Posted on by marmar20545

Assignment 5

Brief

For this assignment you will design (or redesign) a game. You can select a board game, card game, app or a video game. First you will research existing games, board games, card games, puzzles, apps and video games.

Select one that interests you and find out about the history, the gameplay, the iterations, and if applicable the different versions and themes or re-designs throughout time. For example, a classic game like Monopoly has been designed and redesigned numerous times. 

Analyse and deconstruct the design. For example:

  • How do all the pieces/screens fit together? What are the game dynamics that need to be taken into account?
  • What is the underlying structure of the layout? How are the elements organised? Is there a grid?
  • How are symbols used? What do the symbols represent? For example,  icons, pawns, point indicators or progress through the game?
  • Check out The Board Game Design Lab articles about game design theory

Draft your own interpretation of the game. You can decide if you want to keep the rules and gameplay the same or if you wish to re-invent the rules of the game. 

Define your target audience. The game could be suited to any target audience. Include the demographic and psychographic characteristics of the people you think would purchase the game. In other words, identify who you are designing for.

Build a prototype to refine your ideas. For a board game or card game this means making the actual physical pieces at the actual scale. For an app or video game you need to mock-up multiple screens to show the user interface and the different states. Where possible use the appropriate software, for example Figma or AdobeXD, to prototype the interaction and show how users progress through the game.

Refine, refine, refine. Apply all the techniques you have learned to improve upon the early design. Take a step back and practice self-critique, ask for feedback from your peers or the wider community, test your design whenever possible. Try using questionnaires, surveys, interviews or focus groups. (Refer back to the information on questionnaires earlier in the project). At a minimum you should aim for three refinement cycles.

Design the final working prototype in preparation to pitch to a manufacturer. Since the game will need to be manufactured, you need to consider what manufacturer would be best suited for the game you are designing

Prepare a pitch presentation directed to a manufacturer appropriate for your game. Manufacturers of games, much like book publishers, will have a niche they cater to. Global manufacturers like Parker Brothers and Ubisoft will manufacture mass-market games like Monopoly and Just Dance, while a specialised manufacturer might focus exclusively on children’s games, for example Orchard Toys, or they may find a niche like ‘German-style board games’  (e.g. Days of Wonder) or virtual reality and augmented reality (e.g. The NineHertz) to cater to. 

Research

YouTube, 2025
YouTube, 2025

Classic Board Games

Pinterest, 2025

Card Games

Pinterest, 2025

Mobile & Video Games

Pinterest, 2025

Puzzle & Strategy Games

Pinterest, 2025

Analysis of Dobble

1. History & Evolution

Dobble, known as Spot It! in some regions, was designed by French mathematician Denis Blanchot and later published by Asmodee. The game is based on set theory and a mathematical principle where every pair of cards shares exactly one common symbol. It has been adapted into multiple themed editions (Harry Potter Dobble, Marvel Dobble) and digital versions.

2. Gameplay & Design Elements

  • Objective: Identify the matching symbol between two cards before your opponents.
  • Components:
    • 55 circular cards, each containing 8 symbols.
    • Symbols vary in size and orientation to increase difficulty.
    • Simple icon-based design for accessibility.
  • Turn Structure:
    1. Two cards are compared at a time.
    2. Players race to find the matching symbol.
    3. The first player to call out the match wins the round.
    4. The game continues until a win condition is met (e.g., most cards collected).

3. Game Dynamics & Structure

  • Core Mechanic: Pattern recognition and reaction speed.
  • Player Interaction: Fast-paced, competitive play with minimal downtime.
  • Scalability: Works with 2-8 players, making it versatile.
  • Win Condition: Depends on the game mode, but generally, the player with the most correct matches wins.

4. Game Mechanics & Visual Design

  • Circular Cards: Unique format avoids traditional card orientations and increases challenge.
  • Symbol Design:
    • Bright, colourful, and high-contrast icons for visibility.
    • Randomised placement ensures varied gameplay.
  • Mathematical Structure: Each pair of cards always shares exactly one symbol, thanks to combinatorial design principles.

Dobble card game demographics

The Dobble (Spot It!) card game has a broad demographic appeal due to its simplicity, fast-paced nature, and adaptability. Here’s a breakdown of its key demographics:

1. Age Group

  • Primary Audience: 6+ years old (officially recommended for ages 6 and up)
  • Younger Players: Some versions cater to kids as young as 3 years old (e.g., Dobble Kids).
  • Older Players & Adults: The game’s speed and pattern recognition challenges make it fun for teens and adults, often played in party or casual settings.

2. Target Market

  • Families: Ideal for family game nights due to its easy-to-learn rules and quick playtime.
  • Casual Gamers: Great for non-gamers who enjoy light, social games.
  • Educational Use: Used in classrooms to enhance cognitive skills, attention, and reflexes.
  • Party & Social Settings: Popular in bar games, icebreakers, and group gatherings.

3. Cognitive & Learning Appeal

  • Children: Helps with visual perception, quick thinking, and memory.
  • Seniors: Used in cognitive exercises for hand-eye coordination and brain training.

4. Global Popularity

  • Available in multiple languages and localised editions (e.g., Dobble Harry Potter, Dobble Disney).
  • Universally appealing due to simple symbols, no complex reading required.

Redesign Ideas

Thumbnails

Typeface

Design process

Final design

Mock up

Printed cards

Game in action

Potential manufacturers

Hayman creative, 2025
Cartamundi, 2025

Presentation – Slideshow

Self-reflection

This assignment challenged me to critically analyse and redesign a game while considering its history, mechanics, and user experience. Through this process, I gained valuable insights into game design principles, user engagement strategies, and the importance of iterative refinement.

I started by researching different types of games, eventually selecting dobble it is one of my son’s favourite games and I played it a lot. Learning about its history, gameplay mechanics, and past redesigns helped me understand how games evolve over time. Analysing its structure, from layout and symbols to game dynamics, allowed me to see what elements worked well and what could be improved.

My redesign aimed to challenge the game also include maths. I carefully considered the target audience, focusing on primary school children, ensuring that my changes aligned with their preferences and expectations.

I conducted multiple feedback sessions, gathering insights from my son and her friends also my daughter and my husband, who are older but still enjoyed playing the game.

Developing a final prototype ready for manufacturing required considering materials, production costs, or digital development tools. I also researched potential manufacturers, as a suitable partner due to their focus on producing card games in the UK.

Creating the pitch presentation was another learning experience, as I had to articulate my vision persuasively while considering marketability. This process enhanced my ability to present ideas professionally and strategically.

Overall, this assignment deepened my appreciation for game design and provided me with valuable skills in research, design thinking, and user experience testing.

References

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