The Imagine If Game

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We launched our Imagine If Game at The Archifringe 2019 Fringe Festival as part of our ‘In Real Life’ Exhibition. This year we digitised the game as part of the Residents Entrepreneurs Programme at Creative Informatics.

  • It is a game of compromise, which challenges individuals to think about the role of private spaces within their home and what they are willing to share with others. 

    Each player is given a tray and is then taken through rooms in a typical house. In each room they decide from three options: fully private; the best of both; or fully communal. This then generates a ‘bar code’ of choices which is unique to that player from which they will have a set number of votes to choose which shared assets they would like access to.

  • We spent lots of time over the details of the game and all the possible 486 outcomes that could occur. The number of outcomes was important as we wanted to understand the range of choices and give people as much variety within the game to get us the most accurate results.

  • It has been designed for all ages and is very colourful and simple in it’s design.

    We wanted a design that presented each decision with clear choices and consequences. For example, if you choose a larger bedroom, you would not have as much access to a communal space.

    We make sure one of the imagine if team is on hand to help you with any questions you may have.

  • Yes! Our digital version aims to improve our reach and connect with more groups virtually - get in touch to be put on our waitlist >

Since our first exhibition, the game has been played by many different groups including:

  • with Sorrel Housing Co-operative to develop a design brief for their cohousing group.

  • adapted for use in public consultations to support architects.

  • ESALA university students as part of their course and their understanding of co-living and shared spaces.

  • as workshop as part of a conference programme.

  • as drop in exhibition.

We would love to play the game with more cohousing groups across the UK at any stage of their process. Get in touch to start a conversation with us.