Prototype Introduction: Microgames for Neighbourhoods

Prototype Description:

In many of the neighbourhoods that Citizens Lab members work in, inclusion is the largest challenge. This could be systemic and long-term as a result of the managed decline of neighbourhoods where citizens are now experiencing several generations of poverty, ill health and low educational opportunity. In other cases, it is a more recent situation related to the breakdown of the regional political system coupled with migration from other regions, leading to an over demand on social support and other societal systems that cannot cope with the increase in numbers.

We believe that games can be used as an alternative participatory practice which help to facilitate greater community tolerance and understanding of both difference and similarity.

This long-term project exploring the power of Microgames will engage, empower and bring together neighbourhoods to experience the potential for change and exchange. With these games we want to foster social inclusion and integration in the multicultural neighbourhoods/whole cities of our cities. Games in this sense will work as an alternative/good participatory practice: learning how to interact in a playful way in order to create bonds with neighbours and undertake (active) roles within the community.

Aims of the prototype:

Short-term outcomes (Phase A) would include:

•  Alternative, efficient team-building practices experienced at community level through actual game sessions and relevant workshops.
•  The creation of some new mircogames for neighborhoods, inspired by and also integrating feedback from the above mentioned neighborhoods.
•  Creation of a framework of evaluation for successful microgames.

Long-term outcomes (Phase 2) would include:

•  Creating a Games-Box with different games for neighborhoods.
•  Creating a Data-Sheet with general informations about the successful use on spot.
•  Publishing this games and share them to the networks.
•  Building on the above basis and expanding our work to more neighborhoods.
•  Open the gaming network to others
•  Creating a website where other games from other activist could be collected and shared.

Target Groups:

Local communities/neighbourhoods, local actors of civil society, Clab members, the broader network of e.g. Bosch Alumni Network, MitOst etc. and the connected partners and networks, and general changemakers who are working (or want to work) in neighbourhoods.

Team:

Karsten Michael Drohsel, mikromakro e.V. –
Teja Rot
Kate Stewart, We Make Places
Angeliki Tseliou, Kalliga Sq Citizens’ Association

Budget: 4.135€