Publications

Our research focuses primarily on what motivates and individual to program computers. We’re trying to increase the appeal of computer programming by incorporating aspects of play that could appeal to girls’ interests. Rapunsel is designed to be a game that breaks social and technical stereotypes for both girls and boys. By using strong role models, a mix of competition and cooperation, and an understandable relationship between cause and effect, our game is meant to foster an accessible, fun, and educational experience.

Flanagan, M. & Nissenbaum, H. (2007). A game design methodology to incorporate social activist themes. Proceedings of CHI 2007. New York: ACM Press, 181–190. vap-chifinal06sub.pdf

Flanagan, M., Nissenbaum, H., Belman, J., & Diamond, J. (2007). A method for discovering values in digital games. To be presented at the annual conference of the Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA), Tokyo, Japan. method_digra2007.pdf