Bodies in Play is a three-year collaboration between OCAD University’s game:play Lab and Social Body Lab and Dames Making Games (DMG), aiming to revolutionize creative technology by prioritizing inclusive and innovative design practices. Through game jams and a residency program, we’re bridging the gap between creative, technical, and conceptual work in wearable technology and extended reality (XR).

We believe in the power of bodies in tech, a concept often overlooked in mainstream discourse. Our focus is on embodied experiences, especially within interaction design. How can wearable tech redefine play, and how does XR support us to reconsider player bodies? These are the questions we’re tackling to create alternative and more inclusive forms of playful interactions.

Our approach, informed by Feminist Action Research, design justice principles, and critical making, is all about making a tangible impact. We’ve successfully hosted Bodies in Wearable (BiW), Bodies in VR (BiVR), Bodies in X (BiX) and an artist residency (BiR) events, with engaging online and in-person participation. These series explored the expressive potential of wearable electronics and VR through forms of workshops and game jams.

We’re excited to continue pushing boundaries, fostering a multi-sectoral participatory network, and championing sustained access to computational literacy for marginalized groups. Join us in growing creative, innovative, and equitable approaches to computational design. Stay tuned for more updates!