Narrative Design is the process of understanding story as a system. This understanding allows storytellers to better connect to both play and interactivity, for games, XR and live choice-driven experiences. It also gives a look “under the hood” at how story functions on a meta and micro structural level, which can help linear storytelling move away from rigid conventions.

This practical workshop will introduce three validated processes of narrative design that can be used across a wide range of media.

• The high concept formula can be used to break down any story into its important elements, regardless of source media.

• Narrative design patterns are a way of understanding how the story unfolds over time, detailing the dramatic relationships between the different elements.

• Designing valuable choices requires its own process. Not all choices are created equal, and while choices can be created for aesthetic reasons, their story value to the audience should still be understood.

These result in clear and simple diagrams that can be used to clarify ideas, facilitate discussion and communicate to stakeholders.

The workshop runs in Auckland.