"Dungeons and Dragons" as a Framework for Solution Ideation Regarding Complex Social Problems

[ UUID ] e4f70b41-3942-45d9-ad66-67b712bec472

[ Session Name ] "Dungeons and Dragons" as a Framework for Solution Ideation Regarding Complex Social Problems [ Primary Space ] Digital Inclusion [ Secondary Space ] Openness

[ Submitter's Name ] Owen O'Malley [ Submitter's Affiliated Organisation ] Hack for L.A. [ Submitter's GitHub ] owenjoseph

[ Other Facilitator 1's Name ] Teddy Crepineau [ Other Facilitator 1's GitHub ] TeddyCR

[ Other Facilitator 2's Name ] Eric Meniefield [ Other Facilitator 2's GitHub ] EzDesigns

What will happen in your session?

We'll talk about the basic components of a good D&D campaign, and deconstruct and reconfigure those elements to show how guided role playing games can serve as a framework for investigating and ideating solutions for complex social and civic problems. We'll show how this approach can help foster inclusion of voices otherwise excluded or disinterested in traditional discourse, as well as empathy for diverse points of view. We'll then ask participants to choose what they feel is a pressing social/civic issue and guide them through designing a campaign (i.e. problem-solving framework) to engage with that issue. If time allows, we'll start playing through one of those campaigns.

What is the goal or outcome of your session?

The goal of the session will be to have participants walking away with a campaign (framework) they've created which they can take to their peer groups and play through. In a pedagogical sense, the goal will be to deconstruct traditional problem-solving discourses, and present participants with alternative, non-prescriptive strategies for unpacking complex social and civic issues, in a way that encourages good-faith, inclusive participation.

If your session requires additional materials or electronic equipment, please outline your needs.

A projector will be helpful but not necessary. We can bring additional material if needed.

Time needed

90 mins