Farm Me
Developed a board game to teach and promote sustainable farming to schoolchildren
Role
Product & Game Designer
Project Duration
6 Weeks
Worldview
001
Environmental Stewardship:
"Farming Me" is not merely a board game; it's a commitment to environmental stewardship. The project recognises Earth as our shared home and underscores the profound importance of caring for the environment. Through gameplay and educational elements, it imparts the understanding that each individual plays a role in preserving the planet.

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Long-Term Impact:
Embracing a visionary perspective, the project is dedicated to creating a lasting impact. Its mission extends beyond immediate goals, aiming to inspire the next generation. By instilling values of sustainability and environmental responsibility, "Farm Me" envisions a future where today's children evolve into advocates for a more sustainable world, influencing positive change.
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Ethical and Responsible Choices:
Embedded within the fabric of "Farm Me" is a commitment to cultivating ethical and responsible decision-making. The project serves as a catalyst for critical thinking, encouraging players to make choices that extend beyond the confines of the game. Whether it's in farming practices or daily routines, the ethos of ethical decision-making resonates throughout the gaming experience.
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Eco-Conscious Living:
The heart of "Farm Me" beats with the belief that sustainable living should permeate every facet of life. It aspires to ingrain the concept that eco-consciousness is not just a practice but a way of life. By targeting a young audience, the project aims to sow the seeds of eco-conscious living early, nurturing a generation that embraces sustainable practices as inherent to their lifestyle.
Primary Research
002
Our encounter with Mr. Haresh Mehta, the proprietor of Paper Shaper, proved to be a pivotal moment in our primary research phase. The discussion with Mr. Mehta not only offered valuable insights but also served as a wellspring of inspiration. His unwavering dedication to sustainability, particularly in the realm of cardboard crafting, resonated harmoniously with the core principles of the "Farm Me" project.
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Mr. Mehta's profound commitment to educating children through creative and sustainable means aligns seamlessly with the overarching objectives of our project. The meeting illuminated the potential for a collaborative venture that extends beyond a conventional partnership. It has the potential to be a symbiotic relationship, where both entities contribute to a shared mission of promoting sustainability and eco-conscious living.
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Secondary Research
003
Sustainable Development Goal 15:
Life on Land
Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) stands as a global commitment to safeguard terrestrial ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable use of land resources. Adopted as part of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDG 15 recognises the critical role that healthy land and ecosystems play in supporting life on Earth.
Key components of SDG 15 include:
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Life on Land Preservation: The goal emphasises the need to conserve and sustainably use terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. This includes protecting natural habitats, preventing species extinction, and restoring ecosystems that have been degraded.
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Forest Management: Recognising the vital role of forests in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation, SDG 15 calls for sustainable forest management. This involves combating illegal logging, promoting afforestation, and restoring degraded forests.
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Combatting Desertification: SDG 15 addresses the challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought. It encourages the implementation of sustainable land management practices to counteract these processes and support affected communities.
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Biodiversity Conservation: Preserving biodiversity is a fundamental aspect of SDG 15. The goal emphasizes the need to protect and prevent the extinction of endangered species, both on land and in freshwater ecosystems.
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Indigenous and Local Community Involvement: SDG 15 recognizes the role of indigenous and local communities in sustainable land management. It calls for the respect of their rights, traditional knowledge, and practices related to land use.
Sustainable Component Materials
In the pursuit of aligning "Farm Me" with eco-conscious principles, a meticulous exploration of sustainable materials for game components is paramount. The emphasis is on embracing innovation, considering alternatives such as biodegradable plastics or recycled cardboard. These materials not only echo the game's commitment to sustainability but also serve as tangible examples for players, fostering environmental awareness and responsible material use.
Narrative Storytelling
"Farm Me" transcends traditional board games by integrating narrative storytelling elements. This strategic inclusion serves a dual purpose – creating an immersive gaming experience and reinforcing educational objectives. Through a captivating storyline, players are not just participants; they become stewards of a virtual environment, learning about sustainable farming practices and the impact of their decisions within the game's context. This narrative approach transforms the gaming experience into a dynamic educational journey.
DIY Kit
Complementing the board game with a DIY kit elevates the educational and interactive dimensions of "Farm Me." This hands-on experience extends beyond the game board, providing players with tangible tools to engage with sustainability concepts. The DIY kit could include elements like real seeds, eco-friendly planting pots, and educational materials, empowering players to connect with nature and witness the growth process firsthand. The synergy between the DIY kit and the board game reinforces the project's commitment to holistic learning and sustainable practices.
Design Opportunities
004
Design Goals
005
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Sustainable Component Materials: In the pursuit of aligning "Farm Me" with eco-conscious principles, a meticulous exploration of sustainable materials for game components is paramount.
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Narrative Storytelling: "Farm Me" transcends traditional board games by integrating narrative storytelling elements. This strategic inclusion serves a dual purpose – creating an immersive gaming experience and reinforcing educational objectives.
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DIY Kit: Complementing the board game with a DIY kit elevates the educational and interactive dimensions of "Farm Me." This hands-on experience extends beyond the game board, providing players with tangible tools to engage with sustainability concepts.
Previous Concepts
006
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8 Steps, 8 options on each step
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4 sustainable, 4 unsustainable options
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Player chooses one option on each step
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Cards
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Traps
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Wins
Final Concept
007
To make the form look organic, we are thinking to take inspiration from Terrace Farming. As suggested by Prof. Vinayak, this form also suits the cause for the project. The challenge here would be arranging paths in a wide step. We also have to think of traps which are essentially holes in the steps.
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Sustainable Choices: Implement a decision-making system where players make choices related to eco-conscious farming practices, such as organic farming, renewable energy, and wildlife conservation, impacting their farm's success.
Final Design
006
Setup
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The game incorporates a 3D board constructed entirely from cardboard, offering a hands-on DIY experience for players, particularly children.
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The board is intelligently designed to be assembled like a DIY kit, allowing kids to engage in the construction process. Every component, including steps and other elements, is meticulously crafted with interlocking slots for a seamless assembly.
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The steps feature slots where players can strategically place their cards, adding an interactive layer to the game.
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Some of these slots are designed as traps, introducing an element of challenge and strategy into the gameplay.
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Each player receives a set of "farmer's profiles," represented by peg-shaped bamboo cards adorned with depictions of farmers' faces or related imagery.
3D Model
Aesthetic
The game's aesthetic draws inspiration from step farming, also known as terrace farming, a prevalent agricultural practice designed to safeguard soil from the erosive impact of water current flow on slopes. This technique involves creating a sequence of steps or terraces on the landscape, forming an intricate and visually striking pattern.
The game's aesthetic integration of step farming reflects the harmonious coexistence of agriculture and environmental conservation. Each element, from the 3D cardboard board to the bamboo farmer profiles, captures the essence of this traditional farming method, fostering a visual and tactile experience that aligns with the game's educational and sustainability-focused objectives.
Final Model
