This is an under-graduate/graduate level research class composed of students from both Fine Arts and Design Divisions at RISD. The overarching research goal of the project is to provide Hasbro with creative inspiration on the development of a next generation game in the spirit of “Cranium”. The class will investigate the concept and practice of play in various societal, familial and generational contexts, and will specifically study and create new games that encourage positive, creative interaction between participants. Through a series of guest lectures and directed exercises, students will be exposed to historical and cultural thinking about games and the psychology of play: competition; collaboration; self-image; imagination; expertise. Those concepts will be investigated further through a variety of design projects aimed at re-thinking “games”, as well as creating new modes of play. How do we use games socially? How we devise new games that will allow families, groups of friends or relative strangers to build positive relationships and mutual appreciation? How can individual players feel like connected and valuable contributors within the social space created by the game? How can a game create a dynamic and inventive environment that reflects changing aspects of contemporary culture? Working individually and in collaborative groups, students will be involved in concept development with an emphasis on generating multiple rougher concepts as opposed to a single polished prototype. Thorough design process documentation culminating in the preparation and delivery of a professional corporate presentation will be required. However, the design specifics stipulated by the corporate partner is minimal, and students will be encouraged to approach this project in a spirit of experimental, innovative creativity.
Interested students should contact Lalya Gaye lalya.gaye@gmail.com Due to the limited class size, students should submit a written paragraph specifying his/her interest in taking for this course. Please include summer telephone contact information.