Sense and sensibility : Designing solarpunk-inspired graphics for a climate neutrality board game

Abstract: Games can be a great way to create awareness and engagement about climate change, and may even encourage players to take action in real life. This thesis work aims to determine how well a graphic style inspired by Solarpunk fits the content and message of the Mariestad Climate board game, as well as researching whether including site-specific elements makes it more engaging. Four illustrated cards, two card backsides, and a game board were created for this purpose, and were evaluated via three in-person game test sessions and an online questionnaire. Results showed that a Solarpunk-inspired graphic style fit the game’s content, showing an optimistic version of the future players reacted positively to. Including site-specific elements created a local connection with the players and increased their engagement. Future work includes developing the game further according to the study’s results, as well as the possibility of creating versions related to other municipalities that are part of the Viable Cities project.