DataFlex

Educational game about data centers for children

Bachelor thesis (2020)

Authors

A. Al-Kaswan Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
B. El Attar Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
G. Wiemers Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
L.J. Kronstadt Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
G. d' Abreu de Paulo Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Contributors

W.P. Brinkman Interactive Intelligence - EEMCS (supervisor 1)
S de Wit VHTO (supervisor 1)
T.A.R. Overklift Vaupel Klein Computer Science & Engineering-Teaching Team - EEMCS (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Copyright: © 2020 A. Al-Kaswan, B. El Attar, G. Wiemers, L.J. Kronstadt, G. d' Abreu de Paulo
Game Design Gamification Gender stereotypes Unity Datacenters Child-friendly
More Info
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Published Date

02-07-2020

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Abstract

Women are largely underrepresented in IT, girls’ interest in STEM and IT fields tends to drop throughout secondary education. Educational games are a great tool to change the perception of certain topics, as well as changing the behavior of the players. Thus, this report describes the development of a game to make the field of IT more appealing to girls between the ages of 10 and 14.

After collecting requirements with the client and doing a literature study a design is proposed. The final product is a two-player 2D Role-Playing-Game with puzzle elements, specifically designed to be played in a classroom environment. The game takes place in a data center and will show the players the societal importance of data centers as well as the diversity of the work in data centers. The gameplay consists of exploring a data center, talking with both male and female employees in various roles, helping them with their work through minigames, and solving a mystery. The game was designed to specifically cater to girls and to break stereotypes regarding women in IT.