Critical consciousness as described by Paolo Freire involves the awareness of systemic inequalities.Critical consciousness is important in dismantling oppressive systems, but can be difficult and uncomfortable to develop.This study investigates how Papers, Please works as a transformational game about border crossing to facilitate the development of players' critical consciousness as well as how players' lived experiences are reflected through their ingame decision-making.We conducted a mixed-methods two-week diary study and phenomenological interviews with 41 participants, many of whom being first-time players.We assess players' experiences through the six qualitative stages of critical consciousness development, which we adopt as a method of assessing learning within critical pedagogies.Using this framework, we suggest that in-game conflicting and reactionary immigration policy changes spark value and moral disequilibrium, which, in turn, may trigger players' reflection on the game's unjust immigration system and lead to critical introspection, motivation, and praxis around border crossing and immigration in the United States.

Sidewalk robots are increasingly common across the globe. Yet, their operation on public paths poses challenges for people with mobility disabilities (PwMD) who face barriers to accessibility, such as insufficient curb cuts. We interviewed 15 PwMD to understand how they perceive sidewalk robots. Findings indicated that PwMD feel they have to compete for space on the sidewalk when robots are introduced. We next interviewed eight robotics practitioners to learn about their attitudes towards accessibility. Practitioners described how issues often stem from robotic companies addressing accessibility only after problems arise. Both interview groups underscored the importance of integrating accessibility from the outset. Building on this finding, we held four co-design workshops with PwMD and practitioners in pairs. These convenings brought to bear accessibility needs around robots operating in public spaces and in the public interest. Our study aims to set the stage for a more inclusive future around public service robots.