Election Lab comprises two types of products:
- Board Games
- Web-based (Online) Games
How It All Started
The journey began with a math lesson called “Electoral College Swing State Bingo” which has been part of our curriculum since 2012. The course’s popularity inspired us to develop a board game during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election.
Over the years, we’ve tested various election scenarios and, based on player feedback, created board games for significant election years such as 1860, 1876, 1960, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2016, and 2020.
Development of Election Lab Online Learning Game
In 2021, we began designing a digital version of Election Lab. Following our success in creating playable prototypes, we received a prestigious Phase I SBIR Award in 2022, allowing us to further develop the digital game. This effort was bolstered by a Phase II SBIR Award in 2023, taking our research and development to new heights.
Election Lab Online
Election Lab Online (ELO) is an innovative, web-based learning game designed to enrich understanding of the U.S. electoral process through the STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Math) educational framework. ELO addresses critical voting issues and clarifies the functionality of the Electoral College in U.S. Presidential Elections.
Multiplayer Game: ELO is not just a digital game; it achieves the goal of creating a multiplayer environment, a significant milestone.
Immersive Learning: Using real historical elections and authentic data, ELO offers a direct and immersive experience connecting players with history. This approach enhances engagement and comprehension of complex civic concepts.
Cross-disciplinary Learning: ELO integrates historical electoral votes, swing states, and events with statistical literacy and data visualization, illuminating the nuances of U.S. presidential elections.
Our Educational Legacy
Since 2012, we’ve focused on teaching the complexities of the Electoral College and Presidential Elections. Our flagship course, “Electoral College Swing State Bingo” evolved into an engaging board game first introduced during the 2016 elections. We’ve since developed board games for several other pivotal election years.
Between 2021 and 2022, we ventured into digital education, creating Election Lab Online. This project was made possible by our dedicated team and grants from the U.S. Department of Education.
Our Journey with Election Lab: A Family and Entrepreneurial Adventure
Election Lab was born from our family’s passion for education and civic engagement. Our goal was to create an accessible and engaging tool to help everyone understand elections and statistical concepts. This vision gave rise to Election Lab, starting with historical election board games and evolving into an online strategy game.
Creating Educational Value
Election Lab transcends traditional games, serving as a mini statistics lab. Through simulated real-world elections, players gain insights into Swing States Strategies, highlighting the importance of civic engagement. The game promotes statistical literacy, enabling players to make informed, data-driven decisions.
The Entrepreneurial Path
Our journey with Election Lab has been exhilarating. From brainstorming at the kitchen table to collaborating with developers, every step has brought us closer to realizing our dream. Our ultimate aim remains to develop a scalable, user-friendly platform that educates a broad audience about the electoral process in an innovative manner.
Impacting Lives
Feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive. Educators value Election Lab’s ability to simplify complex concepts and make learning enjoyable. Players have shared stories about newfound political interests and improved decision-making skills. Knowing that Election Lab is making a tangible impact is our greatest reward.
Looking Ahead
Our mission is to continue evolving and enhancing Election Lab to foster informed and active citizens. We are excited about the future and the opportunities ahead, eagerly anticipating reaching even more individuals with this valuable educational tool.
Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley MD, FACP, FHM is a multiple award-winning physician, from cancer researcher, internal medicine physician, and Medical School Associate Clinical Professor to entrepreneur. She has mentored many undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students and faculty. She is the Principal Investigator on studies from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education creating research-driven #edtech games and digital media to improve health, civics, science education, and healthy habits. Dr Criley is also a founding Board member of Physician’s Weekly. She can be reached on X at @criley_md and at www.linkedin.com/in/jasminka-criley-md