Games for everyone

This project is a follow-up project to the PWO research 'custom game'. That research involved selecting and adapting games for training executive functions in young people with intellectual disabilities. A literature study, survey of the field and observations of game moments led to cyclical design research of four game prototypes suitable for our target group. From this research we concluded that the target group is very heterogeneous and diverse, which leads to an even greater need for inclusive working and universal design. In addition, the power of play in terms of other educational opportunities also explicitly emerged. With this follow-up project, we therefore want to focus on the connecting aspect of games in terms of involvement and strengthening social skills, for everyone. We want to conduct participatory research in which several game moments are organized with associated observations as well as reflective conversations with stakeholders. As an output, we envisage, on the one hand, a games guide with guidelines on using and adapting games for a heterogeneous target group aimed at practicing social skills and involvement of each player. On the other hand, we want to put together a game suitcase with suitable existing and developed game material that is linked to it. The research will lead to strengthening the field by integrating the games guide and suitcase into the training offering of VIVES GamesLab and the possibility of borrowing the games suitcase for a wide audience. Furthermore, integration is possible in curricula of the study areas of education, healthcare and social work.

Keywords:executive functions, informal learning, universal design, game materials

Disciplines:Educational counselling and school guidance, Orthopedagogics and special education not elsewhere classified, Product design, Occupational therapy, Informal learning

Project type:Collaboration project