"Immunios – A card game to learn immunology"
© Daryl Jecker, 2025 EPFL
The Master's program in Digital Humanities (DH) offers its students the opportunity to do research during their studies through semester projects or master's projects. During her semester project, DH student Cindy Tang developed an educational game on the immune system to help high-school students learn the subject in a fun way.
Before starting her Master's degree in digital humanities at EPFL, Cindy Tang did not have a specific professional project. After a Bachelor's degree in life sciences, she became interested in the humanities and social sciences (SHS) and discovered a taste for graphic design. Her interest in computational methods and their application in the cultural field led her to choose this interdisciplinary Master's degree.
As part of a semester project of this Master's degree, she developed Immunios, an educational card game designed to help high school students better understand the immune system. Playable with three or four people, this game is based on scientific concepts taught in the high-school curriculum of the canton of Vaud, in particular for students following the biology-chemistry option.
Interview with Cindy Tang:
Learning by playing
The objective of the game is to familiarize students with the scientific vocabulary and the basic notions of immunology. "The goal is to give them a positive first image of the discipline to motivate them when they encounter it in class," explains Cindy Tang. The game also makes it possible to create links between the fun experience and the lessons. "If a concept they see in class reminds them of an element of the game, it can make learning easier," she adds.
The name Immunios is the result of the fusion of "immunis" (immunity) and "unio" (union). This choice sums up the spirit of the game: to understand how the different components of the immune system work together to protect the body.
A game accessible to all
To allow a wide distribution, Cindy Tang has made the game files available in free access on a website1. Teachers can download the cards and rules and then make the game themselves. A walkthrough guide helps them through this process, with tips and a list of frequently asked questions from students.
Additional educational materials are also planned. Adaptable slides allow teachers to introduce play into the classroom and integrate it into biology lessons.
Testing in the classroom
Cindy Tang also offers to lead test sessions in schools. "I come to class to introduce the game and show how to use it," she explains. Interested teachers can then choose to make the game or order a printed version.
By combining science and gamification, Immunios illustrates the contribution of digital humanities to science education. An approach that brings together academic knowledge and interactive experience for a better understanding of complex subjects.