We designed a mobile game and a campaign to educate and increase adoption of alternative energy sources specifically wind to residents and the local governments in the city of Pittsburgh. This is in partnership with Windstax, a full-service developer of integrated alternative energy solutions. The company is a pioneer in large vertical wind turbines and micro-grids.

CMU 2018
Tools: Sketch, Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Keynote
My role: Interaction design, Visual design, Campaign development

Overview

Residents of the city of Pittsburgh have been served by traditional forms of energy for decades. Mayor Peduto is one of 175 U.S mayors that are following the Paris Climate Agreement. Evidence in these efforts are seen on Rachel Carson Bridge, one a set of three similar bridges nicknamed 'The Three Sisters' powered by a wind turbine by Windstax.

The campaign

We designed a campaign that would introduce the mobile game to the Pittsburgh public. This campaign is a promotion of the Windstax sponsored mobile application and is aimed at creating awareness and interest in the use for alternative sources of energy.

The Game Design

A mobile game where users locate spots in the city. When users find these locations, they earn points that they can then use to build a virtual house that is powered entirely by alternative sources of energy. Users also have an option to make a donation using the tokens that they earn to a charity of choice that is involved with the protection of the environment.

Conceptualization

Computer vision on rachel carson bridge

Using computer vision and geolocation, the app can identify objects with those stored in the game. In this example, the Rachel Carson bridge has been discovered. With each discovery, the user learns about the landmark and has the ability to learn more about the energy source being used.

information on energy powering target area

The user is directed to a detailed page, with a larger photo hint. If the user cannot identify the landmark, they can tap the “hint” button to receive a more detailed description of its location.

user builds house with rewards

After the user aggregates points, they have the ability to customize their home in lite city or donate their points. Using an inventory of purchases, the user can build the green home of their dreams.  Windstax will convert donated pointsto a monetary value to support alternative energy initiatives in the area.

Future service

A prediction of the future state of the game and its impact and influence to stakeholders.