Subjective vs. Fixed Value In Catan, value was fluid, players could negotiate, bluff, and manipulate based on needs. In contrast, Monopoly operated on rigid, pre-defined prices. This prompted questions around who defines value in currency systems, and how design could accommodate personalised or negotiated worth. Psychology of Visibility In Catan, having many resources made players feel vulnerable due to the Robber Rule. Hiding cards gave a sense of safety. In Monopoly players often lost track of each other’s wealth, causing emotional disengagement. We discussed whether visible wealth increases anxiety or control, and what implications that has for our design. Ritual & Power Dynamics Players with early advantages shaped the entire game. Seasoned players had insider knowledge, creating real parallels with financial systems where access and literacy determine success. The game’s coercive moments also mirrored high-pressure consumer environments where decisions are rushed. Embodied Cognition One question that arose was; if Catan’s resources were physical, would it reduce the cognitive load? This led us to think about embodied cognition; how touch and visibility might help users, especially neurodivergent or low-literacy groups, engage with money systems more confidently.