DataFlex
Educational game about data centers for children
A. Al-Kaswan (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
B. El Attar (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
G. Wiemers (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
L.J. Kronstadt (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
G. d' Abreu de Paulo (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
Willem-Paul Brinkman – Mentor (TU Delft - Interactive Intelligence)
S de Wit – Mentor (VHTO)
T.A.R. Overklift Vaupel Klein – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Computer Science & Engineering-Teaching Team)
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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.