Raccoon Rescuers

Educational Game for Building Recycling Habits

4 Weeks

Collaborators

Tools

Rhino-3D, Arduino IDE, GPT-3.5, Laser-cutting, Photoshop, Illustrator, Prototyping, Handcraft

Project Overview

"Raccoon Rescuers" is specifically designed to blend enjoyment with learning proper recycling habits, effectively tackling environmental issues for the next generation.

My Contributions

I played a key role in shaping the project's concept, actively contributing to packaging design, model making, and product configuration. Specifically, I designed and developed a recycling verification process using RFID technology.

Concept

About Raccoon Rescuers

Raccoon Rescuers is a 2-4 player board game that teaches recycling habits and encourages players to protect the environment through fun and engaging play.

research

Problems in household recycling

According to the National Recycling Database, 76% of recyclable items across the United States are not recycled at home, with only 21% actually being recycled. Additionally, only 43% of households participate in recycling. This indicates the need to increase and encourage household participation in recycling.

Sufficient access, Insufficient recycling

According to a study by [The Recycling Partnership], despite high recycling access in the eastern and western regions, the actual recycling rate averaged 50%. Based on this information, we have identified New York, Washington D.C., and California as our primary target areas.

Ideation

Recycle

GAME

How might we make learning about proper recycling fun?

To address the question of how to naturally improve recycling behaviors at home, we conceptualized an educational board game that allows players to learn proper recycling methods in an enjoyable way while addressing the environmental issues caused by the lack of recycling.

Game play design

We wanted to choose a main character that kids would find familiar and that had a clear connection to trash. Then, we built our branding around that chosen character.

Logic Diagram

The ease of progression, pacing, and straightforward play structure all have a major impact on the overall gaming experience. By involving real users in playtesting, we gathered insights that helped refine the game's logic to be more intuitive and seamless.

Prototype

Sketch model & User testing

At the sketch model stage, we examined our concept and gameplay method through the sketch model. We collected user responses to identify logical nonsense and disturbances during immersion in the game.

LOFI prototype

After the sketch model testing, we implemented more elements, such as technologies, instruction, and storybooks, that helped build a smoother game-playing experience.

HIFI prototype

We created the high-fidelity model using technologies such as SLA printing, laser cutting machines, RFID chips, and more — all of which function effectively.

Works-like model testing

We conducted a hi-fi demonstration using the completed model and gained insights from actual users.

technology

Enhancing the game-playing experience using tech

In the sketch model, the biggest challenge was verifying recycling — it required manual assistance from someone other than the player, which slowed the game. By integrating an Arduino and sensors into our custom trash bin, we reduced verification time by over 5X, allowing players to stay fully immersed in the game.

Data coded trash

Each trash coin has an NTAG213 NFC film with a distinct UID number. This enables precise tracking when the player deposit the coin into the trash bin, ensuring that the waste is sorted correctly.

packaging

User oriented design

Key information such as age group, components, and the game's advantages and features were prioritized based on references to numerous existing materials.

Storybook and game manual

We applied our branding to the storybook and game manual to enhance understanding and immersion in the game, while also improving accessibility.

Neatly arranged packaging

The first impression upon opening the box is crucial. We meticulously arranged all components for aesthetic appeal and also designed the height relationships between each part to ensure convenient extraction of the contents.

Intuitively beautiful design

When the product is opened, all components are designed to be clearly visible at a glance. This not only provides a visually satisfying experience but also makes it easy for users to keep everything neatly organized.

Designed for the environment

Raccoon Rescuers is an educational game focused on recycling, with most of its components made from eco-friendly materials. The game strives for a significantly lower OKALA Environmental Impact of 0.328, in contrast to other board games, which typically have an OKALA of 0.8 or higher.

takeaway

Beyond green: Why market research matters in game development

We successfully completed the HIFI model through smooth communication and well-defined roles, resulting in an outcome that satisfied everyone on the team. However, we revealed that people’s interest in recycling varies, suggesting that some users might find the game less appealing and therefore may not purchase it. This experience underscored that, while our focus was on environmental improvement, a “game” ultimately needs to fulfill consumers’ desire for engagement and fun—highlighting the importance of more thorough market research.

Images

contact

sseo@risd.edu