(SMS) Studio Michael Schmitz
Quartett der verbotenen Bücher is an educational game that makes the topic of censorship tangible through play. Based on the classic quartet card format, it introduces players to banned and suppressed books from different times and regions. The project uses communication design as a tool for political education, raising awareness of freedom of expression, censorship, and the value of democratic culture.
Client: Heinrich-Böll Foundation Rhineland-Palatinate
The challenge was to translate a sensitive and complex subject—book bans and censorship—into a playful format without trivializing it. The game needed to be both accessible and thought-provoking, combining educational content with engaging design.
Selection and structuring of content around historically and politically relevant books.
Use of typography and imagery to balance seriousness with playfulness.
Designing the game as both an educational tool for schools and an entry point for broader audiences.
The card game makes hidden histories visible and stimulates discussion about censorship and democracy. It is used in educational contexts and public events, sparking curiosity and critical reflection. By combining play with political education, the project extends the possibilities of design beyond traditional media.
Publication uncovering manipulative strategies of right-wing actors in the field of civic education. → See project
Event series highlighting the intersections of political discourse and popular culture. → See project
Communication design project encouraging civic engagement and participation. → See project