Portfolio—Design Futures & collaboration: Board game.
Water Inc.
"The explosive growth of three water utility companies in the last ten years raises concerns that mankind may be losing control of its most vital resource to a handful of monopolistic corporations. Further privatisation of the world’s fresh water resources seems inevitable. It is estimated that within the next 15 years the above companies will control over 75% of what are now public waterworks."—Centre for Public Integrity 2002:1.
Water is essential for sustaining life, both animal and plant. Humans cannot live without it longer then a few short days. With the advent of globalisation, water has experienced a shift from a common good and a public service into a commodity. The quest for water privatisation by global corporations is a dangerous development, as water is one of the essentials for human survival. Gaining control over the Earth’s water reserves could result in an unprecedented level of power, used and potentially abused in the name of consumerism. This design approach is based on the belief, that water should once more be valued as a source of life and a basic human right, that cannot be priced, but must be treasured and preserved.
Water Inc. is a multi-directional board game with the objective of obtaining the majority of global water rights. A rebel group, formed in the wake of the growing negative sentiment towards water monopoly, fights against the international corporation Water Inc. by completing tasks on the playing fields.
Despite Water Inc.’s advantage at the beginning of the game, it is possible for the rebels to win and decide to return the water rights to the people or become the new ruler over the water reserves. This signifies the corrupting potential of power over an important resource, such as water.
The branding and board game design is minimal, modern and slightly cold to reflect the disconnect between large corporations and the public.
PROJECT TYPE
University Assignment
COMPLETED IN
2016
CONTRIBUTORS
Stella Franks, Ashleigh Knight
& Tara Fraser
SKILLS
Design Futures/Game Design
Typography—Prosper White washed Book cover series Bloody Banana Bender Flux
Aviation—An Office With A View Safety first Boeing 737 overwing exit Sterile flight deck
Illustration—Creature Feature Forensic drawing
Design futures & collaboration—1501 steps Boro The Gift Heritage Defense Kit Water Inc.