Future Builders: Students develop a board game to combat climate anxiety
With ‘Future Builders’, three ZHAW students have created a board game that gives young people hope and strengthens their self-efficacy. The board game playfully demonstrates how individual action can positively influence the environment and society.
How can young people learn that their actions matter? This is exactly where ‘Future Builders’ comes in. The board game invites young people to discover their own power of influence - and shows them how personal and collective decisions can have a positive impact on the environment, society and the economy.
The game was developed by Doruk Karalar, Leah Michelsen and Andréa Cimino Gonzalez Rodrigues, three students on the PREFS (Preneurship for Regenerative Food Systems) Master's programme. Their vision: instead of being paralysed by a pessimistic view of the future, young people can develop a sense of hope and play an active role in building a future worth living.
A game that transforms helplessness into action
Many young people are worried about the future and the climate. ‘Future Builders’ counters this feeling with a playful approach: the participants move through different levels of our world - environment, society and economy - and master challenges that reflect real decisions.
It becomes clear that even small steps can trigger big changes. The game is particularly suitable for teachers and social work professionals who want to support and empower young people. Initial feedback shows that ‘Future Builders’ triggers conversations, broadens perspectives and encourages people to think for themselves.
From the idea to the realisation
The project group came together in the interdisciplinary PREFS Master's programme, which enables students to tackle complex problems with entrepreneurial thinking and innovative methods. An educational project with social relevance quickly emerged from initial experiences in game development.
In order to continuously develop the game, the team actively gathers feedback from teachers, social workers and other specialists. This ensures that ‘Future Builders’ offers real added value in everyday education in the long term.
Support for sustainable ideas
The project was realised in part through the ZHAW Sustainable Impact Program, which supports students and employees in implementing sustainable projects - including financial support.