Instructional designers are often asked to solve problems that aren’t clearly defined, such as vague stakeholder requests, disengaging content, or learning experiences that aren’t delivering results. When the problem is unclear, traditional design approaches can fall short.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use game design techniques to reframe and solve complex learning challenges. Working from a loosely defined problem, you’ll apply practical methods like visual thinking, metaphorical storytelling, and structured ideation to generate and test new approaches. You’ll explore how game mechanics can help you uncover hidden assumptions, shift perspectives, and design for deeper engagement.

By the end of the session, you’ll have created a simple game-based prototype tied to a real learning challenge, and you will leave with techniques you can apply immediately in your design process whether or not you’re building full learning games.

You will be able to:

• Apply game-based thinking techniques to reframe unclear learning problems
• Use visual thinking and storytelling to generate design ideas
• Identify where game mechanics can improve engagement in existing learning
• Integrate creative ideation methods into your design workflow