Design Principles

The design principles function as the DNA of the project and help the team make decisions throughout the development process. The design principles outline a general description of the offering.

Engaging

The experience should be compelling enough for players to want to play, share and talk about the experience. This will necessitate a thorough exploration of story design, visual design, and game mechanics.

Instructive

The players gain better understanding of how to evacuate through playing the game. Every element of the game must be vetted by fire and evacuation experts. 

Localized

The “game world” should offer an accurate representation of the player’s location, neighborhood, etc. so that they are better prepared in an actual evacuation.

Accurate

The games will utilize the rigor data that is based on simulations (traffic and fire) or commonly held best practices.

Integrated (with other initiatives)

The game will be one part of a multi-faceted approach to wildfire preparation and response. As such, it should compliment other initiatives (PR Campaigns, workshops, community meetings, etc) in order to amplify key messages and avoid potential confusion. 

Accessible

The game should be easily distributed and work for community members with a range of ages, languages, income levels, technology access and experience. While some aspects of the game may have newer technology, the team must make every effort to include a range of populations in the game play. This includes non-native English speakers, community members with a range of ages and mobilities and varying degrees of technological comfort.