TYPE IN PROGRESS
LETTERS IN PLAY
TIMELINE
2 weeks, 2022
NATURE
Academic Project guided by Guido De Boer
SOLUTION
Game Design
AMBITION
To inspire creativity and foster appreciation for blackletter typography through an engaging and educational board game experience.
CONTEXT
During my exchange semester, I developed a deep appreciation for the Textura typeface—a calligraphic variant of Blackletter from the 12th century, renowned for its artistry and historical significance. Despite its pivotal role in the democratization of information during the Renaissance, its prominence has significantly declined over time. Recognizing this, I conceived the idea of a game to preserve and celebrate its rich historical legacy.
WHERE LETTERS BECOME PUZZLE PIECES
To delve into the structural nuances of the letterforms, I began creating them with ink. During this process, I discovered each stroke came together to form letters much like puzzle pieces fitting perfectly. This epiphany inspired me to create a puzzle game, merging my passion for typography with the joy of playful creativity.
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VISUAL LANGUAGE
The visual language was crafted to immerse the players in a world that reflects the medieval era's artistry and craftsmanship while subtly hinting at the concepts building play, and precision, creating a comprehensive and engaging gaming experience.
USABILITY TESTING
A preliminary prototype of the game was developed and tested with potential users to observe their interactions. This process allowed me to identify obstacles they encountered during gameplay and make iterative improvements to address these pain points, ultimately enhancing overall engagement.
LEARNING
A Quest for Engagement
Gamification is an effective strategy for creating enjoyable and engaging user experiences, however, it is essential to approach this strategy with care. If executed poorly, it risks becoming overly complex, confusing, or unenjoyable. One of the most effective methods to immerse users in the game is through the use of storytelling, which can help in navigate and find their way within the game's universe. This highlights the importance of thoughtful design considerations in creating meaningful interactions.