The Amanda Project

Originally published on my tumblr blog on 12/2/09

I'm obsessed with books, particularly young adult novels, which some might consider weird given my chosen career of making interactive products. Still, books are cool. So I was particularly excited to discover The Amanda Project. It's planned to be a series of novels, but it's also an interactive community where users can post their own stories, some of which will become parts of the published novels.

The premise for collaborative story telling is great. Amanda disappeared, but she left clues with her friends, including you and me. So now we can share the clues she left with us as well as read the other clues and piece together the mystery. Nice, huh?

Articles of Interest

Originally posted on my tumblr blog on 12/6/09

I'm cleaning out tabs on my browser and have articles of interest...
* Warren Spector on the Disney Epic Mickey title for Wii (from Kotaku) Art is pretty crazy. Looks to me as though it'll feel like playing Fantasia
* "Why an iPhone could actually be good for your 3-year-old" (from Boston Globe) Has a good video of kids with iPhone, too!
* "Developmental Stage Select" (from Escapist) by Neils Clark, author of Game Addiction. Basic overview of development and role of games.
* "The Hidden Playground" (from Escapist) Discussion of how kids aren't playing outside as often any more and how games like The Hidden Park (iPhone) might help reclaim outdoor play.

Selected Writing

I've been known to write from time to time. A few can be read or downloaded online.

Resources for Developers pdf handout. Developed with Carly Shuler for the 2008 Sandbox Summit

Professor Dalrymple's Patented Fairy Catching System (on Amazon.com)

Taiwan Travels on HighlightsKids.com

Dishing Criticism Efficiently on disclife.com

Taking Criticism with a Smile on disclife.com

Games and Projects

Some links of games and projects I've worked on to come soon!

Presentations

Here's the files from some past presentations. I'll update with new ones as I go.

Little Hands, Foul Moods, and Runny Noses 3: Research for Kid-Friendly Social Gaming Experiences presented @ 2010 Game Developers Conference (pdf, 12.8 mb)

Little Hands, Foul Moods, and Runny Noses 2.0: The Research You Should Know When Making Games for Kids presented @ 2009 Game Developers Conference (pdf, 10 mb)

Fun Follows Function: Ten Tips for Developing Quality Toys. Presented with Carly Shuler @ 2008 Sandbox Summit (pdf)

Little Hands, Foul Moods, and Runny Noses: Researching Games with Kids presented @ 2008 Game Developers Conference (pps file)

Back to Blogger...

After a failed go with Tumblr, I'm coming back to here. I'll be reposting some of my favorite posts over the past few months. Otherwise, onward!

About Me

Most now know me as Carla Fisher, but I’ve also been known as Carla Engelbrecht (in various spellings), Radish, or simply Red. (But let the record show that calling me Red only reminds me of Toni the lunch lady in 3rd grade. Do you really want to be associated with that memory?)

I design, research, and produce kids’ games (mostly digital, mostly educational) and online learning environments. Depending on the client’s needs, I’m available to oversee the production process or consult at various stages of research and development if a development team is already in place. (See this pdf of my freelance services for more information.)

As much of my work focuses on helping game designers incorporate developmental psychology and research into their game design paradigm, I also offer workshops for clients who wish to educate their staff on bridging game design with developmental psychology and research methods. 

One day soon, I’ll also complete my studies for a doctorate in instructional technology and media at Teachers College, Columbia University.

If you want the full story of my career, my resume/c.v. and a list of freelance services are both online. 

If you’re interested in working with me, please drop me a line at carlaeng /at/ gmail /dot/ com. Or connect with me on Facebook or LinkedIn. I'm always happy to connect with others in the field!

Blue skies,
Carla