HELEN BENDER

A designer led by curiosity and empathy.

Through my portfolio, I invite you to explore my journey as a designer and the projects that reflect my commitment to human-centered design.

Have a question or want to share your thoughts about my work? Feel free to send an email.

08PROJECT

CITY LIFE: MUSEUM VIDEO GAME


MENTORRene Rebane
Estonian Academy of Arts
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Estonian Museum of Natural History

2022
GAME DESIGN

BRIEF

In response to the Estonian Museum of Natural History's initiative to create an engaging exhibition on urban nature, design students, guided by mentor Rene Rebane, embarked on individual projects to contribute unique concepts. The focal point was an educational game designed to enlighten visitors, especially students, about the challenges of urban nature and inspire proactive contributions.



What can I do for my city?


RESEARCH

I grew up with two older brothers, so I was introduced to video and board games at a fairly young age and they've been a big part of my life. However, in the last few years, I had become a bit distant from games, and when I started the project, I had a nice moment of rediscovery. Together we went through game definitions, theories and looked inside to analyse my memories and experiences with games. It broadened my understanding of the topic and provided a lot of inspiration.

We also started by immersing ourselves in the realm of urban nature, delving into its concerns and potential for growth. A visit to the Museum of Natural History further enriched our understanding. We also analyzed existing games, drawing inspiration and insights related to urban nature.



A TRIP TO THE MUSEUM TO CHECK OUT THE EXCISTING GAMES AND GAIN INSPIRATION




As a practical problem for the project, I set myself the question 
"How can I educate the visitor and give advice on nature conservation without losing the playfulness?". After reading articles on game design, 
I also realised how much potential it has to educate people and help develop critical thinking.

In the design process, I followed the methods of ideation, prototyping, playtesting, and analysis, and started to establish my core loop and essential experience.


MOODBOARD
STYLEBOARD


The central concept that emerged was a game where players confront a city in a less-than-ideal state – one plagued by limited urban nature, constrained animals, ever-so dominant human infrastructure and waste. However, the game also conveys a hopeful message: 
it's not too late to instigate positive change. The player's mission becomes enhancing the city's quality of life, offering a tangible and interactive approach to urban nature improvement.

Players have the agency to choose whose perspective they align with. Based on their choices, welfare indicators shift either positively or negatively. But we don't often have black and white answers and there are many sides and arguments in discussions.




This evolved into the core loop of my game. Players start with a city in poor condition, engage in debates among various stakeholders, and gain knowledge that they can potentially apply in their own lives.


CITY IN A BAD STATE
 INDICATED AREAS THAT NEED FIXING OR PRESERVING 
YOU CHOOSE ONE OF THEM
DEBATE TIME
YOU LEARN THE WAYS AND DIFFERENT ARGUMENTS FOR PRESERVING URBAN NATURE

..AAAND REPEAT.





Considering the diverse audience at the Natural History Museum, ranging from young kids to adults, the game is primarily designed for elementary school-age children. It may be too complex for younger children to grasp fully. The game can be displayed on a large screen, allowing for a shared experience. 

Additionally, it provides an opportunity for spectators to watch and learn, even if they are hesitant to play themselves.






My objective was to cultivate awareness and illustrate why certain arguments hold more merit than others.
However, real-life scenarios seldom offer clear-cut, black-and-white answers. Through this game, players have the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives and, ideally, stimulate further discussion and debate.



Play the beginning of the game here.
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