The Zone Week 1
The Zone Week 1
The Zone Week 1
In darkness, do you trust or doubt?
Collaborative Unit
Collaborative Unit
LARP (Live-Action Role Play) Design
LARP (Live-Action Role Play) Design
Team & Duration
Team & Duration
Team & Duration
Chaitanya, Dabeen, Diya, Grania, Lancy, Mustafa, Prim, Sakshi, Stav, Sian, Uday
Chaitanya, Dabeen, Diya, Grania, Lancy, Mustafa, Prim, Sakshi, Stav, Sian, Uday
Chaitanya, Dabeen, Diya, Grania, Lancy, Mustafa, Prim, Sakshi, Stav, Sian, Uday
20th Feb - 31st Feb
20th Feb - 31st Feb
20th Feb - 31st Feb
THE brief
THE brief
THE brief
Design and build a LARP themed around future dead zone of light.
Design and build a LARP themed around future dead zone of light.
Design and build a LARP themed around future dead zone of light.
This unit began with us LARPing in our class. Experiencing LARP first hand showed how some roles overcomplicated the story, making me realize its potential for identifying complexities in user journeys. Another key insight was the importance of onboarding and offboarding, which is often overlooked in digital experiences but crucial for user retention (Kalra, 2024).
Overall, it reminded me of game design, which is more nuanced than the UX design I’ve practiced, requiring non-linear, exploratory experiences rather than structured paths.
This unit began with us LARPing in our class. Experiencing LARP first hand showed how some roles overcomplicated the story, making me realize its potential for identifying complexities in user journeys. Another key insight was the importance of onboarding and offboarding, which is often overlooked in digital experiences but crucial for user retention (Kalra, 2024).
Overall, it reminded me of game design, which is more nuanced than the UX design I’ve practiced, requiring non-linear, exploratory experiences rather than structured paths.
This unit began with us LARPing in our class. Experiencing LARP first hand showed how some roles overcomplicated the story, making me realize its potential for identifying complexities in user journeys. Another key insight was the importance of onboarding and offboarding, which is often overlooked in digital experiences but crucial for user retention (Kalra, 2024).
Overall, it reminded me of game design, which is more nuanced than the UX design I’ve practiced, requiring non-linear, exploratory experiences rather than structured paths.
Dead zone of light
Dead zone of light
Dead zone of light
We brainstormed ideas for a "deadzone of light" and questioned whether darkness is always negative. In a future where extreme heat forces people underground, light deprivation might be necessary rather than harmful. But what happens when it's taken too far?
We built a world around this idea, where light equals power. Those who control it dominate those left in the dark. This led to a capitalistic struggle between ‘light-hoarders’ and ‘dark-dwellers,’ where power depends on access to light.
We brainstormed ideas for a "deadzone of light" and questioned whether darkness is always negative. In a future where extreme heat forces people underground, light deprivation might be necessary rather than harmful. But what happens when it's taken too far?
We built a world around this idea, where light equals power. Those who control it dominate those left in the dark. This led to a capitalistic struggle between ‘light-hoarders’ and ‘dark-dwellers,’ where power depends on access to light.
We brainstormed ideas for a "deadzone of light" and questioned whether darkness is always negative. In a future where extreme heat forces people underground, light deprivation might be necessary rather than harmful. But what happens when it's taken too far?
We built a world around this idea, where light equals power. Those who control it dominate those left in the dark. This led to a capitalistic struggle between ‘light-hoarders’ and ‘dark-dwellers,’ where power depends on access to light.
Storyboard for light hoarders & dark dwellers
Storyboard for light hoarders & dark dwellers
Storyboard for light hoarders & dark dwellers
Refocusing
Refocusing
Refocusing
However, further discussions with our tutors and among ourselves made us realize that our scenario was less about the absence of light and more about power imbalance and capitalism. Hence, we shifted our focus to realign with the brief.
Our research methods initially relied on desk research, which provided a wealth of obscure information. To deepen our understanding, we investigated what it truly feels like to exist without light. We blindfolded each other and played games to simulate a world of darkness, aiming to uncover the fundamental question our LARP should pose about the absence of light.
However, further discussions with our tutors and among ourselves made us realize that our scenario was less about the absence of light and more about power imbalance and capitalism. Hence, we shifted our focus to realign with the brief.
Our research methods initially relied on desk research, which provided a wealth of obscure information. To deepen our understanding, we investigated what it truly feels like to exist without light. We blindfolded each other and played games to simulate a world of darkness, aiming to uncover the fundamental question our LARP should pose about the absence of light.
However, further discussions with our tutors and among ourselves made us realize that our scenario was less about the absence of light and more about power imbalance and capitalism. Hence, we shifted our focus to realign with the brief.
