As part of the research, we have designed and developed a short browser game and interactive app called Indebted Life. It introduces you to the lives of three characters, all of whom are thinking about taking out a high-cost short-term credit (HCSTC) loan.

As you play, you assume the position of the character and use their mobile device to search online for credit. You can read their text messages and emails and look at their bank account, giving you an insight into their daily lives. You can follow the character’s thoughts and feelings as well as the problems and consequences they encounter as they apply for credit online.

The characters are based on the real-life experiences of people who have applied for credit online.

Who is Indebted Life for?

• Anyone thinking about taking out a high-cost loan, who would like some thinking space to consider their decision and its potential consequences.
• Organisations, including schools and charities, that deliver money management and/or debt advice sessions to adults and/or young people.
• Staff and volunteers who provide debt and consumer advice to members of the public, who would like to know more about what it is like to borrow high-cost credit online.
• Anyone interested in exploring how high-cost credit websites are designed to influence consumer borrowing decisions (to increase instances of borrowing) and how consumers interact with those websites.

Indebted Life Training Guide

We have designed a training guide to help incorporate Indebted Life into money management and debt sessions. You can request a copy by email.

You can play Indebted Life:

Visit the App Store: Indebted Life

Visit Google Play: Indebted Life

Let us know what you think about Indebted Life by completing our feedback survey.