Raccoon Rescuers

Educational Game for Building Recycling Habits

4 Weeks

Collaborators

Tools

Rhino-3D, Arduino IDE, GPT-3.5, Laser-cutting, Photoshop, Illustrator, Prototyping, Handcraft

Project Overview

"Raccoon Rescuers" is specifically designed to blend enjoyment with learning proper recycling habits, effectively tackling environmental issues for the next generation.

My Contributions

I played a key role in shaping the project's concept, actively contributing to packaging design, model making, and product configuration. Specifically, I designed and developed a recycling verification process using RFID technology.

Concept

About Raccoon Rescuers

Raccoon Rescuers was conceived with a mission to raise awareness about the potential harm our casually discarded litter can inflict on wildlife. This engaging 2-4 player board game immerses participants in the crucial task of aiding a family of raccoons as they diligently clean up a campsite, fostering a sense of responsibility by guiding players to properly sort trash to prevent any adverse impact on the local wildlife.

research

Problems in household recycling

According to the National Recycling Database, 76% of recyclable items across the United States are not recycled at home, with only 21% actually being recycled. Additionally, only 43% of households participate in recycling. This indicates the need to increase and encourage household participation in recycling.

Sufficient access, Insufficient recycling

According to a study by [The Recycling Partnership], despite high recycling access in the eastern and western regions, the actual recycling rate was found to be an average of 50%. Based on this information, we have identified New York, Washington D.C., and California as our primary target areas.

Ideation

Recycle

GAME

How might we make learning about proper recycling fun?

To address the question of how to naturally improve recycling behaviors at home, we conceptualized an educational board game that allows players to learn proper recycling methods in an enjoyable way while addressing the environmental issues caused by the lack of recycling.

Game play design

We wanted to choose a main character that kids would find familiar and that had a clear connection to trash. Then, we built our branding around that chosen character.

Logic Diagram

The ease of progression, pacing, and straightforward play structure all have a major impact on the overall gaming experience. To ensure more intuitive and seamless gameplay, we conducted playtesting and used the insights gathered to refine the game's logic.

Prototype

Sketch model & Test

At the sketch model stage, we examined our concept and gameplay method through the sketch model. We collected user responses to identify logical nonsense and disturbances during immersion in the game.

LOFI prototype

After the sketch model testing, we implemented more elements, such as technologies, instruction, and storybooks, that helped build a smoother game-playing experience.

HIFI prototype

We created the high-fidelity model by utilizing SLA printing technology, UV printers, laser cutting machines, RFID chips, and more, all of which operate effectively.

User testing with Hi-Fi model

We conducted a demonstration using the completed Hi-Fi model and gained insights by playing the game with actual users.

technology

Enhancing the game playing experience

In the sketch model, our biggest challenge was how to verify recycling. We needed someone other than the player to assist with verification, and the process inevitably took a long time. However, by using an Arduino and various sensors in our custom trash bin, we were able to reduce the verification time more than 5X, allowing players to become much more immersed in the game.

Data coded trash

Each trash coin has an NTAG213 NFC film with a distinct UID number. This enables precise tracking when the player deposit the coin into the trash bin, ensuring that the waste is sorted correctly.

packaging

User oriented design

Key information such as age group, components, and the game's advantages and features were prioritized based on references to numerous existing materials.

Storybook and game manual

We applied our branding to the storybook and game manual to enhance understanding and immersion in the game, while also improving accessibility.

Neatly arranged packaging

The first impression upon opening the box is crucial. We meticulously arranged all components for aesthetic appeal and also designed the height relationships between each part to ensure convenient extraction of the contents.

Intuitive experience

When the product is opened, all components are designed to be clearly visible at a glance. This not only provides a visually satisfying experience but also makes it easy for users to keep everything neatly organized.

Designed for the environment

Raccoon Rescuers is an educational game focused on recycling, with most of its components made from eco-friendly materials. The game strives for a significantly lower OKALA Environmental Impact of 0.328, in contrast to other board games, which typically have an OKALA of 0.8 or higher.

takeaway

Beyond green: Why market research matters in game development

We successfully completed the HIFI model through smooth communication and well-defined roles, resulting in an outcome that satisfied everyone on the team. However, we revealed that people’s interest in recycling varies, suggesting that some users might find the game less appealing and therefore may not purchase it. This experience underscored that, while our focus was on environmental improvement, a “game” ultimately needs to fulfill consumers’ desire for engagement and fun—highlighting the importance of more thorough market research.

Images

contact

sseo@risd.edu