An interactive capacity building experience – an approach with serious games Chengzi Chew, DHI Gareth James Lloyd, UNEP-DHI 31 May 2013

Content 1.Introduction to Aqua Republica 2.Games in capacity development and water management 3.Aqua Republica design and applications 4.Potential and promotion of games 5.Future developments

Purpose of 5th Symposium DHI and UNEP-DHI Center project Aims to promote sustainable water resources management by sharing knowledge to: Raise awareness Build capacity Integrating numerical model, real data and real life scenarios Introduction to Aqua Republica

Purpose of 5th Symposium Serious game is a category of games that is designed for a specific purpose other than for entertainment They are capable of: Solving complex problems collaboratively Achieving predictive modelling and real time visualization Increasing 120% more self learning and 109% more retention of knowledge, compared to traditional methods* Providing a flexible and scalable learning environment Improving ROI from processes and resources Games in Capacity Development and Water Management Examples of organisations that uses serious games *Source: ADL Research & Evaluation Team

Purpose of 5th Symposium In Aqua Republica, we try to Raise awareness of various water issues Promote problem solving in water issues Disseminate best practises in solving water issues (thus building capacity) Games in Capacity Development and Water Management

Purpose of 5th Symposium Typical game design (e.g. Monopoly): 1.Well defined area (the game board) 2.Set of rules (buy property, pay rent, chance cards, go to jail) 3.Struggles (be the player with the most valuable property cards) Note: set of rules and struggles are only valid in- game Aqua Republica design and applications Source:

Purpose of 5th Symposium Aqua Republica design: 1.Well defined area (a water catchment) 2.Set of rules (Food, energy, water connectivity) 3.Struggles (build a prosperous catchment while managing demand conflicts) Note: set of rules and struggles are only valid in-game but can be applied outside the game Aqua Republica design and applications

Purpose of 5th Symposium Aqua Republica design and applications ApplicationsPurposeUsing a fictitious virtual environment Using a realistic virtual environment Stand-alone game Raise awareness of issues Build capacity on an individual level Appeals to a wider and more generic group of audience as game content does not reflect any local region Beneficial for breaking down barriers of communication because of the neutrality of the environment In-depth discussions relating to local issues Hands-on exercises with a teacher Build capacity on an individual and organisation level Engage participants’ interest and increase discussions Competition between participants Monitor and track learning progress Engage participants’ interest and increase discussions AssessmentMonitor and track learning progress

Purpose of 5th Symposium Games are new interactive tools for teaching, using more games to teach will drive more game developments and will improve game design. Potential and promotion of games Source: youtube.com Analog game Digital game ??

Purpose of 5th Symposium Readily available Ease of use (sign up, login, play) Modular components for customisation which allows Changes in numerical model or water data Changes in landscape of the game Changes in languages and scenarios within the game Changes in learning goals Potential and promotion of Aqua Republica

Purpose of 5th Symposium Potential and promotion of Aqua Republica Aqua Republica demo in West Africa 2013

Purpose of 5th Symposium Potential and promotion of Aqua Republica UNEP-DHI Eco Challenge in Thailand 2013

Purpose of 5th Symposium More complex processes More cirriculum and associated training materials More platforms (e.g. mobile) Future developments Source:

Purpose of 5th Symposium Future developments of Aqua Republica

Purpose of 5th Symposium Thank you for your attention. Contact details Name:Mr. Chengzi Mr. Gareth James Lloyd Function:Serious Games, HeadSenior Programme Advisor Organisation:DHIUNEP-DHI Aqua Republica Video For more info, visit