⚡ Off-Grid – Educational Game on Load Shedding Awareness 📌 Overview
Off-Grid is an interactive educational game designed to raise awareness about load shedding and its impact on communities, the economy, and daily life in South Africa.
The game leverages storytelling, simulation, and human-computer interaction (HCI) principles to create an engaging and informative experience.
🎯 Mission: Educate users on load shedding while promoting awareness of alternative energy solutions through interactive gameplay.
🚀 Features 🎮 Multi-Stage Gameplay 🧩 Stage 1: Interview (Quiz System) Tests user's knowledge on load shedding Multiple-choice questions Progression-based system
💰 Stage 2: Coin Collector Simulates financial decision-making Players must raise funds for energy solutions: Generator Solar Panels Wind Turbines Introduces risk/reward mechanics (bombs vs rewards)
🕵️ Stage 3: Investigator Problem-solving and exploration Players recover stolen funds Time-based challenge with increasing complexity
⚙️ Difficulty Levels Beginner Intermediate Expert
Each level dynamically adjusts:
-Time constraints -Number of objectives -Game complexity -Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
The game was designed with a strong focus on usability and engagement:
🎨 User-friendly interface (menu-driven & point-and-click) 🔊 Audio-visual feedback to enhance interaction 🖱️ Ergonomic design for intuitive navigation 🔁 Iterative prototyping based on user feedback 🌍 Real-World Problem Addressed ⚡ What is Load Shedding?
Load shedding is the controlled reduction of electricity supply to prevent total grid failure due to high demand.
📉 Impact: Reduced productivity in businesses Disruption of digital infrastructure Increased operational costs Safety and security risks Interruption of daily life 💡 Proposed Solutions in the Game
Players explore real-world alternatives such as:
☀️ Solar Energy 🌬️ Wind Energy 🔋 Energy Storage Systems (Inverters/Batteries)
The game promotes:
Sustainable thinking Community awareness Better energy decision-making 🛠️ Tech Stack 🎮 Scratch – Game development 🧠 HCI Principles – User-centred design 📊 Simulation Design – Real-world modelling 🧩 Game Logic & Storytelling 🎯 Learning Outcomes
This project demonstrates:
Ability to design interactive systems Strong understanding of user-centred design Experience in team collaboration Application of real-world problem-solving Skills in educational technology development 👥 Contributors
This project was developed collaboratively by:
Nkululeko Khalishwayo K Tswai SD Malesa NB Molopi TR Nyirenda KS Tsotetsi B Singo TG Mabuza TK Maboea TR Minyuku 🤝 Collaboration
Each contributor played a role in:
Game design & development Research & documentation User interaction design Testing & iteration