We touched down in Ghana on Sunday and began the trip with a tour of Osu Castle, a historic landmark with a rich past. After a day of exploration, the team rested and prepared for the highlight of the trip\u2014playtesting with students at Grace International School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The primary goal of our trip was to test the game with students closer to our target demographic. We visited Grace International School on Monday and Wednesday, engaging with about 190 students aged 9 to 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Initially, our lesson plan assumed smaller, more controlled groups, but upon arrival, we learned that each class of around 30 students would be brought into the room simultaneously. Adapting quickly, we divided into three groups, each working with about 10 students. Initially, only two players per group were assigned to use the tablets, but we soon noticed the students naturally gravitating toward collaborative play, discussing, and even competing to interact with the game. We embraced this enthusiasm by allowing groups of five to share tablets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout gameplay, students demonstrated strong engagement. In the first mini-game, they discussed handwashing steps, laughed while battling germs, and quickly recognized how shoes protected the character from obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also conducted pre- and post-tests using a drawing prompt: \u201cImagine someone playing outside all day without wearing shoes. What will their hands and feet look like?\u201d<\/em> The results were fascinating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before playing the game, students\u2019 drawings were abstract, featuring a few bugs and dirt. After gameplay, their drawings became significantly more detailed, with realistic depictions of bugs, dirt, scars, and even ground hazards inspired by elements from the game. These changes suggest that while students had some prior hygiene knowledge, the game helped visualize and reinforce these concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During Monday\u2019s session, we noticed that students overwhelmingly selected \u201cReally Agree\u201d on the Likert scale questions, making it hard to measure the game\u2019s impact. On Tuesday, we revised the questions to focus on emotions, asking whether students enjoyed washing hands, feet, and wearing shoes before and after the game. Wednesday\u2019s results showed a clear shift in emotions, with many students expressing a greater liking for these actions after gameplay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The co-design activity offered a deeper look into students\u2019 perceptions and creativity. When asked how they would describe the game, students highlighted specific elements like the medal pieces and the character\u2019s shoes. They also suggested new ideas, drawing sinks, restrooms, mountains, and trees. Their creativity gave us valuable insights into their preferences and how they view hygiene in the context of play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, the playtest was a success. The students not only enjoyed the game but also demonstrated a meaningful shift in their understanding of hygiene concepts. The team\u2019s ability to adapt to challenges and refine the process mid-playtest was another significant achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Thursday, we traveled to Akosombo to visit the World Shoe factory. Walking through the facility was an exciting experience as we saw the production process firsthand. The anti-bacterial shoes, designed to combat odor and disease, have been an essential part of our trip, and we even shared our game with the factory team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to work, we embraced Ghanaian culture by visiting Abajo Caf\u00e9 near Accra\u2019s art gallery market. We enjoyed local cuisine, explored traditional art techniques, and watched captivating music performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/step-up\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Day-1_Team-photo-1-1024x768.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nPlaytesting at Grace International School<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nPre- and Post-Test Results<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Revised Questionnaire<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWorld Shoe Factory Tour<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nImmersing in Ghanaian Culture<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n