Basic Game Design Knowledge
A solid understanding of game design principles is essential, as it forms the foundation for creating engaging educational experiences. Familiarity with concepts like mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics will help you in this course.
LEGO Building Techniques
Comfort with LEGO building techniques is crucial, as you'll need to translate your game ideas into tangible prototypes. Knowing how to effectively use LEGO pieces will empower your creativity and prototyping.
Child Development Concepts
Understanding child development is key to designing educational games that resonate with young learners. Familiarity with how children learn and engage will help you create more effective and engaging game experiences.
Educational Game Design Principles
Why This Matters:
Refreshing your knowledge of educational game design principles will enhance your ability to integrate learning objectives into gameplay. Understanding how to balance fun and education will be vital for your prototype.
Recommended Resource:
"The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell - This book offers a comprehensive look at game design principles, including educational applications.
Prototyping Techniques
Why This Matters:
Brushing up on prototyping techniques will aid in effectively translating your ideas into LEGO creations. Familiarity with iterative design can improve your development process and final product.
Recommended Resource:
"Prototyping: A Practitioner's Guide" by Todd Zaki Warfel - This guide provides insights into various prototyping methods, including practical tips for hands-on prototyping.
Feedback and Iteration Processes
Why This Matters:
Understanding feedback and iteration is essential for refining your game. Knowing how to gather and analyze user feedback will help you improve your prototype based on real-world testing.
Recommended Resource:
"Lean Startup" by Eric Ries - This book emphasizes the importance of feedback loops in product development, applicable to game design.
Preparation Tips
- ⭐Set up a dedicated workspace where you can comfortably build and prototype with LEGO. A clutter-free environment will enhance your creativity and focus during the course.
- ⭐Gather your LEGO materials ahead of time, ensuring you have a variety of pieces to work with. This will allow you to jump right into prototyping without delays.
- ⭐Create a study schedule that allocates time for each module and allows for flexibility. Regular check-ins will help keep you motivated and on track throughout the course.
- ⭐Familiarize yourself with online collaboration tools if you plan to work with peers. Being comfortable with these tools will enhance your collaborative experience during the course.
- ⭐Prepare your mindset for iterative design. Embrace the idea that your first prototype may not be perfect and that feedback is a valuable part of the learning process.
What to Expect
This course spans 8 weeks and is designed to be hands-on and interactive. You will progress through various modules, each focusing on different aspects of educational game design. Expect a mix of theoretical learning and practical assignments, culminating in a final project where you showcase your LEGO-based educational game. Regular feedback loops will help you refine your designs and enhance your learning experience.
Words of Encouragement
Get ready to unleash your creativity and transform educational play! By the end of this course, you'll have the skills to design engaging educational games that can make a real difference in children's learning experiences. Let's build something amazing together!