At DataKirk, we’re passionate about empowering underrepresented communities through digital innovation. Over the past year, we’ve been part of an exciting project that united young people, youth workers, and academic experts to explore the world of game design. Funded by the INCLUDE+ Network and supported by YouthLink Scotland and Abertay University, this initiative was designed to bridge the digital divide and create real opportunities for young people to develop valuable digital skills in a fun and inclusive setting.
The Journey Begins
We kicked off the project with a call to young people aged 11-18 to participate in creating a digital game. Receiving over 40 expressions of interest highlighted the immense enthusiasm for technology and creativity among our diverse participants, which included individuals from ethnic minorities and those facing socio-economic challenges.
Co-Creation and Collaboration
In a series of co-creation workshops, the young participants identified key challenges they wanted to tackle through their game. Issues like vaping addiction, cyberbullying, and digital exclusion emerged as focal points. This collaboration led to the creation of Dodge the Fog, an endless runner game crafted specifically to discourage vaping and promote healthier lifestyle choices. Workshops held at Abertay University were particularly impactful, providing hands-on learning in game design, soundscapes, and visual storytelling using tools such as Scratch and GameMaker.
Impact and Growth
The project’s impact went beyond technical skill development. Young people also built essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Many participants expressed newfound confidence and even considered game design as a future career. One participant mentioned, “I didn’t think I’d like game design, but now I’m considering it as a career,” while another noted the value of peer-to-peer learning in a collaborative setting.
Dodge the Fog: A Game with a Purpose
More than just a game, Dodge the Fog serves as an educational tool to empower young people to make healthier choices. By raising awareness about the dangers of vaping, the game offers an engaging and interactive way to promote lung health. We believe Dodge the Fog has the potential to make a significant impact on youth health, and we’re eager to scale this initiative further.
Engaging Health Partners
We extend a special invitation to health boards and organisations such as NHS Scotland, Public Health Scotland, and local health partnerships to explore how Dodge the Fog might be integrated into broader youth health initiatives. Let’s work together to discourage vaping and promote healthier lifestyle choices among young people across Scotland.
Looking Ahead
The success of this project has inspired us to continue pushing the boundaries of digital inclusion through creative projects. We’re proud to have contributed to an initiative that not only empowered young people but also showcased the potential of youth work in addressing digital inequalities. Dodge the Fog, the game created by our young innovators, is now being further developed by game design students from Abertay University. We can’t wait to see the results and look forward to sharing the next chapter of this journey.
For more details, including the full project output document, please click here. To learn more about our work or to get in touch with us at info@thedatakirk.org.uk Together, let’s build a more inclusive digital future for all.