Our research methods initially relied on desk research, which provided a wealth of obscure information. To deepen our understanding, we investigated what it truly feels like to exist without light. We blindfolded each other and played games to simulate a world of darkness, aiming to uncover the fundamental question our LARP should pose about the absence of light.
Desk Research about absence of light
Blindfolded activity in LCC
Blindfolded activity in LCC
Blindfolded activity in LCC
One key insight was that walking blindfolded, even through a familiar space, made people more doubtful and cautious. Some pranks were played, leading to distrust within the group. This observation, when looked at from a different lens, supported what Erturk (2024) mentioned on the relationship between light, darkness, and crime rates.
We questioned whether people feel more anxious about crime in darkness and whether the inability to be seen reduces social judgment, potentially encouraging criminal behaviors in certain people.
To deepen our understanding, we conducted affinity mapping, organizing our findings into groups within the ‘deadzone of light’ theme.
One key insight was that walking blindfolded, even through a familiar space, made people more doubtful and cautious. Some pranks were played, leading to distrust within the group. This observation, when looked at from a different lens, supported what Erturk (2024) mentioned on the relationship between light, darkness, and crime rates.
We questioned whether people feel more anxious about crime in darkness and whether the inability to be seen reduces social judgment, potentially encouraging criminal behaviors in certain people.
To deepen our understanding, we conducted affinity mapping, organizing our findings into groups within the ‘deadzone of light’ theme.
One key insight was that walking blindfolded, even through a familiar space, made people more doubtful and cautious. Some pranks were played, leading to distrust within the group. This observation, when looked at from a different lens, supported what Erturk (2024) mentioned on the relationship between light, darkness, and crime rates.
We questioned whether people feel more anxious about crime in darkness and whether the inability to be seen reduces social judgment, potentially encouraging criminal behaviors in certain people.
To deepen our understanding, we conducted affinity mapping, organizing our findings into groups within the ‘deadzone of light’ theme.
Affinity Diagram
Affinity Diagram
Affinity Diagram
Key Insights
Key Insights
Key Insights
From these discussions, our central idea — ‘cooperation in darkness’ — was born. We wanted to explore cooperation & collaboration among people who are stuck in darkness.
From these discussions, our central idea — ‘cooperation in darkness’ — was born. We wanted to explore cooperation & collaboration among people who are stuck in darkness.
From these discussions, our central idea — ‘cooperation in darkness’ — was born. We wanted to explore cooperation & collaboration among people who are stuck in darkness.
Final Research Question
Final Research Question
Final Research Question
While the answer to our main question seemed like an obvious yes, the deeper exploration of how trust and paranoia function in darkness was more compelling. We hence focused more on how people judge and trust others without seeing them.
How would these instincts change in total darkness? What influences trust and suspicion in that space?
While the answer to our main question seemed like an obvious yes, the deeper exploration of how trust and paranoia function in darkness was more compelling. We hence focused more on how people judge and trust others without seeing them.
How would these instincts change in total darkness? What influences trust and suspicion in that space?
While the answer to our main question seemed like an obvious yes, the deeper exploration of how trust and paranoia function in darkness was more compelling. We hence focused more on how people judge and trust others without seeing them.
How would these instincts change in total darkness? What influences trust and suspicion in that space?
Setting the scene
Setting the scene
Setting the scene
Since the brief required a deadzone in a near-future London where aspects of 2024 life no longer function, we researched current issues that could realistically lead to a complete loss of light. One of the most plausible scenarios we identified was rising water levels causing sudden flooding which would then render an underground space completely dark.
Since the brief required a deadzone in a near-future London where aspects of 2024 life no longer function, we researched current issues that could realistically lead to a complete loss of light. One of the most plausible scenarios we identified was rising water levels causing sudden flooding which would then render an underground space completely dark.
Since the brief required a deadzone in a near-future London where aspects of 2024 life no longer function, we researched current issues that could realistically lead to a complete loss of light. One of the most plausible scenarios we identified was rising water levels causing sudden flooding which would then render an underground space completely dark.
