video games. Therefore, the ideation process led the team to a boardgame design instead of a video game.
• Law of Parsimony: Given that the least complex design is the preferred design, the boardgame design held the advantage of simplicity over video games.
• Miller’s Law: A boardgame with a lot of rules or options for moves may be difficult for players to negotiate all of the options, thereby impeding the game’s playability.
• Hick’s Law: The players must choose from multiple-choice options on a card. If the choices are complex, the player may need more time to respond. Again, extended response time impedes the game’s playability.
• Peak-End Rule: Players will rate their experiences of the game at the most entertaining moments and at the end of play.

I was delighted to learn that the design process worked equally well in a nondigital and digital environment.