People retain 10 % of what they read, 20 % of what they hear, 30 % of what they see, 70 % of what they say, and 90 % of what they say and do. Interactive mediums allow us to present information in a way that allows people to retain more information. If people are interacting with something rather than just reading a document or listening to the information, then they will be more likely to remember the information they were given.
http://www.willatworklearning.com/2006/05/people_remember.html
Refugee resettlement seems to be more and more common today because of everything happening in Africa and the Middle East. There is a desire to educate Americans on refugee resettlement. Tapping into interactive resources can present information in a desired way, whether that be to motivate people into action, to educate, or create empathy. Using video, games, infographics, not only present information to the viewer, but also get them involved so they are a part of what they are learning.
My interactive component for the refugee website includes a game for people to learn the definitions for different terms that describe people seeking refuge in another country. It also includes a infographic that specifically provides information on refugees in North Carolina. I begin with broad information through the game and then dive into more localized information through the infographic. Lastly, I included a video so that people can really understand what is like to be a refugee. I wanted people to realize that refugees are in the US for a reason and in most cases, that reason is a sad one. Through the images and music I chose, I hope that people learn about refugees, but also feel empathy for them. The goal for the interactive project was to educate people but also have them experience a little bit of what refugees experience. A person is more likely to act on something if they feel that the cause is important. People are more likely to help refugees and be more understanding if they feel something for them. That is why empathy is important. People like to feel that what they are doing is important. Without empathy, charities would fail.
playspent.org
One great example of an interactive project that does that is a game called “Spent.” This game takes you through the day and the life of someone living in poverty. It teaches the user about how hard is it to live off of minimum wage. The game has the user see how long they can survive on what they earn. I think that this is a great way to teach people about poverty because it puts the user in someone else’s shoes. It really shows them what it is like to live on very little. It was simplistic but had a big impact.