Imagining inclusive technological futures through participatory board game design

Adriaan Odendaal*, Karla Zavala Barreda

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

In 2021, we conducted a series of experimental participatory design workshops that brought diverse groups of participants together to create a board game. The purpose of this project was to use participatory game design as a provocative medium for exploring questions about and ideas for more inclusive and desirable technological futures. This paper presents a report of our experiences conducting this project, reflecting on critical aspects of its creation, facilitation, and outcomes. Through reporting on this reflective practice, we present three key findings that were instrumental in fostering a space for imaginaries of more inclusive and desirable technological futures to emerge. Firstly, through an experimental participatory design structure that promotes polyvocality in the project. Secondly, through applying a critical framework that allowed the game design activities to serve as means for reflecting on social and technological topics. Lastly, by using the affordances of game design to collectively explore ideas for more desirable technological futures. In conclusion, this paper provides methodological insights and possible practical applications of participatory game design for bringing more inclusivity into discussions about, decision-making around, and possibly even the design of future technologies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)291-311
Number of pages21
JournalDesign Journal
Volume27
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Research programs

  • ESSB PA

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