The recent webinar hosted by Lydia Symchych, a video game designer at ELB Learning, focused on the intersection of game design and educational impact. The session explored how games can be crafted to foster learning and positively influence players. Lydia's background in educational media and her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic provided a rich context for the discussion.
The Essence of Positive Impact Game Design
Lydia introduced herself as a "positive impact video game designer," emphasizing her commitment to creating games that enhance learning experiences. Her journey into game design began with a passion for education and teaching, which she pursued through various roles in museums and educational game development. This unique background shaped her understanding of how interactive content can effectively teach and reinforce concepts.
The core message of the webinar was clear: games should leave learners better than they were before playing. Lydia outlined her approach to game design, which revolves around four key steps aimed at ensuring that the educational objectives are met while maintaining engagement.
Understanding Learner Needs
The first step in Lydia's design process involves deeply understanding the needs of the learners. This entails identifying the problems that need solving and setting clear impact objectives for what the game should achieve. She stressed that a game cannot do everything; it must focus on specific goals to be effective. By categorizing content into three buckets—what will be covered, what can be saved for future games, and what should not be included—designers can streamline their focus.
Defining Game Objectives
Once the content is sorted, the next step is to define precise goals for the game. Lydia encouraged participants to articulate these goals clearly, using statements like "This game should teach..." to keep the design process aligned with educational outcomes. Secondary impact objectives can also support the primary goal, such as ensuring accessibility or accommodating diverse learning needs. To understand the goal identification process further, watch the full recording of the webinar here.
Considering the Audience
Lydia highlighted that understanding who will play the game extends beyond just identifying learners; it includes considering those administering the game and other stakeholders affected by its outcomes. This comprehensive view ensures that all needs are balanced in the design process.
Researching Content and Mechanics
Research is crucial in developing effective games. Lydia shared her own experiences of researching various topics to inform her designs, from educational standards to existing games and mechanics that could inspire innovative gameplay. She emphasized that understanding pain points in current training methods can guide designers in creating games that address these challenges effectively.
Designing Engaging Mechanics
Incorporating engaging mechanics is vital for maintaining learner interest. Lydia discussed intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, explaining that while both play roles in engagement, intrinsic motivation—driven by personal satisfaction—is often more sustainable. She cautioned against relying solely on extrinsic motivators like competition or rewards, as these can lead to toxic learning environments if not managed carefully.
Prototyping and Testing
The final stages of Lydia's process involve prototyping and testing games with real users. She encouraged designers to document their ideas thoroughly and use storyboards or flowcharts to visualize gameplay mechanics and user interactions. Evaluating the game across diverse player groups helps ensure it strikes a chord with the intended audience and successfully meets their expectations.
Lydia's insights into designing games for positive impact provide valuable guidance for anyone interested in educational game development. Her emphasis on understanding learner needs, defining clear objectives, researching content thoroughly, and designing engaging mechanics creates a robust framework for creating effective educational games.
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For those interested in exploring these concepts further, watching the full recording of this webinar is highly recommended. Lydia's engaging presentation style and practical advice make it an enriching experience for educators, designers, and anyone passionate about leveraging games for learning. By embracing these principles, we can create games that not only entertain but also educate, leaving a lasting positive impact on learners everywhere.
