Project Background:
In our seminar class, each student was assigned to create a list of “I remember” statements for a significant location in our memories. Using these as well as inspiration from our Shift map, my group had to create an original board game, integrating our shared experiences and shift moments that led us to Parsons. The goal for our group was to create a game that reflected our different paths to Parsons, each direction filled with hurdles and accomplishments. We also wanted the goal of the game not to have a win-lose result, but rather an exposure of different career paths and storylines. Because in the end, though each of us took a different path to get to Parsons, some more difficult than others, we are all here on the same page. We had two weeks to work on this, and there were a few constraints because it was difficult to find a time to book appointments for the laser lab and wood shop, therefore, we had to compromise and find other ways to create out pieces. There was also a constraint in some of the process, because we wanted to create a cohesive looking game and incorporate digital art elements, however, only two of us could work digitally, so finding ways to split the work load took some time and negotiation.
Team and Role:
We all contributed in the brainstorming process. We each came up with our own images and icons relating to our Seminar locations, as well as for our individual hurdles, accomplishments, and interests based on our majors. My location was Korea and my images relating to my grandparent’s apartment in Korea were shown through the “Memory Mini Game”. Niharika’s location was Aditya Elegance, her home in India. Danni’s location was the Starbuck where many things occurred, and Calista’s location was Sak’s 5th Avenue in California. Though Niharika and I shared the spaces on the board relating to fashion design, we each contributed our own specific memories. (Danni-Communication Design, Calista-Strategic Design and Management). For the digital images/illustrations for the board game and cards, Danni and I worked together on those. I designed the back images for the shift cards as well as the memory cards, and sent them to Danni to color and digitize. I also drew out and colored the memory card images that each person sent to me on Photoshop, and sent them to Danni to place with the back images. I sent Danni the drawn out versions of the interest icons for the tiles, and she digitized them and laid them out onto the board. Using what each member wanted to be their game piece (me: converse, Danni: sunflower, Calista: Pina colada, Niharika: panda), I created images on photoshop and made them into standing pieces by pasting them onto foam board. Danni created the fronts of the shift cards, and designed the layout of the tiles, and created the color palette based on the general colors we agreed on (blue, yellow, orange, pink). Calista and Niharika designed and created the pop up images that displayed our Seminar locations. They also created the tokens and cut out each one meticulously and wrapped them in gold foil to make them look like winning tokens. They helped cut and assemble everything, making the board game come together. We all collaborated on the game rules and directions, and Danni designed the two guide papers. Danni and I worked to create the game box, which was made out of Bristol paper and hot glue.
The Work:
Brainstorming:
Creating:
Final Product:
Shift:
My group and I initially started this project to create a competitive game where the players’ goals would be to be the first one to reach Parsons. However, as we brainstormed ideas for the shift cards and tile boards, taking inspiration from our collaborative map, we realized our journeys to Parsons were all so different. We realized, though this is a competitive school, we are all on the same page and all wanting to succeed, however through different paths and goals. Therefore, we reflected that into the board game, with the end goal finally knowing which direction of major one will take.
Things I Would’ve Done Differently:
I think we should have done some things and talked about things we planned on doing ahead of time. There were moments when something (like making the box) had to be done, but not all of us were available to meet, so Danni and I had to work on it between the two of us. If we had planned ahead, we could have thought or talked about it while all the group members were present. Another thing for preparation, I would have liked to use the laser lab or woodshed, however, we did plan ahead of time. So the next time, I would’ve liked to use a range of different materials.
