Designing a tabletop game for fostering meaningful conversations
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School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Master's thesis
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Date
2024
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Taiteen ja median maisteriohjelma
Language
en
Pages
77 + 24
Series
Abstract
Social connections are crucial to our well-being, and engaging in conversations allows us to build new bonds with other people. These interactions, whether superficial or profound, offer valuable insights and knowledge. Yet, barriers like misconceptions, hectic schedules, and geographical distances often impede meaningful exchanges. Addressing these challenges, this thesis aimed to create a tabletop game that encourages meaningful conversations, enabling participants to gain insights about others and strengthen or forge new connections. It explores how the characteristics of meaningful conversations can translate into game mechanics for a conversational tabletop game and how they shape the components of a game to create a safe yet fun environment for self-disclosure for all players. The thesis comprises two parts: theoretical and practical. The theoretical section delves into communication psychology, highlighting the concept of meaningful conversations, and further exploring small talk and deep conversations. It also slightly discusses the fields of play and tabletop games their significance, types of games, and benefits of intervention with games. Additionally, I provide case studies of four conversation games. The practical part introduces "Blossom," a tabletop game, detailing its visual identity, components, and rules. In the scope of the thesis, I also carried out a playtesting workshop, which, along with the questionnaire, the participants filled out provided valuable insights into the game's effectiveness and potential improvements. This thesis demonstrates that tabletop games can promote communication and closeness among people effectively. Participants reported enjoyment, equal opportunities for expression, and a sense of safety during gameplay. It encourages using games as a medium for addressing communication challenges.Description
Supervisor
Vyas, RupeshThesis advisor
Keywords
play, tabletop, game, conversations, illustration, empathy