The ‘Other Talk’: a co-design study of board games for cross-generational communication of life-and-death issues

This study presents the collaborative design experience of developing a cross-generational communication game about life-and-death issues. The research activities involved two groups of end-users from different generations, who were tasked with working together to build tools that would encourage a deeper communication between them. To overcome limited knowledge on serious game design and encourage participation, this study utilises an experimental approach that involves a series of workshop activities following a design circle. The results indicate that engagement among cross-generational participants can be enhanced by involving a small, mixed group and utilising structural design materials in the co-design process. The groups developed a collaborative mode of task-oriented and ability-based division of labour to develop the game. This approach also stimulated individuals to take on multiple roles, that is, users, testers, informants, and design partners, and shift between roles as the group dynamic, supporting materials, and design stages evolve. Additionally, this collaborative process encourages participants to reflect on their role as future end-users when communicating sensitive issues to others.