On the Fence attempts to answer the challenge set by 40 years of declining political participation in
New Zealand. For the 21st Century, it is important to have an open mind about how the relevance of politics can be transposed for a younger digital generation, so that it may come alive in an everyday sense.
New Zealand. For the 21st Century, it is important to have an open mind about how the relevance of politics can be transposed for a younger digital generation, so that it may come alive in an everyday sense.
The solution was to create a web application that encouraged young people that have no confidence in,
or no belief in the relevance of politics in their lives to get informed and vote in general elections.
or no belief in the relevance of politics in their lives to get informed and vote in general elections.
A collaboration with Chris Nicholls
On the Fence – Online Game Walkthrough
On the Fence – Multiplayer Game Walkthrough
Concept Overview
Originally launched in November 2011 just 6 days before the General Election, On the Fence guided
over 30,000 unique users to find which political party they are most suited to giving their vote to.
over 30,000 unique users to find which political party they are most suited to giving their vote to.
The solution to declining political participation was developing a fun and creative visual approach that would invert the traditional perspective that politics has for the majority of young people. The sheep metaphor represents the group mentality and lack of individual responsibility that is especially prevalent in the 18-25 year old target audience. On the Fence counteracts these by encouraging a sense of play and exploration.
The farm narrative and quirky characters provide a light-hearted look at a serious topic. By creating a fun,
user-controlled experience the focus is thoroughly on keeping the user immersed and entertained—
not cornering them with questions they may not fully understand.
The farm narrative and quirky characters provide a light-hearted look at a serious topic. By creating a fun,
user-controlled experience the focus is thoroughly on keeping the user immersed and entertained—
not cornering them with questions they may not fully understand.
Credits:
Rebecca White, Joy Roxas, Ben Wright & Vincent Lee
Thanks to:
Anna Brown, Karl Kane, Dr Max Schleser, Dr Claire Robinson
The McGuinness Institute
Massey University College of Creative Arts
Rebecca White, Joy Roxas, Ben Wright & Vincent Lee
Thanks to:
Anna Brown, Karl Kane, Dr Max Schleser, Dr Claire Robinson
The McGuinness Institute
Massey University College of Creative Arts
