Breaking Barriers – The Game
Early Playable Prototype
Transform Cologne into an Inclusive City
In “Breaking Barriers,” you step into the role of an urban planner with the mission of transforming Cologne into a fully accessible and inclusive city. Your goal is to redesign public spaces, infrastructure, and iconic locations to accommodate the diverse needs of its citizens. Guided by three avatars you’ll face a variety of obstacles and decisions that mirror the real-world struggles people with disabilities encounter. As you progress, you’ll create a city where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can navigate and thrive, making Cologne a model of inclusivity for the future.
Meet the Heroes
In “Breaking Barriers,” you’ll collaborate with three remarkable heroes—Nina, Etienne, and Jochen—each facing unique physical challenges inspired by real-life experiences. They’ll serve as your advisors throughout the city redesign process and will personally test the new accessibility features you implement in Cologne.
Explore Real Locations
You’ll have the opportunity to redesign real-world locations across Cologne, transforming well-known landmarks and public spaces into fully accessible environments, ensuring the city becomes more inclusive for everyone who lives in or visits it. Each level reflects the unique challenges of its location, pushing you to think creatively and implement practical solutions that can make a lasting impact in the real world.
Key Features
01
Make the City Barrier Free
In Build Mode, you’ll zoom in on different areas of Cologne to spot and fix accessibility issues, ensuring the city is 100% navigable for the heroes.
02
Navigate through your Design
Take control of your chosen hero in Play Mode to test the improvements you’ve made, and get instant feedback if any barriers still need fixing.
03
Help out a Good Cause
After finishing a level, you’ll have the chance to donate directly to public funds that promote inclusivity and accessibility.
Experience Our Public Prototype and Shape the Future of Accessibility!
Impact & Awareness
Transformative Gameplay
“Breaking Barriers” raises awareness by letting you redesign real-world locations for better accessibility, showing how thoughtful design impacts inclusivity.
Real-World Applications
By focusing on actual Cologne locations, the game connects virtual solutions with real-world accessibility challenges, demonstrating the value of good design
Empathy Through Experience
Navigating the city as avatars with various challenges helps you understand the daily struggles of people with disabilities, fostering empathy.
Educational Value
“Breaking Barriers” educates players about the importance of accessibility and inclusive design, highlighting how it improves lives.
Call to Action
The game includes donation options and awareness campaigns, encouraging players to support real-world accessibility initiatives and make a difference.
Breaking Barriers at Ford Smart Mobility Accelerator
We’re excited to announce that Breaking Barriers earned 2nd place in the Ford Smart Mobility Accelerator. Our game concept challenges players to navigate real-world mobility issues, promoting awareness and solutions for smarter, more inclusive urban transportation.
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