The European Conference on Cognitive Ergonomics
15 – 18 September 2026 Siena, Italy
Designathon
Designathon
We invite designers, developers, researchers, and creative minds to take part in a Designathon dedicated to games that drive positive change. The challenge is to imagine and prototype games that can make a difference for society, the environment, and individual well-being.
Over an intensive and collaborative experience, participants will work in multidisciplinary teams to explore how game design can foster social inclusion, environmental awareness, and personal growth.
The call is: Play with purpose, design for change.
Play with Purpose
Gaming for Good Join a creative sprint to prototype video games that drive positive social, environmental, and personal change.
Design for Change
Impactful Innovation Explore how game design can foster social inclusion and environmental awareness to build a better tomorrow.
Collaborate & Create
Multidisciplinary Teams Connect with designers, developers, and researchers in a high-energy environment to turn ideas into prototypes.
Shape the Future
Prototype Your Vision Bridge the gap between gaming and well-being. Be part of a unique challenge where creativity meets social purpose.
Designathon – Participation Rules
Play with purpose, design for change.
Eligibility
The Designathon is open to students, researchers, professionals, and practitioners interested in design and human-centered innovation. Participation is team-based only.
Teams
Teams must be pre-formed and consist of 3 to 6 participants. Each team must appoint a coordinator.
Registration
Teams must register by email to the three organizers:
- Raymond Bond – rb.bond@ulster.ac.uk
- Dianne Murray – dmm410@gmail.com
- Annamaria Recupero – annamaria.recupero@unisi.it
Registration must include:
- Full names of all team members
- Name of the team coordinator
- A brief project objective (max. 100 words)
Participation is subject to confirmation by the organizing committee. There is no registration fee for participation in the Designathon.
Deadline and Minimum Participation
Applications must be submitted by 30 April 2026.
If fewer than three suitable team applications are received by that date, the event will be cancelled.
Challenge
Teams will address a design challenge linked to the conference theme: “Toward a New Sustainable and Peaceful Alliance Between Humanity and Technology.” The Designathon call is: “Play with purpose, design for change.“
All solutions must comply with the objectives and ethical guidelines provided at the start of the event.
Duration
The Designathon will take place during the conference, from the afternoon of 15 September 2026 to the morning of 18 September 2026, when results will be presented.
Active participation throughout the event is expected.
Tools
Participants may use their own tools and software. Generative AI is allowed unless otherwise specified, provided its use is transparent and ethically responsible.
Intellectual Property
Participants retain intellectual property rights. Organizers may showcase projects for non-commercial and educational purposes.
Evaluation
Projects will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance
- Innovation
- Design quality
- Feasibility and impact
- Presentation clarity
The jury’s decision is final.
Conduct, Awards & Media
Participants must behave professionally. Misconduct may result in exclusion. Awards and certificates will be granted according to announced criteria. By participating, attendees consent to event photography and recording unless they opt out.
Acceptance
Registration implies acceptance of these rules.