Sketches: frame the sketches, modify photos
For the prototyping activity, the goal is not to create a finalized product, rather it is to create a digital product that helps give a general sense of the game and gameplay. In previous Think Tank sessions, it has been helpful to show examples of sketches so learners can frame their expectations.
Below are sketches designed during the process of developing the game Outbreak Squad. The sketches include characters, interface, and icons .Show these examples after you and learners have discussed the tool selected for this activity. It may also be helpful to show the finalized game Outbreak Squad with these sketches to reinforce that game design is a process that includes making several changes and updates.
Interface
Interface, for games, “is a bridge linking p layers with games, familiarizing players with the game plan, and compelling them to play it at first glance” (Retro Style Games, 2023) and “implicates the look and feels of the game” (AlleyLabs, n.d.).
Questions that may help learners frame how they design their game’s interface:
- What information do you want presented to players during gameplay?
- What is the background?
- Where will the players and icons be presented during gameplay
Characters
Characters “are designed to represent people or personalities, in order to connect with the audience these characters must be inclusive (Balken, 2021).
Questions that may help learners frame how they design characters:
- How would you want someone to describe your characters?
- What are features you want characters to have?
- How will your characters connect to the theme and goals of your game?
Icons
An icon “is a small graphical representation of a program, feature, or file” (Computer Hope, 2021), and opens to the application or action associated with it once it is clicked or tapped. Icons are a part of the graphical user interface (GUI), which allows people to interact with their devices through visual symbols and representations to complete tasks, such as getting rid of a file by moving it to the trash (Babich, 2020).
Questions that may help learners frame how they design their game’s icons:
- What are symbols you can use that players may already understand?
- How will your icons help players learn what to do and where to go in your game?
- How will you ensure the icons don’t interrupt gameplay?
