Serious Game Development: prototyping a board game about oral health and life chances

The main activity is a hands-on board game session, where participants will play an early prototype of a new oral health board game exploring the wider social factors that shape people’s oral health and experiences of dental care.

Sessions will begin with a brief introduction to the project and the game (approximately 5–10 minutes), followed by 30 minutes of gameplay in small groups and encouraged to "think aloud" as they play the game to highlight how the functionality of the game play is working. This will be followed by an informal 5 - 10 minute participatory feedback and discussion session where players can share their thoughts on the game, the topic, suggest changes and identify what they think is missing or could be improved. Feedback will help the research team redevelop and refine the prototype.

The activity is informal and interactive, with no prior knowledge of oral health, dentistry or board games required. Participants can attend as individuals or with friends/family and join a game in progress where space allows.

Dojo Lounge: 12pm–2pm
Sugar & Dice Board Game Café: 6pm–8pm

Both sessions will combine gameplay and participatory discussion, with the majority of the session focused on playing and exploring the board game.

Oral health is shaped by much more than what happens in the dental chair. Our board game explores the everyday experiences, choices, opportunities and social factors that can influence oral health and access to dental care.

Come and play the prototype, explore the issues it raises and tell us what you think. Your feedback will help us understand what works, what is missing and how we can improve the game.

No dental knowledge or board game experience is needed. Expect a relaxed, interactive session where you can play, discuss and help shape a new way of thinking about oral health.

The event is led by Dr Janine Yazdi-Doughty, an NIHR Clinical Lecturer in General Dental Practice, Dr Gemma Ahearne, a senior lecturer in Criminology and Ella Orton-Flewitt, Creative Producer at Blueprint Arts. 

The event is open to anyone aged 16 and over who is interested in oral health, social science, games, or simply curious to try something different.

No previous knowledge of dentistry, oral health, research or board games is required. Participants can attend alone, with friends, family or colleagues, and both experienced board gamers and complete beginners are welcome.

The activity is designed for a general public audience and is particularly suited to anyone interested in sharing their experiences and ideas to help shape the development of a new oral health board game.

Of particular interest to people who are curious about oral health and the wider social factors that influence health and access to dental care, as well as those interested in social science, public engagement, participatory research, games and creative approaches to exploring health and society.

It may also be of particular interest to people with personal experience of dental care or oral health challenges, who would like to share their perspectives and help shape the development of the game.

No specialist knowledge or personal experience is required to take part.

Deco Lounge: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2000969214786

VGM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2000969511674

Sugar and Dice: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2000969895823

Join us on 30 October to play and help shape our new oral health board game.

📍 Deco Lounge: 12pm–2pm
📍 VGM Museum: 3pm–5pm
📍 Sugar & Dice: 6pm–8pm

Drop in at any of the sessions to play the prototype, share your thoughts and help us develop the next version of the game.

Venue 1: Deco Lounge 12pm - 2pm

Venue 2: Sugar and Dice board game café 6pm - 8pm

Venue 3: VGM gallery insights exhibition space 9am - 11am and 2pm - 4pm