Worldbuilding Make-a-thon

For our first Make-a-thon of 2021 – our quarterly team-building exercise focused on innovation and collaboration – we challenged ourselves with Worldbuilding. 

Crafting Our Worlds

The exercise consisted of two 2-hour collaborative workshops in which each of our 9 multidisciplinary teams had to envision, sketch, and present the worlds they created. Each new reality needed to consider: 

• Environment – Is there something unique or different about the environment from our own – atmosphere, weather, plants, animals, more water less water, etc. 
• History  – How did the history of the place evolve – culturally and linguistically diplomatic so never experienced large scale conflict, society never domesticated animals, wars, famine, etc.?
• Language – Is there something unique or different about the language(s) – everything is sign language, time can be described in the 4th dimension, sentences are in iambic pentameter, etc.?
• Ethics – Is there something unique or different about ethics from our own – some taboo of our world isn’t a taboo in yours, Morality is based on a points system, etc.?
• Judicial Systems – Is there something unique or different about the judicial system – the judicial system and voting system are the same, the jury is also the judge, AI is the judge and jury etc.?
• Transportation – Is there something unique or different about transportation – everyone walks, individuals can fly, everyone rides anthropomorphic robots, etc.?
• Economy – Is there something unique or different about the economy – value isn’t measured numerically, it's measured in weight, metals aren’t precious, nature is., etc?

Though it seemed so simple at first, the process of constructing an imaginary world and crafting the many facets of life in another reality, was a challenge to say the least. Plus, we’re a pretty competitive bunch so pressure was on – especially since there’s bragging rights and money prizes for the top three teams. 

Imagine if you will...

Space Colonization

In this reality humans have colonized the known solar system. 

What we considered:

• What happened to our home world?
• Who can travel to other colonies?
• Who remained on our planet?
• Do travelers return? 

Team 1 – Tessy, Mati, Tom, Wanda, Rich, Kevin

Flying Cars

In this reality flying cars are a preferred mode of transportation.

What the team considered:

• What’s the source of energy for these vehicles?
• Do we still have traffic jams?
• How do roads and highways work?
• How and where do we park?

Team 2 – Luis, Glenda, Asim, Graham, Toby, Olivier

Teleportation

In this reality teleportation is a preferred mode of traveling.

What the team considered:

• Can we teleport to any place we want or just to assigned locations?
• Are there any physical impacts to our bodies?
• Does teleportation cost anything?

Team 3 – Juan P, Tulsi, Dave G, Jay, Xavi

Mind Reading

In this reality telepathy is standard practice for communication. 

What the team considered:

• Do we have security layers in place before anyone can access? A notificacion?
• Is it a power granted to some people or everyone has it?
• Is there any regulations to its usage?

Team 4 – Tae, Ana, Alberto, Sonny, Rick

Aliens

In this reality Aliens have made contact and have integrated into our global culture.

What the team considered:

• Are they friendly?
• Do we accommodate to their customs?
• Can they live in our atmosphere, eat our food?

Team 5 – Spencer, Fer, Abi, Hope, Rachel, Nicholas, Jon R

Microchip Implants

In this reality humans have the option to get their computer interfaces and functions directly implanted onto their brains via microchip.

What the team considered:

• Is this a mandatory practice?
• Do we use this to improve our work capacity?
• Can chipped people compete in different tournaments like chess?

Team 6 – Kristen, Juan S, David B, Selena, Nico M

Bionic Limbs

In this reality prosthetics research has led to fully functioning bionic limbs for amputees.

What the team considered:

• Are this bionic limbs functioning like regular ones or can they have improved features? (flexibility, strength, size)
• Are there any regulations on improved body parts?

Team 7 – Kate, Wyler, Amirah, Mike, Skyler

Human Recharging

In this reality humans recharge by electricity like household appliances.

What the team considered:

• How do we charge? Do we have charging stations?
• Do we still function while charging?
• Do we need to sleep?

Team 8: Jonathan M, Lean, Allie, Kris, Steve

Soul Transferring Device

In this reality humans have come up with a way to store and transfer all the data from your brain to another body.

What the team considered:

• Who has access to this technology?
• Can we swap bodies with friends?
• What are the regulations and laws for doing these transfers?
• What practices are forbidden and what are not?

Team 9: Shirley, Vianca, Anne, Paul, Vhon