Research about the rising water levels in london
Research about the rising water levels in london
Research about the rising water levels in london
media References
media References
media References
The Ecologist (2013) ‘London flood surge the worst in 60 years’, The Ecologist, 9 December. Available at: https://theecologist.org/2013/dec/09/london-flood-surge-worst-60-years
BBC News (2016) ‘Manchester flooding: Homes evacuated as River Irwell overflows’, BBC News, 29 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-35438219
The Ecologist (2013) ‘London flood surge the worst in 60 years’, The Ecologist, 9 December. Available at: https://theecologist.org/2013/dec/09/london-flood-surge-worst-60-years
BBC News (2016) ‘Manchester flooding: Homes evacuated as River Irwell overflows’, BBC News, 29 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-35438219
The Ecologist (2013) ‘London flood surge the worst in 60 years’, The Ecologist, 9 December. Available at: https://theecologist.org/2013/dec/09/london-flood-surge-worst-60-years
BBC News (2016) ‘Manchester flooding: Homes evacuated as River Irwell overflows’, BBC News, 29 January. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-35438219
References
References
References
Ehlinger, M. and Cullinane, S. (2021) 'London floods cause transport chaos as roads and stations become submerged', CNN, 25 July. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/25/weather/uk-london-floods-transport/index.html
Erturk, E. et al., (2024) Exploring the effects of light and dark on crime in London. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 13(6), p.182. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13060182
Hart, J. (2022) 'Animals with good night vision', Sciencing, 24 March. Available at: https://www.sciencing.com/animals-good-night-vision-8100479/ (Accessed: 19 March 2025).
Kalra, P. et al., (2024) 'First time user experience: seamless onboarding process for customers', ResearchGate, June. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384438191_First_Time_User_Experience_Seamless_Onboarding_Process_For_Customers
Richards, T. (2008) 'Climate change could flood London any time after 2030, warns expert', PubMed Central, 2394631. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2394631/
Sky News (2025) 'Danger to life: Amber weather warning issued for parts of UK as Storm Eowyn approaches', Sky News, 19 March. Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/danger-to-life-amber-weather-warning-issued-for-parts-of-uk-as-storm-eowyn-approaches-13294196
Time and Date, https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london (n.d.)
University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) (2023) 'The impact and coping strategies during polar nights', UNIS News, 24 November. Available at: https://www.unis.no/news/the-impact-and-coping-strategies-during-polar-nights/
Ehlinger, M. and Cullinane, S. (2021) 'London floods cause transport chaos as roads and stations become submerged', CNN, 25 July. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/25/weather/uk-london-floods-transport/index.html
Erturk, E. et al., (2024) Exploring the effects of light and dark on crime in London. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 13(6), p.182. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13060182
Hart, J. (2022) 'Animals with good night vision', Sciencing, 24 March. Available at: https://www.sciencing.com/animals-good-night-vision-8100479/ (Accessed: 19 March 2025).
Kalra, P. et al., (2024) 'First time user experience: seamless onboarding process for customers', ResearchGate, June. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384438191_First_Time_User_Experience_Seamless_Onboarding_Process_For_Customers
Richards, T. (2008) 'Climate change could flood London any time after 2030, warns expert', PubMed Central, 2394631. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2394631/
Sky News (2025) 'Danger to life: Amber weather warning issued for parts of UK as Storm Eowyn approaches', Sky News, 19 March. Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/danger-to-life-amber-weather-warning-issued-for-parts-of-uk-as-storm-eowyn-approaches-13294196
Time and Date, https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london (n.d.)
University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) (2023) 'The impact and coping strategies during polar nights', UNIS News, 24 November. Available at: https://www.unis.no/news/the-impact-and-coping-strategies-during-polar-nights/
Ehlinger, M. and Cullinane, S. (2021) 'London floods cause transport chaos as roads and stations become submerged', CNN, 25 July. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/25/weather/uk-london-floods-transport/index.html
Erturk, E. et al., (2024) Exploring the effects of light and dark on crime in London. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 13(6), p.182. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13060182
Hart, J. (2022) 'Animals with good night vision', Sciencing, 24 March. Available at: https://www.sciencing.com/animals-good-night-vision-8100479/ (Accessed: 19 March 2025).
Kalra, P. et al., (2024) 'First time user experience: seamless onboarding process for customers', ResearchGate, June. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384438191_First_Time_User_Experience_Seamless_Onboarding_Process_For_Customers
Richards, T. (2008) 'Climate change could flood London any time after 2030, warns expert', PubMed Central, 2394631. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2394631/
Sky News (2025) 'Danger to life: Amber weather warning issued for parts of UK as Storm Eowyn approaches', Sky News, 19 March. Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/danger-to-life-amber-weather-warning-issued-for-parts-of-uk-as-storm-eowyn-approaches-13294196
Time and Date, https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london (n.d.)
University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) (2023) 'The impact and coping strategies during polar nights', UNIS News, 24 November. Available at: https://www.unis.no/news/the-impact-and-coping-strategies-during-polar-nights/
Thank You For Reading.
Thank You For Reading.
Thank You For Reading.
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© 2025 | Designed and developed by me with ♡ | All Rights Reserved.
© 2025 | Designed and developed by me with ♡ | All Rights Reserved.
© 2025 | Designed and developed by me with ♡ | All Rights Reserved.