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 reengage
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.
