Designing the Game of Homes

Did you know that Waddingtons, the creators behind iconic games like Monopoly and Cluedo, were originally a humble printing and packaging company?

That little-known fact feels oddly fitting. Because when it came time to design the Game of Homes, our immersive board-game-style tenant engagement workshop, we found ourselves knocking on the door of a packaging team too.

We were introduced to Design Futures Packaging, a creative business unit at Sheffield Hallam University. Their brief? Help us take a rough idea – what we fondly called our “giant mat” – and turn it into something extraordinary. Something tenants would walk into a room and immediately want to play.

And they did just that.

Think Bigger, Think Differently

We began with a simple concept: a floor-based template, almost like a super sized version of Twister. The goal was clear: get tenants actively involved in solving real community challenges in a way that felt fresh, fun, and inclusive.

But as we quickly discovered, the team at Design Futures doesn’t do “just another board game.” John Kirkby, who leads the Design Futures team, told us:

“From the first conversation, we could see the passion behind Game of Homes. We knew it wasn’t just about making something that looked good—it had to inspire participation and spark real conversation. That’s a brilliant design challenge.”

Here’s how they challenged and evolved our thinking:

• “It’s a game, yes—but not like any other.” From day one, they wanted to create something that felt different. It was about designing a whole new experience.
• “Let’s change the environment.” They pushed us to rethink how physical space influences behaviour. A large floor game isn’t just fun—it’s disarming, democratic, and invites people to move, speak, and connect.
• “Small is safe. But bold is better.” Portability was important, but not at the expense of impact. They helped us strike the perfect balance between wow-factor and practicality.
• “We call it an intervention, not just a workshop.” Their team had never designed anything quite like this. And that was the point. This wasn’t just another print job. It was a chance to innovate.
• “Make it memorable – and make it manageable.” The format needed to be durable, easy to set up, and reusable. That meant experimenting with materials, construction methods, and formats.

Meet the Makers: The Design Futures Team

Design Futures Packaging is a small but mighty structural packaging design unit made up of two structural designers, two graphic designers and a packaging design researcher.

The team includes Steve, Nick, Nicola, and Natalie, led by John Kirkby, who has a unique blend of commercial, academic, and research experience.

“We help solve creative packaging problems for all sizes of businesses, support university research projects, and jump at the chance to do something new. Game of Homes was exactly that.”

From Sketch to Playable in Just 10 Weeks

If you’re into design, here’s the behind-the-scenes process that brought Game of Homes to life:

• All construction was done in-house, including initial sketches and spatial mock ups.
• The biggest challenge? Making something bold and large-scale without making it bulky and unmanageable.
• The board is built like a jigsaw, making it easy to transport and assemble.
• A local printing partner helped bring the visuals to life using a combination of stock imagery and bespoke graphic design from the Design Futures team.
• Sustainability mattered. We rejected flimsy, throwaway options in favour of materials that were durable and environmentally responsible.

Reactions That Speak for Themselves

From the moment the cards hit the table, Game of Homes captures people’s attention. Co-Creator and Facilitator Claire Blacka says:

“I feel really proud of how professional and unusual it looks. People walk into the room and generally say something like ‘Wow! This looks interesting!’ People love the wheel and the cards. Tenants really got into it—thinking like a 9-year-old, as we encourage!”

The success of Game of Homes isn’t just about design. It’s about collaboration.

Both Design Futures and us were energised by the opportunity to try something new. There was trust, freedom, and a shared belief in the purpose of the project. As John puts it:

“The enthusiasm, the way you embraced our ideas, and the chance to be part of the journey – it was brilliant. Meeting the founders and seeing their passion up close was a real privilege.”

And maybe, in a way, it’s fitting that this partnership was born out of packaging. After all…

Feedback is a gift – however it’s packaged!

Want to see Game of Homes in action? Read our case studies or follow Golden Marzipan and Tentacles Consultancy on socials for updates, events, and insights from our players.