Our strategy focused on simplifying the complex scenario of disaster management into a high-pressure, 6-minute simulation that is engaging, educational, and suitable for a dual audience of older children and adults
Key strategic decisions included:
- Core scenario simplification to translate the complex reality into three manageable strategic issues for the player: Communication, Transportation, and Emergency Services.
- Role-based immersion which places the user as the Head of the Emergency Management Agency, establishing a serious, decision-making tone that satisfies the 'not too game-like' requirement.
- Time-pressured gameplay by enforcing a 6-minute limit to drive urgency and force players to prioritize public awareness, traffic flow, and establishing refuge camps before the simulated eruption.
- Intuitive interface design to ensure the management of complex tasks—like identifying hazard zones and organizing traffic—was accessible and engaging for the primary 12-15 target audience.
- Ambient detail integration such as the news ticker to enhance realism, create an immersive atmosphere, and continually reinforce the high-stakes narrative of the erupting crisis.
Every design and strategic choice aligned with the mission to extend the docu-drama's experience by combining great visual design with an engaging, management-focused simulation..
