Poet's Blocks
A game to get people to write poetry.
Inspired by my experience teaching writing to 4th graders, I designed this game to get people to have a grand time writing poems. The premise is that by establishing a few parameters and a time limit, you create a universe where players feel comfortable (and excited about) writing poetry.
This game turned out to be more fun than I ever could have imagined. I have test-played with artists, engineers, friends, family, strangers, coworkers, classmates, and kids. To most people, the notion of writing poetry is foreign and intimidating, yet the constraints of the game free them to tap into a part of their spirits that they otherwise rarely access. The poems generated from this game are hilarious and beautiful, and only exist because 3 blocks were rolled and a 3-minute timer was flipped.
Above, a poem written by a software engineer. Below, a poem written by a medical student.
Production Notes:
Poet's Blocks was originally designed for Graduate Design Seminar at George Mason University in Spring 2013, but revisions and test games are ongoing. (Write me if you want to play!)
Printing: Inkjet on adhesive vinyl.
Type: Block Berthold & Baskerville.