Board Game Design Clinics
This clinic is a hands-on, design-based learning experience. Over the course of 60–90 minutes (or more, depending on your needs), we dive into the core concepts of tabletop game design—mechanics, player roles, objectives, feedback loops, and narrative integration.Participants work individually or in small groups to conceptualize, sketch, and prototype a tabletop game idea. We use popular education principles to guide reflection and ensure that games are not only fun—but also grounded in purpose, systems thinking, and critical creativity.
Where curiosity becomes design—and play becomes pedagogy...
Why I Offer This?
Game design is one of my favorite ways to teach systems thinking, collective problem-solving, and imaginative resistance. These clinics are playful but powerful. They make complexity tangible—and they invite everyone, no matter their background, into the process of designing tools that reflect how we see (or want to change) the world.
This clinic isn’t about perfect games. It’s about practice, possibility, and prototyping a different way of thinking together.
Who is it for?
-
Youth, adult, or intergenerational learning spaces
-
Educators, artists, and organizers exploring participatory tools
-
Students of game design, social justice, or community organizing
-
Anyone curious about how to turn an idea or issue into a playable format
-
Teams wanting to use games for teaching, engagement, or storytelling
What is included?
-
Intro to core design concepts (with live examples)
-
Prompt-based ideation and sketching time
-
Real-time coaching and feedback during prototyping
-
Sharing, playtesting, and group reflection
-
Optional: follow-up worksheet or resource guide for further development
-
Can be tailored for: social justice themes, local issues, curricular goals, or open exploration
Format & Availability
-
Length: 90 minutes minimum (half-day or full-day options available)
-
Format: In-person preferred; virtual versions available
-
Audience size: Ideal for 8–25 participants
-
Materials: All prototyping tools provided (digital or physical)
-
Customizable: Can be adapted to schools, community orgs, events, or residencies