COWith

A Strategic Board Game on Social Distancing Survival, navigating life through COVID-19.




Speculative Design, Game Design and Social Design
Research and Design Strategy

Promotional Posters Showcasing the CoWith Board Game





WHAT I DID: I designed a speculative board game inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic to make the concept of social distancing tangible.

WHAT WAS ACHIEVED: A board-game that offers a practical and interactive solution to the abstract challenge of navigating life during the pandemic.

METHODS I USED: Research, Illustration, Strategy, Photography, Prototyping



SO, WHY MAKE COVID-19 AND SOCIAL DISTANCING TANGIBLE?

The inspiration came from my experience of living with a COVID positive housemate whose careless behaviour made others anxious since she refused to adopt necessary safety measures like social distancing. The project was created in October 2020, during the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, a time of widespread hysteria, stress, and anxiety, with no known cure. A new approach to promote Social Distancing, humanising the phenomenon to instil hope in the users while educating them.

Aims of the project:


  1. Visualize the impact of actions, fostering ownership.
  2. Simplify Cause & Effect, emphasizing mutual care for positive change.
  3. Encourage reflection and thoughtful decision-making for the greater     social good, without imposing.



JOURNAL NOTES CONCEPTUALISING THE GAME


Inspirations and Early Ideas
Branding Ideation
Game Play Ideas




WHAT IS COWITH?

Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, CoWith is an immersive board game where players must navigate life through strategic social distancing, offering a glimpse into how their choices affect both themselves and others.

Front View of the CoWith Board Game Packaging
Rear View of the CoWith Board Game Packaging


USER MANUAL FOR THE GAME
 



Vidushi Arya © 2020