“Talking Tools” game
Spunk Studio, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2001
Description
We created, illustrated, tested, funded, re-tested and delivered this product ourselves. It was made with the common studio goal of creating a cost-effective book of therapeutic board games for caregivers to play with “at-risk” kids.
Partnering with certified school psychologist, Jim Anderson, we identified hard issues, such as divorce, death, self-image and conflict-resolution, that had to be presented in a safe, role-playing environment. The solution had to be inexpensive to produce to bring the cost per unit down to a teacher-friendly level. Careful testing, critique and directed redesign from industry experts and kids brought “Talking Tools” to a higher level.
Juror Notes
“I admire the fact that this game addresses a very difficult audience—dysfunctional children—and encourages communication. It is also engaging, portable and inexpensive.”
Credits
- Design firm
- Spunk Studio
- Creative director
- Jeff Johnson
- Designers
- Jim Anderson, Angee Hagen, Jeff Johnson, Jason Walzer
- Illustrators
- Jim Anderson, Jeff Johnson
- Writers
- Jim Anderson, Jeff Johnson
- Typeface
- VAG rounded
- Client
- Childswork/Childsplay