Map Master
2021 – ILLUSTRATION SERVICE DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGN
PROJECT PARTNER:HDK-VALAND, BRIANNA MCCORD, ELINA ASSERSSON, ROMINA S. HOUSMAND
Innovation
In the heart of Gothenburg, my team and I embarked on a transformative journey through “Map Master,” a strategic board game designed to foster dialogue and illuminate the cultural and communicative landscapes outside HDK-Valand. This project, rooted in a comprehensive institutional investigation, served as a dynamic tool to engage and educate. I spearheaded the creation of unique character roles, each endowed with distinct vulnerabilities and abilities, alongside the development of the game’s rules, logistics, and visual identity. Our vision extended to reimagining the placement of art institutions within Gothenburg, aiming to bridge communication gaps and address cultural challenges through an immersive, co-creative process.
Collaboration
Our collaborative endeavor brought together four designers with diverse backgrounds, enriching the project with a multifaceted perspective. This synergy was pivotal in cultivating a deep understanding and empathy within our team dynamics, underscoring the value of co-creation. My contributions spanned from the game’s logo and card illustrations to the strategic design of game logistics and an instructional booklet. This holistic involvement not only highlighted my versatility but also my commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration.
Inclusivity
“Map Master” was conceived with a keen awareness of the societal fabric, incorporating both male and female actors and acknowledging the intricate power dynamics at play. We deliberately included diverse roles—such as the dean, faculty members, students, and citizens of Gothenburg—to reflect the multifaceted impact of our design on the organizational and societal levels. The inclusion of characters like the business owner, curator, and passenger further enriched the game’s narrative, showcasing the varied perspectives and roles within the community.
Contextualization
Our project also ventured into exploring the historical and spatial narratives of Gothenburg, tracing back to the time before the University of Gothenburg’s establishment. By creating a timeline that mapped the relationships and histories of local art institutions, we aimed to provide a context for decision-making and foster new approaches to societal engagement. This aspect of our work emphasized the importance of understanding the past to navigate the future, reinforcing the project’s goal to facilitate a broader discourse on the social impact of art and design institutions.
Design Thinking
The foundational principles of design thinking guided our project from conception to realization. My journey began with a five-day Design Sprint, where I led a diverse group through the design thinking process, fostering trust and collaboration. This experience underscored the value of interdisciplinary input and stakeholder engagement in conceptualizing solutions that resonate on a wider scale. In developing “Map Master,” we applied these principles to delve into the challenges facing art and design institutions, utilizing stakeholder interviews to identify and address key issues such as communication and valuation.
Impact
This project stands as a testament to the power of design thinking in driving innovation and fostering empathy within communities. By leveraging user-centered design methodologies, we crafted a solution that not only addresses immediate challenges but also has the potential to adapt and evolve in new contexts. My role in this project highlights my ability to lead, innovate, and collaborate effectively, skills that are pivotal in the realm of service design.
Click on the image to view the booklet with the instructions of the game, for which I have done the design of, as well as the logo and the character illustration and game cards 🙂
