Board Game Design for Learning and Simulation

Physical and tabletop board games are powerful tools for teaching complex systems, from urban planning to historical events. This course guides you through the fundamental principles of board design, game mechanics, and simulation structures, enabling you to build engaging educational experiences. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational elements of board design, including spatial layouts, pathways, and territories. - Analyze how different board mechanics can simulate real-world systems like resource distribution and urban planning. - Apply systems thinking to balance cooperative and competitive gameplay elements for educational outcomes. - Design clear rules and feedback loops that guide learners through complex decision-making processes. - Incorporate modern game design patterns to keep players engaged while meeting specific learning objectives. - Draft and iterate on physical prototypes using structured playtesting methodologies. The course begins with core definitions of board geography and simulation theory before moving into mechanics design, player dynamics, and prototyping frameworks. It is designed for educators, instructional designers, urban planners, and aspiring game creators with no prior design experience. Start designing your first educational board simulation today.