RainyDaze (wip)
The AC Umbrella Project had the goal to develop an interactive web resource, including digital tools aimed at awareness and self-assessment for students.
The project was submitted to Algonquin College Applied Research and Innovation and a part-time professor was assigned to oversee the development of this technology with ARI students from May to August 2016.
Research was found that promoted the use of online, interactive interventions for the reduction of harm associated with alcohol and other substance use consumption especially among younger participants.
Some studies have found that computer-based programs can work, especially compared to no intervention at all. For example, one study found that youth (average age 11.6 years old) who got a computer-based intervention (both with and without parent involvement) had less alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use at a three-year follow up period, compared to youth who did not receive any intervention at all (Schinke, Schwinn, Di Noia, & Cole, 2004).
Rainy Daze Team:
- Kevin Holmes, Applied Research and Innovation
- Martha Marr, First Generation
- Greg Beaton, Algonquin College Professor
- Christopher Elliot, Professor | School of Media and Design, Principal Investigator | Applied Research and Innovation
- Students
- Erin Vincent (Interactive Multimedia and Design and Information Technology at Algonquin College and Carleton University)
- Jordan Gignac (Computer Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma – Computing Science, Algonquin College)
Students Erin Vincent and Jordan Gignac played a vital role in the design and creation and development of this game, which was named “RainyDaze”. We had several focus groups with key informants (mainly students and near peers) who provided feedback on the direction and language used in the game.
About RainyDaze: RainyDaze is a harm reduction game intended to inform the user about harm reduction and harm reduction techniques. The game features a series of mini games built around specific harm reduction concepts. The game is targeted directly to the college student demographic and addresses specific situational awareness and provides the user non-judgmental feedback and positive reinforcement of established harm reduction approaches.
The RainyDaze online game was launched during Mental Health Awareness Week 2016. The online game can be played on mobile devices as well as on computers.
We sought media recognition through Algonquin College communications team, and were able to secure a CBC radio segment with Hallie Cotnam. You can listen to the segment here.
The students who were involved with the project were interviewed about their views on harm reduction and their involvement in the creation of the game.
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RainyDaze got a special mention at the Applied Research and Innovation “Applied Research Day 2016.”