Disaster Dynamics The Hurricane Landfall Game Seth McGinnis Institute for the Study of Science and Environment (ISSE) April 20, 2005

Overview Project Goals Educational Objectives Design Constraints http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd Overview The Disaster Dynamics game is a four-player virtual strategy game about the interaction between natural disasters and urban planning. Students who play the game learn about hazard management through role-playing, negotiation, and experiencing the sometimes unintended consequences of their decisions. Project Goals Educational Objectives Design Constraints The Game

Disaster Dynamics Project http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd Disaster Dynamics Project Goals Transform descriptive case studies into interactive learning tools for undergraduate and professional education Integrate concepts of complexity, resilience, and adaptation in dynamic, computer-aided role playing simulations/games Contribute to the design of hazard resistant and resilient communities Approach Family of educational role-playing simulation games Integrate face to face and computer tools Engagement of gaming

Why Games? Soft Failure Topsight Practice Surprise Collective Wisdom http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd Why Games? Soft Failure Topsight Practice Surprise Collective Wisdom Experiential Learning Engaging Memorable experience Motivates participation

Educational Objectives http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd Educational Objectives Target Audience Future emergency managers Undergraduate course Distance learning Teaching Goals Complex Systems & Systems Thinking Human-Environment Interactions Negotiation & Collaboration Decision-Making Under Uncertainty Importance of Recovery, Big/Long Picture

Design Constraints Teaching Goals Target Audience Minimal Requirements http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd Design Constraints Teaching Goals Target Audience Minimal Requirements Multiplayer Fun!

The Hurricane Landfall Game http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd The Hurricane Landfall Game A networked virtual strategy boardgame where players take on different roles in a small town on the coast. They must negotiate community responses to hurricanes and other extreme events. Their land-use decisions are played out over many years and different situations. Gameplay Propose Projects Negotiate Vote 4 players/game 45 minutes/turn

http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd Briefing

http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd Negotiation

http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd Voting

Status & Availability http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd Technical Infrastructure: complete Game Infrastructure: nearly complete, instructor support in development Game content: First two turns complete, final turn in development http://swiki.ucar.edu/dd