Dr. Sara: Disease Detective

A Mobile Game About Epidemiology

Released: 2021
Platforms: iOS (iPhone), Android (Phone)
Recognition: Teacher Approved on Google Play 

Overview

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Dr. Sara: Disease Detective is an award-nominated visual novel mobile game where players step into the role of the world's leading epidemiologist. Tasked with investigating and solving perplexing disease outbreaks in global hotspots, players experience a character-driven simulation of Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) detective work.  

Players guide the brilliant Dr. Sara as she searches for the index case, connects disparate clues, confronts societal fear, and races against time. Combining elements of investigation, puzzle-solving, and narrative, the game offers a compelling window into the high-stakes world of public health and disease control.

Download the game for iPhone or Android Mobile

Play Dr. Sara: Disease Detective

Students take on the role of Dr. Sara in a character-driven sim of Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) detective work, solving outbreaks around the globe.

Project Impact & Narrative Design

Dr. Sara: Disease Detective significantly broadens Dr. Striker's portfolio by applying proven game-based learning design principles to critical STEM fields—epidemiology and public health awareness. Distinct from the humanities focus of History Adventures, this project demonstrates versatility in using interactive media to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Developed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with support from the HBKU Innovation Center, it addresses the urgent need for improved scientific literacy and public understanding of disease control.  

The game's design embodies learning theories emphasizing play, narrative, and simulation. By allowing players to safely explore the challenges of epidemiological work in a "psychosocial moratorium," Dr. Sara aims to make science learning intrinsically rewarding and fun, countering the notion that science is "boring" by presenting it through engaging, well-designed interactive systems. It stands as a testament to the power of serious games for impactful education in science and health.

Gameplay & Features

The game combines visual novel storytelling with engaging mechanics grounded in real-world epidemiology:

  • Interactive Dialogue: Navigate conversations and make choices that influence relationships and uncover information.  

  • EIS Simulation: Experience the detective work of an epidemiologist, investigating outbreaks and tracing contacts.  

  • Network Science Dynamics: Understand disease spread through gameplay involving contact tracing, fomites, vectors, and R0 concepts.  

  • Investigation & Puzzles: Find clues through hidden object mechanics and solve Eureka-style logic puzzles to form conclusions.  

  • Educational Mini-Games: Engage in diverse activities simulating social distancing, lab work, mask distribution, and vaccine development/deployment [cite: 657, 247-372].

  • Scientific Vocabulary: Learn and collect key terms related to epidemiology and public health.  

  • Immersive Presentation: Features high-stakes time pressure, compelling character designs, cinematics, original music, and sound design.

Game-Based Learning for STEM | Explore Gallery of Game Art

"A selection of character designs, environment illustrations, UI elements, and cinematic stills showcasing the game's visual novel art style.

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Watch the Official Trailer

Get a glimpse into Dr. Sara's world, showcasing the narrative, characters, gameplay dynamics, and visual style.

Credits

Spencer Striker, PhD

Creator, Design Director, Producer

Stella Wang

Game Artist

Alexander Pyatkov

Cinematics Animator

Dimitri Darsch

Senior Game Designer

Xing Qin

Game Designer, QA

Beni Maru

Sound Designer

Mishaal Shirazi

Social Media Manager

Guillaume Le Taeron

Game Engineer

Jade Chen

Game Designer, QA

Laiba Mubashar

Project Manager

Samson Mbogo

Social Media Manager

Svetlana Lebed

UI Designer, Cinematics Illustrator

Anto Mohsin, PhD

Science & Tech Studies Expert, Producer

Ali Sultan, PhD, MD

Epidemiology Advisor

Press for Dr. Sara: Disease Detective

Educational Impact & Recognition

Dr. Sara: Disease Detective aims to make science engaging and accessible, receiving positive recognition for its innovative approach:

  • Nominated for Best Educational App at the 2021 Reimagine Education Awards.

  • Designated Teacher Approved on the Google Play Store.

  • Featured in numerous press outlets including QF Stories, Doha News, The Peninsula, and Gulf Times.

  • Funded by the HBKU Innovation Center (Rapid Response Innovation Call) and Northwestern University in Qatar Applied Educational Research Grants.  

  • Designed to inspire student interest in science, medicine, technology, and public health.  

  • Builds scientific literacy around core epidemiological concepts like contact tracing.

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