MOOT City was born out of a simple but powerful question: What if policymaking could be learned, tested, and even reimagined through play?

The idea first took shape during doctoral research at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, where it began as a prototype board game. The research explored how civic imagination and experiential learning could help communities better understand the systems that shape their lives.

What started as an academic experiment quickly proved its impact in the real world. MOOT City has been played in classrooms, community centers, and public workshops. Students discovered new ways to connect theory with lived experience. Community members found a platform to debate and collaborate on pressing issues like housing and equity. Policymakers and educators saw its potential as a bridge between formal policy and everyday voices.

Our story is still unfolding. Today, MOOT City is more than a game - it’s a movement to bring civic imagination into the hands of learners, communities, and leaders worldwide. With every play session, people see that every choice maters, and that together, we can imagine cities that are more just, inclusive, and sustainable.