What it does
altrementi is a group game designed for people with Down Syndrome, aimed at helping them manage emotions, learn daily routines and improve communication with others.
Your inspiration
Observing their daily routines, we noticed that rules can often be stressful for people with Down Syndrome, especially when they’re not fully understood, and that relating to others can be challenging for them. This board game was designed to help them recognize emotions and to learn rules in a fun, easy, and accessible way. We believe it’s an educational tool that helps promote well-being and independence in everyday life.
How it works
The game can be played with up to eight tokens, each representing an individual player or a team. The path consists of twenty-seven spaces in two colours. Also, fifty blue cards that contain multiple-choice questions about daily rules; and fifty yellow cards that offer fun mini-challenges. The goal of the game is to reach the finish line by correctly answering questions or completing the mini-challenges. The game starts by drawing a blue card from the starting point: if the player answers correctly, they move forward; otherwise, they stay put. If a yellow card is drawn, the player advances regardless of the result. The question and challenge cards are read aloud by an adult or an educator, who acts as the supervisor. The game deliberately avoids digital or smart technologies, focusing on human interaction.
Design process
The initial concept was to help people with Down syndrome become more independent by making everyday activities easier; such as socializing, remembering appointments, and understanding rules. After considering several ideas, the final choice fell on the board game "altrementi", an innovative tool never used before for this purpose. Several prototypes were developed: printed, rounded, and laminated cards; a durable PVC game board; a recycled tablet box covered with custom adhesive graphics; and wooden tokens purchased online. Different layouts and colours were tested to improve readability and visual impact, guided with feedback from educators and families. Designed by Francesca Guidotti, Tommaso Ilarda, Lisa Novelli, Camilla Poloni e Luca Riviello developed within the Visual Communication Lab T C.I., Bachelor’s Degree Program in Industrial Product Design, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Academic Year 2024/2025, in collaboration with GRD Bologna – Association of Genitori Ragazzi Down Bologna. Instructors: Erik Ciravegna and Luca Grilli Tutor: Sara Battistini Subject Specialists: Elisa Valerio and Elisa Vacondio
How it is different
altrementi stands out for its novelty: it is not just a recreational activity, but a structured, guided journey that helps people with Down syndrome understand everyday rules, recognize emotions, and gradually internalize them in a concrete and positive way. Its visual language, interactivity, and cooperative dynamics make it both accessible and engaging. It is tailored to real needs, developed through direct observation, and can be adapted to various settings, such as schools, families, and educational centers. Today, no other game exists with such a specific educational and emotional purpose. It’s a new idea, born from a real need, that brings together inclusion and play. Moreover, it teaches the value of healthy competition, showing that losing is not the same as failing, which is why the game allows for only one winner.
Future plans
This game needs to be widespread in the schools, houses and educational centres, so more people can benefit from it. Ten copies are already printed to start the first testing phase. If the project wins the award, we plan to donate a portion of it to the GRD Association in Bologna which supported us throughout this project, to help develop new educational and inclusive projects.
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