Articulating Social Issues with Open Data
Exploring a Game Jam Approach
Davide Di Staso (TU Delft - Information and Communication Technology)
Lærke Christiansen (TU Delft - Information and Communication Technology)
Fernando Kleiman (TU Delft - Information and Communication Technology)
Marijn Janssen (TU Delft - Engineering, Systems and Services)
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Abstract
Open data holds the potential for public understanding of social issues. In recent years, open data hackathons have emerged as an approach to address social issues with open data. However, hackathons focus on technical solutions and are only suitable for involving an expert audience. There is a need for an approach enabling non-experts to participate to collectively explore social issues with open data. In this research, we developed a game jam approach for beginners. The participants collectively design a video game, and in doing so they articulate social issues. To evaluate the approach, we conducted a series of three game jams, and tested them through non-participant observation, pre and posttest surveys, and analysis of the games produced by participants. We found that the use of available open datasets was limited. Participants were able to produce minimal but functional game prototypes in which the social issues were present. Participants found it difficult to set up collaborative work around the game engine, which limited social learning.
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