DESIGNING AS PLAYING: DIGITAL DESIGN GAMES

Abstract

Beginning towards the end of the 20th century the ever-growing information technologies has changed the way students think and process information at its very root. In parallel with the evolution of technology demand has also changed allowing computer gaming to becoming a viable form of media very soon after the mass manufacturing of computers. The attractive aspects and potential of computer gaming has enabled the emergence of new approaches to education. Studies conducted have shown that computer gaming could create a new understanding of education, targeting a more efficient active learning experience as opposed to the traditional forms of education pushing students into passivity and indifference. To demonstrate the place in education of design games through both digital and traditional methods this thesis utilizes literature scanning. Starting with a constructive analysis of the game, this thesis examines the substance of applications using game based education strategies, then moves on to a general analysis of the game's goals and its applications, before examining existing design games from the point of view of the parallel between design and the notion of game. This paper also proposes new areas of application of computer technologies beyond its current uses in education.