Summer 2025
Explorations in Human Centered Game Design
Playing games is a wonderful way in which people can enjoy their time, socialize, learn, and/or create change. In this DRG, we will follow a human centered design process to conduct research for, ideate, prototype, and playtest games.
Throughout this game design process we will critically engage with gaming literature, existing games, and your prototype to reflect on questions focusing on two main areas:
(1) Game design principles: How and why are people drawn to games? What design principles are used to keep them engaged? What design principles are exploited for increasing engagement with games?
(2) Mismatch: What makes games accessible or inaccessible for people with different identities, disabilities, or mental health needs? What social affordances do games have or lack when played in group settings?
You are required to register for 2 credits in HCDE 496 or HCDE 596 for this DRG and attend a 90-minute meeting once a week in the Summer term (except July 1).
Enrollment information
- Meeting time: 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays
- Hybrid: Online or in-person meeting
- 8 sessions: June 24, July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19
- Credits: 2 credits
- Who should apply: You will learn to prototype an interactive game using a digital tool (e.g., Unity). Anyone interested in human centered game design can apply.
- To apply: Please complete this Google Form. Rolling deadline until spots are filled.
- Anticipated notification date: June 15
- Questions? Contact Arpita B at arpitab@uw.edu.
Spring 2025
HCDE in Engineering Discovery Days
This DRG is at capacity for Spring 2025 and no longer accepting applications.
In Spring 2025, HCDE K-12 outreach DRG team’s main activities will be to organize and execute projects for:
- Engineering Discovery Days (May 1 & 2, 9 am - 1 pm):
We will work on designing project exhibits with hands-on activities that 4-8th graders can engage with during their visit. If you are interested in working on an exhibit for discovery days, this DRG is a great opportunity to find teammates, dedicated work time, and mentorship. Please see information for exhibitors here. - Conducting 1-2 design workshops in K-12 schools in the Seattle area (scheduled based on the team's availability).
Outreach DRG student teams will help develop the project, curricula, and materials for engineering discovery days and design workshops, rehearse, and then lead the work.
Note this DRG is at capacity for Spring 2025 and no longer accepting applications.