Short answer

To design effective social impact games, prioritize user-centered approaches that deeply integrate the cultural heritage and knowledge systems of the target audience, using gameplay as a vehicle for healing and empowerment.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: Summit (Simon Fraser University) (2014)
Method: Qualitative case study with mixed methods
Sample: 13 participants
Evidence: Strong effect

Social impact games designed with Indigenous principles can promote healing and self-determination by integrating traditional storytelling, art, and community engagement. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2014 study published in Summit (Simon Fraser University). Using Qualitative case study with mixed methods with 13 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: To design effective social impact games, prioritize user-centered approaches that deeply integrate the cultural heritage and knowledge systems of the target audience, using gameplay as a vehicle for healing and empowerment.

Study

User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Indigenous Social Impact Games Foster Wellbeing Through Storytelling and Cultural Exchange

Social impact games designed with Indigenous principles can promote healing and self-determination by integrating traditional storytelling, art, and community engagement.

Summit (Simon Fraser University) · 2014

Key Findings

01Intergenerational exchange of traditions, stories, and art practices are pathways to wellbeing.
02Gameplay influences the player's self, community, and broader world.
03Social impact games can foster reciprocal relationships with spirit.
04Social impact games demonstrably make a positive impact on players.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing games for social change, especially for marginalized communities, collaborate closely with community members to ensure the game authentically reflects their values, stories, and healing practices.

Project actions

01When designing a game for a specific community, research and understand their cultural background and values.
02Consider how gameplay mechanics can reflect and reinforce positive cultural practices.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can social impact games, specifically those rooted in Indigenous methodologies, facilitate healing and promote self-determination by honoring cultural practices and storytelling?

MethodQualitative case study with mixed methods

ProcedureThe study involved observing and analyzing the gameplay experiences of ten core players and three validation players over one year. Data was collected through written reflections, documentation of 'acts of survivance' (creative expressions), and conversations, all framed within an Indigenous methodology ('biskaabiiyang').

Sample13 participants

ContextUrban Indigenous community in Portland, Oregon, USA, within a multimedia health and wellness curriculum.

Variables

IVGameplay experience in 'Survivance' (social impact game).

DVPlayer wellbeing, self-perception, community connection, sense of spirit, healing from historical trauma.

CVParticipant background (urban Indigenous community), duration of gameplay (one year), collaborative development context.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Utilizes an Indigenous methodology ('biskaabiiyang') to ensure culturally appropriate research.
+Focuses on a specific, impactful application of social impact games.

Limitations

The small sample size and specific cultural context of this study mean its findings might not apply directly to all social impact games or all user groups.

Reliability & validity

The use of multiple data sources (reflections, creative outputs, conversations) and a year-long engagement period enhances the validity of the findings. Reliability is supported by the consistent emergence of themes related to wellbeing and cultural exchange.

Think critically

To what extent can the principles of 'biskaabiiyang' and 'acts of survivance' be adapted for social impact games designed for non-Indigenous communities facing different types of social challenges?

Design Principles

"Culturally-grounded design for social impact."

This research highlights the potent role of culturally-informed game design in addressing complex social issues like historical trauma. It demonstrates that by centering Indigenous ways of knowing and valuing traditional practices, designers can create experiences that foster wellbeing and empower users.

What This Means for Your Design

Games designed with Indigenous culture in mind can help people heal from past hurts by sharing stories and traditions.

How to use in your project

1.Use this study to justify the importance of cultural sensitivity and user-centered design in your own design project, especially if it addresses social issues.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The 'Survivance' study by Elizabeth LaPensée (2014) illustrates how social impact games, when designed using Indigenous methodologies and prioritizing cultural storytelling, can effectively foster wellbeing and self-determination among users. This approach highlights the importance of deep user-centered design, where cultural values are not just incorporated but are central to the game's purpose and mechanics, leading to profound impacts on individual healing and community connection.

Source

Summit (Simon Fraser University)

Survivance: An Indigenous Social Impact Game

journal · 2014

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about indigenous social impact games foster wellbeing through storytelling and cultural exchange?: To design effective social impact games, prioritize user-centered approaches that deeply integrate the cultural heritage and knowledge systems of the target audience, using gameplay as a vehicle for healing and empowerment. Evidence: Summit (Simon Fraser University) (2014).
Why does "Indigenous Social Impact Games Foster Wellbeing Through Storytelling and Cultural Exchange" matter for design?: This research highlights the potent role of culturally-informed game design in addressing complex social issues like historical trauma. It demonstrates that by centering Indigenous ways of knowing and valuing traditional practices, designers can create experiences that foster wellbeing and empower users.
How can designers apply this research?: To design effective social impact games, prioritize user-centered approaches that deeply integrate the cultural heritage and knowledge systems of the target audience, using gameplay as a vehicle for healing and empowerment.
What were the main findings?: Intergenerational exchange of traditions, stories, and art practices are pathways to wellbeing.. Gameplay influences the player's self, community, and broader world.. Social impact games can foster reciprocal relationships with spirit.. Social impact games demonstrably make a positive impact on players.
What research method was used?: Qualitative case study with mixed methods with 13 participants.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2014 journal from Summit (Simon Fraser University).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing games for social change, especially for marginalized communities, collaborate closely with community members to ensure the game authentically reflects their values, stories, and healing practices.
What are the limitations?: Findings are specific to the 'Survivance' game and its target Indigenous community; generalizability to other contexts may require adaptation.