By the numbers
- 1,000+ users (≈50% of Class of 2028)
- 47 puzzles / minigames
- 130,000 words of text
- 3 months of full-time development
Overview
Haven is a multiplayer role-playing game designed to help first-year students at the University of Chicago develop open discourse, free expression, and engagement with diverse perspectives. Created by the Weston Game Lab and the Parrhesia Program for Public Discourse, Haven offers an island-scale experience where players navigate challenges and opportunities in a vibrant setting.
"The game allows you to develop skills in free inquiry and expression, to practice engaging with different viewpoints, and to test and refine your ideas." The game shipped on July 30, 2024 to the incoming Class of 2028.
My Contribution
- Puzzle design
- Sticker illustration (in-game achievements)
- Character design sketch assistance
- HTML/CSS implementation for puzzles
My design approach
I sought to translate the educational values behind Haven into concrete, engaging objects of play — from the language of words to the language of interaction. I wanted ask important questions: "How are we translating the themes of free expression, open discourse and diversity into play? How are we incorporating dissensus into our interaction designs?"