UNLOCKING CREATIVE THINKING WITH PROFESSOR OLI WILSON FROM MASSEY UNIVERSITY, NEW ZEALAND

During the university-style mini lecture, “Think Like a Creative: Concept Design for Games”, Secondary students joined Professor Oli Wilson to explore how an initial idea can be developed into a complete player experience. Professor Wilson is Associate Dean for Research and International Partnerships at Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.

The session encouraged students to consider the unique value of human creativity in an age of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. During the practical activity, they worked in groups to develop their own game concepts, considering everything from settings, characters and challenges to the overall player experience. By discussing, selecting and refining their ideas, students discovered that creativity is not simply about producing something new. It also requires a clear purpose, effective collaboration and the ability to connect different elements into a coherent concept.

Alongside the lecture and question-and-answer session, students also explored the learning environment at Massey University, creative career pathways in New Zealand and the Digital Worlds International Design Competition, which provides an opportunity to bring their ideas to an international design community.