El Muyso Game

Without a word of Spanish between us, we initiated an immersive 8-week pro bono project in Colombia. We had the pleasure of collaborating with Felipe and Juanita at the environmental non-profit, Fundación Montecito. During this time we guided the development, design and production of an educational children's board game centred around the biodiversity and conservation of Lake Tota's wetlands.

Our process began by connecting with local children, facilitated by Felipe's translation skills. We visited their homes and schools, to gain insights and assess their existing knowledge. Ideation workshops followed, aimed at creating a game that seamlessly blends fun and education for the 6–⁠11 year-old audience. We then developed the gameplay and gathered all the content (thank you Google Translate!)

Every facet of the game is deeply rooted in the hyper-local context. The core narrative, inspired by the local monster legend El Muyso, has 3 gameplay versions including wetland adventures. To ensure longevity, additional themed card packs can be added to the game. The board, doubling as a wall decoration for the bare walls common in homes, features handles for easy transportation to and from school, eliminating the need for a bag.

The whimsical visual identity takes its inspiration from a hand-drawn map found in Felipe's home. The paired back design celebrates the inherent qualities of the wood, while the line work complements the precision of the laser cutting technique. The card pack introduces pops of colour, featuring glimpses of the El Muyso character. Collaborating with a skilled local woodworker resulted in a truly community-made artefact. Each box is not just a game; it's a promise to nurture Lake Tota's wetlands.