FNF Alumni-Network

The potential of a game that can transform society.

What is the focus of the workshop?

The workshop aims to motivate the participants to create innovative games that could bring about positive social change. The Transformative Game-Based Learning Workshop brought together 30 talented individuals from Thailand, Myanmar, and Korea in Bangkok from March 29th to 31st, 2024.

What happened at the workshop?

During a panel discussion, the concept of using games as a tool for social transformation was introduced. The panel explored how games can inspire positive changes in society in an enjoyable way.

After that, expert trainers discussed the remarkable potential of board games to create a positive impact on society. They presented their innovative approach that included a framework for impact strategy, game analysis, and communication design for introducing these enjoyable and captivating games to individuals of all ages, ranging from the very young to the elderly. The trainers also shared insights about game-based learning theories and presented relevant case studies to the participants such as Talk to Transform Game (Conflict management), Sim Democracy (Civil Rights Promotion), and Right Card (Human Rights). 

Through the guidance of the game trainers, each group of 6 to 7 participants was able to develop their own unique game, showcasing their expertise and interests. One of the groups chose to design a game promoting child protection rights referring to a recent controversial case in Thailand about a kindergarten teacher who posted a video of a sleep-talking student on social media. The other groups created games to promote sustainability, immigration rights, entrepreneurship, and human rights. With creativity and collaboration, they were able to facilitate their games to other groups, inspiring a sense of achievement and prosperity.

What is the outcome of the workshop?

The workshop was a great success in achieving its goals. It ignited a strong passion among key stakeholders of civil society organizations, private companies, and public institutions towards the effective utilization of games for learning. The participants gained practical knowledge of developing a game in a team, making it an essential and valuable experience for everyone involved. Overall, it was an inspirational event that left a lasting impact on all who attended.

Meet the trainers.

Perus Sranurak (X) has transitioned from product and brand design to learning experience designer. He leverages his background in both disciplines to create engaging learning experiences. He combines design principles with game-based learning and gamification to develop interactive tools that promote effective education, training, and self-directed learning. In short, he makes learning fun and engaging!

A play activist, Ruttikorn Vuttikorn (Tonk) believes that toys and games are more than mere playthings. She views them as powerful development and educational tools that can improve individuals and society. By incorporating the fun and competitive elements of games into tackling serious issues facing modern society, she creates engaging learning environments. This ensures that the underlying message is conveyed in a way that is both effective and memorable.

Both in her home country of Thailand and internationally, working with government agencies and NGOs, she devises and develops games that help to educate players to understand the root causes of problems and to guide them towards solutions that they can implement.

Sukumal Surichamorn (Joy) is a designer and consultant based in Thailand. She has spent nearly 15 years focusing on using design methodologies to create sustainable solutions that positively impact society. Her work and collaborations with diverse industries internationally demonstrate her ability to deliver varied solutions, including participatory design workshops, user experience (UX) design for digital products and services, graphic and information design, product design, toys, board games, and learning tools. 

Joy's innovative approach involves integrating game mechanics and user-centred design principles into her work, resulting in impactful board games and learning tools that address various challenges, such as Sustainability Energy, Disasters, Economy, Health, Politics, and Peace.

Imagine the potential of a game that can transform society. You have the power to create such a game and make a positive impact on the world. Let us work together for the society.

Ganyanat Phathithin (Miko) is a Communication Officer and Program Assistant at FNF Thailand.