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Awkward Moment

Presidential Scholar Game Design Intern

Winter 2012

Overview

 
 

Team

Worked closely with Mary Flanagan, Viviana Ramos, Max Seidman, Zara Downs, Sukdith Punjasthitkul, and Geoff Kaufman.

 
 

Grant

National Science Foundation - “Transforming Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) for Women and Girls: Reworking Stereotypes & Bias”

 
 

Goal

Reduce gender bias and broaden participation in the STEM fields by creating game designs informed by psychological theory and research.

 
 

Project

 
 

Process

Researched psychology behind social biases, prototyped content and game mechanisms, ran user testing, gathered game feedback, supported facilitation of psychology experiments, conducted user outreach through visits to local middle schools. 

The Tiltfactor team conducted psychological studies with Awkward Moment in Upper Valley, NH & VT schools.

 
Game MechanismAn early game prototype allowed us to test out game mechanics and content. 

Game Mechanism

An early game prototype allowed us to test out game mechanics and content. 

 

Insight

Through practice responding to situations of bias and fostering discussion, players increase tolerance against stereotype threat and other forms of biases. 

 
 

Solution

Awkward Moment exposes players to situations of bias in subtle and entertaining ways to elicit the best response from each player’s hand. Players practice responding to “moments” of bias by selecting their most fitting reaction.

Initial data suggests that Awkward Moment strengthens associations between women and STEM and inspires greater assertiveness in confronting social bias.

 
Meaningful PlayAAwkward Moment received the Best Non-Digital Game Award 2012 at Michigan State University’s Meaningful Play conference.

Meaningful Play

AAwkward Moment received the Best Non-Digital Game Award 2012 at Michigan State University’s Meaningful Play conference.

 

Responsibilities

I carried out prototyping for the game concept and mechanics, helped generate game deck content, and assisted facilitation of research studies.

Later, I helped research and contact suppliers for a professional production run of Awkward Moment.

 
 
 

Additional Projects

 
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Temperature Monitor

April 2014

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Check

Spring 2013