The House We Build

This project presents a research-creation digital application of "The House We Built", which was developed as a population (user) engagement and elicitation research tool. The aim was to use the in-game experience to allow the user to experience the real life challenges of planning population growth. This includes making choices about the design and placement of houses, parks, schools and other amenities for different age groups and lifestyles. The objective is to encourage better informed thinking as a 'problem solver' and not a 'blocker' of solutions. To test ways to become more open minded about the means that Newcastle (NSW, Australian) might be developed as a place for future as well as existing 'Novocastrians'. The serious games digital application 'positions' the player perspective as an insider to the planning process – emotionally taking an emit view of the challenge of changing living environments for people – the aim is to influence player/user perceptions. The game mechanics and visual assets promote opportunities to help others and contribute to a community. The process provides 'facts', 'motivation' and 'opportunity' to effect change in a serious game environment.