Judge's comments:

The novel 3D design format and comprehensive resolution of this medically focused tool for children is impressive. Judges enjoyed it’s engaging, playful nature and appreciated the intention to be child-centered.

Description:

For young children living with a chronic health condition, progressing to full ownership of their self-management, and broadly speaking, their health can be challenging and confronting. UP! is a game about reaching new heights and developing the skills to overcome personal and social challenges.

Designed for 3-6 players, UP! is based on the challenges of climbing a mountain and puts players in control as they ascend the game’s three-dimensional board towards the mountain’s summit. The game combines elements of social cooperation and strategy, where just like real mountaineers, players create routes up the mountain made of pitons. Along the way, action and objective cards fuel friendly competition, while open-ended question cards prompt meaningful and comfortable discussion among players about their health, personal challenges and aspirations. Guided by the openness of each player, UP! emphasises that health is holistic, an idea based on Te Whare Tapa Whā.

UP! addresses the need for medically-focused tools to be child-centered, and less as a tool under the control of carers and healthcare professionals. With a mission to avoid being another tool that makes a child living with a chronic health condition feel different, UP! is designed to be inclusive and played by all children along the health spectrum. While the space of a child’s home will be the primary place of play, UP! also aligns with learning outcomes of educational spaces such as classrooms and in healthcare with professionals who work alongside children and families living with a chronic health condition.