# From Classroom to Gaming Arena: The Rise of Esports in K-12 Design
The world of educational design is evolving at breakneck speed. What once consisted of rigid rows of desks and silent study halls now embraces movement, collaboration, and – surprisingly to some – competitive gaming. We sat down with Kimberly Wiggs, Director of Education at Tangram Interiors, to explore how esports is reshaping school design and creating new communities within educational spaces.
## A Designer's Journey into Uncharted Territory
Wiggs' path from second-grade teacher to esports space designer wasn't exactly planned. After two years in the classroom, she discovered her passion for designing K-12 learning environments at Tangram. "Although I formally left teaching, I continue to be fascinated by the innovation and psychology involved in preparing our youth," she explains.
The evolution has been remarkable. "In a 1950s classroom, students were expected to remain separate and still. Today, we help them incorporate movement and engagement to support their greatest success."
Now, seven years into her design career and eight months into leading Tangram's Education Team, Wiggs finds herself at the forefront of an entirely new challenge: creating esports environments for schools.
## Understanding Esports in Education
For those unfamiliar with the concept, esports are competitive, multiplayer online video games played in front of spectators. Unlike casual gaming done at home among friends, esports create community experiences designed for public engagement.
"Right now, esports are being incorporated into K-12 schools as extracurricular activities, and it's happening at a rapid pace," Wiggs notes.
## The Social Benefits Behind the Screens
The primary advantage of school esports programs isn't about gaming skills – it's about community building and social-emotional well-being.
"If you think back to high school pep rallies centered on the football team, school spirit was often lost on introverted students or those not into traditional sports," Wiggs explains. "With esports, team and school spirit is instilled in students who were previously on the periphery."
A professional gamer she worked with put it perfectly: traditional "fit sports" teach teamwork, handling failure, responsibility, collaboration, and communication. "Until this point, there really hasn't been a way for non-athletes to learn those skills. With esports, there is."
## Designing for Digital Competition
Creating effective esports spaces requires balancing three critical elements:
**Individual Performance Enhancement** - Proper work surface heights - Comfortable gaming chairs - Controlled lighting to eliminate glare
**Team Environment Facilitation** - Strategic spacing for conversation and eye contact - Layouts that encourage collaboration even during individual gameplay
**Community Building Beyond Players** - Observer zones with soft seating - Multiple monitors displaying various games simultaneously - Amenities like kitchenettes and homework areas for older students
"Students might not game the whole time, so we create areas to play physical games, tackle homework, or simply hang out," Wiggs explains. "Other kids will drop by, just like they do in other clubs."
## The Technology and Flexibility Factor
While high-tech equipment often takes center stage, traditional elements remain important. Whiteboards and blackboards still support collaboration and coaching experiences. The key lies in creating flexible zones within each room – collaborative areas, drop-in spaces, and individual gaming stations.
Seating variety is crucial, accommodating up to nine different postures through bean bags, café tables, high-tops, and sofas. "For all of history, we've told kids they didn't have a voice or choice. When we give students seating options, it's a form of respect that encourages their success."
## Measuring Success in New Territory
Schools are still in the early stages of determining success metrics for esports programs. However, Wiggs observes two significant outcomes: improved funding opportunities and increased parent engagement.
She shares an example of an underfunded Los Angeles school district where the superintendent invested heavily in a stunning middle school esports room. "The teachers may be top-notch, but if the spaces don't reflect it, parents won't send their children. Instead of asking parents to look past outdated buildings, this superintendent will have spaces that speak for themselves."
## The Future Landscape
The potential for esports in education extends far beyond after-school clubs. With 175 U.S. colleges currently offering esports scholarships – a number growing rapidly – competitive gaming may soon influence college admissions.
"During the pandemic, the California State University system eliminated standardized testing requirements," Wiggs notes. "Educators suggest portfolios will be the wave of the future. In sports, players send film footage to coaches. Why wouldn't gamers create portfolios of successes and do the same?"
## Tangram's Collaborative Approach
As pioneers in educational esports design, Tangram takes a partnership approach with schools venturing into this new territory.
"When schools started coming to us for esports advice, the conversation was always, 'This is new for us. We've never had this, taught this, or run this program,'" Wiggs recalls. "Many teachers were 'volunteered' to run esports programs."
The firm's strategy involves sharing research, understanding each school's unique needs, and collaborating on solutions. "Years ago, when we got our first request, esports in schools had no blueprint. We were charting new territory. But we said yes to every request, and now we're moving toward a leadership position in this space."
## Looking Ahead: A New Kind of School Spirit
Wiggs envisions a future where esports competition mirrors traditional athletics – complete with away games and inter-school rivalries. "I'd love to see kids getting on a bus, going to another high school and playing each other, creating a new world that has never existed before."
Despite lingering "esports isn't a sport" mentality, she believes the foundation remains the same as traditional athletics: "Learning to show up, learning to fail, and learning how to take constructive criticism. These are really great life lessons for kids."
For design professionals, esports represents more than a trend – it's an opportunity to create inclusive spaces that serve students who might otherwise remain on the margins of school community life. As this field continues to evolve, the challenge lies in balancing cutting-edge technology with fundamental design principles that foster both individual excellence and collective belonging.
