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Project Overview
In today's dynamic board game industry, the ability to blend genres and manage collaborative projects is paramount. This project encapsulates core course skills, addressing current industry challenges while fostering innovative design and effective teamwork.
Project Sections
Foundation of Collaborative Design
This section sets the groundwork for effective collaboration among team members, focusing on communication strategies and establishing roles. Understanding team dynamics is crucial for successful project execution.
Goals:
- Develop a collaborative mindset.
- Establish clear communication channels.
- Define roles within the team.
Tasks:
- ▸Conduct a team meeting to discuss the project vision and goals.
- ▸Create a collaboration charter outlining team roles and responsibilities.
- ▸Implement a project management tool (e.g., Trello, Asana) for task tracking.
- ▸Develop a communication plan detailing how the team will share updates.
- ▸Facilitate team-building activities to strengthen relationships.
- ▸Document team discussions and decisions for future reference.
- ▸Gather feedback from the team on collaborative practices.
Resources:
- 📚"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni
- 📚"Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High"
- 📚Trello/Asana tutorials for project management tools.
Reflection
Reflect on your team's dynamics and communication methods. How can these practices be applied in a professional setting?
Checkpoint
Submit a collaboration charter and communication plan.
Exploring Genre Blending
In this section, you will dive into the concept of genre blending, exploring how to merge different game mechanics and themes to create a unique gaming experience.
Goals:
- Analyze existing games that successfully blend genres.
- Brainstorm potential genre combinations for your project.
Tasks:
- ▸Research and present examples of successful genre-blending games.
- ▸Conduct brainstorming sessions to generate genre combination ideas.
- ▸Create a mind map of potential themes and mechanics.
- ▸Draft a preliminary game concept that incorporates blended genres.
- ▸Gather team feedback on the proposed game concept.
- ▸Refine the game concept based on feedback received.
- ▸Document the genre blending process for future reference.
Resources:
- 📚"The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell
- 📚Gamasutra articles on genre blending
- 📚BoardGameGeek for game examples.
Reflection
Consider how genre blending can enhance player engagement. What challenges do you foresee?
Checkpoint
Present a refined game concept that incorporates genre blending.
Project Management Fundamentals
This section focuses on essential project management techniques that will help you lead your team effectively and manage timelines and milestones.
Goals:
- Understand project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall).
- Develop a project timeline and milestone chart.
Tasks:
- ▸Choose a project management methodology suitable for your project.
- ▸Create a detailed project timeline with key milestones.
- ▸Assign tasks to team members based on their strengths.
- ▸Set up regular check-in meetings to monitor progress.
- ▸Develop risk management strategies to address potential challenges.
- ▸Document project management practices for future reference.
- ▸Gather team feedback on the project management approach.
Resources:
- 📚"Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time" by Jeff Sutherland
- 📚Project management software tutorials (e.g., Monday.com)
- 📚Online resources on Agile methodologies.
Reflection
Reflect on your project management approach. How can it be adapted for future projects?
Checkpoint
Submit a project timeline and milestone chart.
Prototyping and Playtesting
In this section, you will create prototypes of your game and conduct playtesting sessions to gather feedback and refine your design.
Goals:
- Develop a playable prototype of your game.
- Conduct playtesting to evaluate gameplay and mechanics.
Tasks:
- ▸Create a low-fidelity prototype of your game using available materials.
- ▸Organize playtesting sessions with diverse player groups.
- ▸Collect feedback from playtesters on game mechanics and enjoyment.
- ▸Analyze playtesting results to identify areas for improvement.
- ▸Refine the prototype based on feedback received.
- ▸Document the playtesting process and outcomes.
- ▸Plan for further iterations based on playtester suggestions.
Resources:
- 📚"Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games" by Tracy Fullerton
- 📚Playtesting guides from industry experts
- 📚Online forums for playtesting feedback.
Reflection
Evaluate the playtesting feedback. What changes will you implement, and why?
Checkpoint
Submit a report on playtesting results and proposed changes.
Finalizing Game Design
This section focuses on refining your game design based on playtesting feedback, ensuring that all elements align for a cohesive player experience.
Goals:
- Finalize game mechanics and components.
- Prepare for the final presentation of your game.
Tasks:
- ▸Integrate feedback from playtesting into the final game design.
- ▸Create detailed documentation of game rules and mechanics.
- ▸Develop final artwork and graphic design elements.
- ▸Prepare a presentation that highlights your design process and final product.
- ▸Conduct a rehearsal for the final presentation with your team.
- ▸Gather final feedback from team members on the presentation.
- ▸Document the final design process for your portfolio.
Resources:
- 📚"Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals" by Katie Salen
- 📚Graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator)
- 📚Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Prezi).
Reflection
Reflect on the evolution of your game design. What were the key takeaways from this process?
Checkpoint
Deliver a presentation showcasing the final game design.
Portfolio Development
In this final section, you will compile a professional portfolio that showcases your design process, final product, and the skills you have developed throughout the course.
Goals:
- Create a comprehensive design portfolio.
- Highlight your leadership and project management skills.
Tasks:
- ▸Select key pieces of work to include in your portfolio.
- ▸Write case studies for each project, detailing your role and contributions.
- ▸Design a visually appealing layout for your portfolio.
- ▸Include testimonials from team members or playtesters.
- ▸Prepare an online version of your portfolio for easy sharing.
- ▸Gather feedback on your portfolio from peers and mentors.
- ▸Document the portfolio creation process and lessons learned.
Resources:
- 📚"The Creative's Guide to Starting a Business" by Harriet Kelsall
- 📚Online portfolio platforms (e.g., Behance, WordPress)
- 📚Guides on creating effective case studies.
Reflection
Consider how your portfolio reflects your growth as a designer. What do you want potential employers to see?
Checkpoint
Submit a complete design portfolio.
Timeline
Flexible timeline with bi-weekly reviews and adjustments to accommodate team needs and project pace.
Final Deliverable
A comprehensive design portfolio showcasing the multi-layered board game, including documentation of the design process, playtesting feedback, and final artwork, ready for professional presentation.
Evaluation Criteria
- ✓Quality of collaborative processes and team dynamics.
- ✓Innovativeness and creativity in genre blending.
- ✓Effectiveness of project management strategies.
- ✓Depth of playtesting and iteration documentation.
- ✓Overall presentation quality of the final portfolio.
Community Engagement
Engage with fellow designers through online forums or local meetups to share progress, gather feedback, and showcase your final project.