GAMIFY DETROIT

Abstract

The task of this thesis is to reignite user engagement in public space by redesigning the public realm through the lens of a game designer. There were many designers who attempted to reinvent public space. Notably the Situationists International who declared a primary reason for why users go outside, which was for capitalist desires like purchasing goods and services or simply to work to gain the ability to pay for goods and services rather than for leisure. The primary area this thesis tasks itself to solve is: “by redesigning spaces with activities and user customization will it cause strangers to connect and socialize?” To achieve this, the method of research used has been designing games and activities that could be placed in the context of Detroit, Michigan. In order to re-engage the public the thesis establishes an app-like framework that can be used within the city of Detroit to engage the public. The primary findings from the methods are to keep the activities simple yet engaging for users, allow for games to be finished quickly, and to have their activities to be modular and able to swap in order to keep the spaces enticing for repeat visitors. This study is valuable as designers have attempted to redesign public space to be more enticing, however the typical route omits the public’s opinion. With this thesis the goal is to integrate users into owning and designing the public realm, being able to participate and tweak spaces to their liking akin to a game designer.