Run for the Hills! Co-Design of Games for Geological Disaster Risk Communication

In this research, we presented how serious games, games that support learning, can be designed to communicate volcanic-tsunami risks to New Zealand school children educated in a bi-cultural environment. Appropriately designed risk communication resources for children can reduce societal vulnerability to natural hazards. Serious games can be an effective pedagogy for children to learn, yet the research gaps are extensive.

This research presents data from working with a Māori language kura to co-design a serious game for tamariki about tsunami risk communication and evacuation strategies. Our methods use data collected from children and teacher’s feedback and observations from a workshop during a week-long GNS science led Geocamp learning activity.

The results suggest a hybrid, locally situated game with 3D elements as a viable design approach. Hybrid games are games that combine physical elements like a board and tokens, with digital content such as a mobile application. Further game ideas collected include, but are not limited to, playable avatars, the use of te reo Māori, and voices heard. In addition to observing and reflecting on the children’s game ideas, interviews with kura māhita and geoscience experts will be conducted. These will help focus ideas for the game within constraints of the school and science research.

Once results are collected, children will be able to vote for the final design of a game they would like to play. The game will be designed in a way that east coast Aotearoa locals will be able to connect to the game whilst playing and learning about tsunami risk and evacuation strategies. We will present our insights in the co-design process, first game design concepts and the overall value of games in earth ako at the GeoScience conference.