Games Studies - Project 3: Tabletop Game Design
10 Oct 2023 - 21 Nov 2023 (Week 7 - Week 13)
Vincent Lee // 0359386
Games Studies // Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media // Taylor's
University
INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions
MIB
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Project 3: Tabletop Game Design
For this project, it will be used to document the iteration process of
designing the packaging for our tabletop game.
Week 8: Mood Board
Canva link:
"Heaped" Mood Board
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| Packaging Design Inspiration |
We also discussed materials - wood for sophistication but decided on budget-friendly options like fibreboard and cardboard.
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| Theme/ Art Style - Mascot and Power Cards |
We considered aesthetics and minimalism with typography and layout but
realized this is a game meant for playing, not just for display. So, we're
leaning toward vibrant colors and a cartoonish style. We plan to create a
mascot, like Monopoly's Milburn Pennybags, to make the game more interactive
and memorable.
We explored various content layouts and graphics placement styles inspired
by Monopoly. Our goal is to maintain simplicity while creating an engaging
and attractive design.
Upon reviewing our visual design progression in Figure 1.1, it becomes apparent that both the packaging and power cards designs were heavily influenced by the preset templates. Despite working with different layouts and incorporating various design elements and images to enhance a minimal aesthetic, significant changes were elusive. It wasn't until the final days leading up to the printing stage that our group leader suggested integrating elements from Jenga, particularly its square and blocky characteristics, into the design. This led to the selection of suitable fonts with similar square and blocky attributes reminiscent of Jenga.
Subsequently, all design assets were transferred to Adobe Illustrator for the finalization of both packaging and game components. Furthermore, the color palette employed featured bright yet muted/matte tones, aiming to infuse a playful quality into the entire game.
Week 9 - Week 11: Design and Visuals for Game
Each member was tasked as follow, and a compilation of the visual design progression was attached.
1) Rui Ying - Packaging and Action Cards
2) Vincent & Georgina - Manual Design (Tri-Fold brochure)
- Front Page
- 3 pages for gameplay instructions.
- Back Page:
- Utilise the packaging design for the cover page.
- In the centre, a logo and slogan of our game.
- The last section should contain details about the game components such as power cards, writing sheets, marker pen.
Figure 1.1 - Heaped Visual Design Progression Compilation - PDF, Week 12 (14 Nov
2023)
Week 12 - Week 14 - Final Iteration
Accordance to the feedback received after the Beta play-test, points were indicating along with letters were suggested in easing the process of calculating of points.
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Final Visual Design
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Figure 1.4 - Heaped Final Visual Design - PDF, Week 13 (21 Nov 2023)
Feedback
Week 9
- Reuse current Jenga packaging/box
- Vibrant and captivating colours for the packaging and action cards to enhance visual appeal.
- Allocate a higher budget in premium quality action cards. This will create a stronger sense of presence and improve the overall gaming experience.
- Include components in a paper bag
- Instead of creating custom card sizes, use any of the suggested card sizes to streamline production and potentially reduce costs.
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| Suggested Cards Size |
Findings after Consultation and Group Discussion:
- either colour/ paint each side of the block based on the letter's points or use stickers
- poker card dimension for action cards and double the height for the writing cards.
- envelope of paper bag for the action and writing cards, remain the original packaging of the pens.
Reflection
Week 12 - Tabletop Game Design
From my perspective, the most significant challenges encountered in this module revolved around the design of our packaging and game components, including the brochure (manuals) and power cards. A notable obstacle was our lack of drawing techniques or skills in developing a distinct brand identity. Consequently, we collectively opted to utilize free templates from Canva for inspiration or directly adopt preset designs for our packaging.Upon reviewing our visual design progression in Figure 1.1, it becomes apparent that both the packaging and power cards designs were heavily influenced by the preset templates. Despite working with different layouts and incorporating various design elements and images to enhance a minimal aesthetic, significant changes were elusive. It wasn't until the final days leading up to the printing stage that our group leader suggested integrating elements from Jenga, particularly its square and blocky characteristics, into the design. This led to the selection of suitable fonts with similar square and blocky attributes reminiscent of Jenga.
Subsequently, all design assets were transferred to Adobe Illustrator for the finalization of both packaging and game components. Furthermore, the color palette employed featured bright yet muted/matte tones, aiming to infuse a playful quality into the entire game.
Quick Links
Project 2: Play-Test
