Problem Statements

How might we address online miscommunication by teenagers?

Teenagers are still learning to express their emotions well, and might at times found it challenging to express themselves clearly (e.g. speak impulsively, say things they did not mean), which might lead to unintended misunderstandings and conflicts.

This situation had worsened in the digital space, where tone of voice could be easily misinterpreted, and delayed replies might be misunderstood or perceived as rejections or being ignored.

When left unclarified, there might be deepened misunderstandings and conflicts, and friendships become strained. Further, teenagers involved in such conflicts might withdrew themselves and develop social anxiety.

The team shared about their project and thought processes at the Design Education Summit.

Kill for Truth, a game that engages teenagers in a collaborative quest to solve a murder mystery, incorporating gamification principles a storyline while focusing on Ministry of Education (MOE)’s 21st Century Competencies of communication and collaboration, and the value of empathy.

The game allows players to work together to solve a murder. Through the game, they improve communication and deduction skills. One player is secretly the murderer, while the rest try to uncover the truth.

Host sets the scene using a card deck⟶ Detectives receive face-down evidence cards (e.g., knife, footprints)⟶ Players coordinate and share clues⟶ Verdict at the end.

The murderer knows the full story and tried to mislead others without being caught. Afterwards, players discuss and vote on who they believe the murderer is. The accused can defend themselves. If the correct person is accused, detectives win. If not, the murderer wins.

Complex characters with a deep backstory that is centered around the theme of miscommunication. Deliberate use of misleading clues to further assess communication skills. Opportunities for participants to practice expressing their opinions more confidently in a fun setting.