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A 6 player board game where each player assumes the role of a stakeholder and works collaboratively to solve problems affecting the Mithi river.
People of Mithi is a stakeholder game created to bring forward to children through play how the problem of the Mithi River is a wicked problem and why it has been so difficult to solve.
The boardgame aims towards collective winning or losing by letting each player take decisions that affect them individually as well the as river on the board which they have to clean.
The game was developed as a Spark program during the Graduation project with Museum of Solutions. It was preceded by an experience developed around Mithi River in Mumbai which gave a peek into the issues, stakeholders and important work around it.
WHY?
-To bring into the picture the interconnectedness of problems around us, the concept of wicked problems.
-To teach the kids about the different stakeholders needed to solve “wicked problems” such as the reclamation of the Mithi river.
-To allow kids to collaborate and work as a team to solve problems.
-Build presentation and communication skills.
-Connect | Solve problems real-world understanding of complexities faced
Mithi river in Mumbai. Source :MuSo Archive
DEVELOPMENT
The objective of development was to bring people in the city associated with the river on a platform to tackle the pollution of the Mithi river.
The form progressed from card and debate to a board game emphasizing the element of roleplay to let children step in the stakeholder's shoes.
Another layer of challenge added to the game was collaborating across the board with other stakeholders. The issues were framed in a way that the only way to solve a problem was through collaborating.
prototype 1_collective problem solving
prototype 2_stakeholders on board
prototype 3_simplifed version
prototype 1_collective problem solving
1/5
THE GAME
Aim of the Game: Try and solve all your problems & gain maximum points.
The game starts with all the participants stepping into the shoes of stakeholders affecting and affected by the Mithi river. Everyone has their own problems to tackle while making sure they also clean the river in the process. All the problems on the board can only be solved by collaboration. A moderator conducts the game to ensure fair play as all the major decision making is dependent on participants themselves. The participants have to gain maximum points to win but also make sure the river is clean to truly win. Communication and strategic decision making are key to successfully winning the game. The game requires you to win or lose with others.
WHO ARE THE STAKEHOLDERS?
WHAT ARE THE GAME COMPONENTS?
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE GAME?
RECEPTION
- Children were comfortable with the game play which helped them absorb the content/intent behind the game.
-The Discussion round -lot of cross questioning and defending - maybe could restrict the number to chances to defend or question.
-The game did provide understanding of roles in the society and as a spark program works as a reflection and building space for the learning| experience journey.
-Earning points was the main driving force for the game but gives a good platform for peer learning, introducing new knowledge base, skills
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