Group: Play

Method: Digital Games

Description of Method:
The use of bespoke or off the shelf digital platforms and technologies to engage in a playful manner with the environment of the local area. Existing and future scenarios can be modelled and explored in platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft. AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) immersive technologies can engage people in exploring buildings and spaces that no longer exist or future design ideas that have been proposed. Some projects use bespoke platforms to create their own games e.g. this place [of mine] where young people in Greater Manchester were supported in co- imagining the future of highstreets, learning digital skills that enabled the production of digital artworks and an ‘immersive online world’.

Purpose of Method:
Digital games can offer an engaging and sometimes immersive level of interactivity. They can present a virtual environment freed from real life constraints that can allow freedom to explore and creative ideas to flow.

Suitable Audience:
We think of children and young people as being the audience with the most affinity to digital games. However more and more people of all ages are becoming used to digital interfaces and, perhaps with some support, a large number of visitors will be able to participate. Digital engagement is also inclusive to those who may face challenges to engaging in person or have limited access to transport or mobility.