Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Collaborative Design Practice / Project 2
INTRODUCTION
PROJECT 2⇒ PROPOSAL
For our second project, Mr Shamsul introduced Proposal to us
where we need to defined human-centered problem statement to 'think
outside the box' in identifying new solutions to the problem statement
that have been created and to start looking for alternative ways of
viewing the problem. For our project, we aim to redesign the board
game while maintaining the original gameplay and helping players
understand resource management through the metaphor of glucose
regulation.
PROJECT 2⇒ PROPOSAL
For our second project, Mr Shamsul introduced Proposal to us where we need to defined human-centered problem statement to 'think outside the box' in identifying new solutions to the problem statement that have been created and to start looking for alternative ways of viewing the problem. For our project, we aim to redesign the board game while maintaining the original gameplay and helping players understand resource management through the metaphor of glucose regulation.WEEK 6
In Week 6, following the feedback received during our Week 5 presentation, we focused on refining the visual direction and addressing several clarity issues highlighted by our lecturers. One of the key updates was the adjustment of our typography system. We moved away from the previous combination of Your Doodle and Naturalist and finalised a new pairing of Paytone One as the heading font and Poppins for body text, giving the project a more cohesive and readable visual identity.
Figure 1.0 Updated Typography
To improve efficiency, we divided our tasks based on component
specialisation. Huiyi, Yanny and Winnie took charge of designing the
power cards and stock cards while Guoying, Melvin and I focused on
developing the main game board. With our roles clarified and our
visual foundation set, we began our low-fidelity explorations to
experiment with layout, structure, and thematic integration before
moving into polished designs.
WEEK 7
Board 1
The first concept splits the board into two main sections inspired directly by biological functions. The overall board visual is designed as blood vessels representing where glucose flows, while splitting two attached sections serve as the Bank and Jail. The Bank is illustrated using red blood cells, reflecting their role in transporting glucose throughout the bloodstream just as a bank, it stores and distributes financial resources. The Jail is represented by fat cells, symbolising how excess glucose becomes “trapped” as stored fat, mirroring the idea of being stuck or immobilised.
Each player also receives a personal board shaped like a mitochondrion, representing the site of ATP production and containing areas for stock trading, base camp, and investment. This design blends real biological processes with gameplay structure to make learning more intuitive.
Board 1
The first concept splits the board into two main sections inspired directly by biological functions. The overall board visual is designed as blood vessels representing where glucose flows, while splitting two attached sections serve as the Bank and Jail. The Bank is illustrated using red blood cells, reflecting their role in transporting glucose throughout the bloodstream just as a bank, it stores and distributes financial resources. The Jail is represented by fat cells, symbolising how excess glucose becomes “trapped” as stored fat, mirroring the idea of being stuck or immobilised.Each player also receives a personal board shaped like a mitochondrion, representing the site of ATP production and containing areas for stock trading, base camp, and investment. This design blends real biological processes with gameplay structure to make learning more intuitive.
Figure 1.1 Game Board Ideation
Board 2
The second concept adopts a circular board to represent the cyclical nature of metabolism. The continuous loop mirrors biological processes such as the Krebs Cycle, where glucose is constantly converted, used, and regenerated. In gameplay terms, the circular movement symbolises a stable economic system where resources circulate continuously, reinforcing the idea of balance. Players move around a looped path where every decision contributes to the system’s overall energy and economic flow. The board’s shape embodies the idea of sustainable circulation—whether of glucose in the body or capital in a market.
Board 2
The second concept adopts a circular board to represent the cyclical nature of metabolism. The continuous loop mirrors biological processes such as the Krebs Cycle, where glucose is constantly converted, used, and regenerated. In gameplay terms, the circular movement symbolises a stable economic system where resources circulate continuously, reinforcing the idea of balance. Players move around a looped path where every decision contributes to the system’s overall energy and economic flow. The board’s shape embodies the idea of sustainable circulation—whether of glucose in the body or capital in a market.
Figure 1.2 Game Board Ideation
Board 3
The third design takes on a minimalist, cell-like structure that consolidates key gameplay functions into a single, efficient layout. Inspired by how metabolic processes occur within one cell unit, the Bank becomes a central “metabolic hub” that combines storage, investment, and stock trading in one location. The Base Camp functions as the point of ATP conversion, with a separate area for players to track ATP clearly—similar to how cells regulate energy output. Jail continues to represent metabolic imbalance or system stress. By reducing unnecessary spatial complexity, this design emphasises clarity, efficiency, and smoother gameplay interactions.
Figure 1.3 Game Board Ideation
Board 3
The third design takes on a minimalist, cell-like structure that consolidates key gameplay functions into a single, efficient layout. Inspired by how metabolic processes occur within one cell unit, the Bank becomes a central “metabolic hub” that combines storage, investment, and stock trading in one location. The Base Camp functions as the point of ATP conversion, with a separate area for players to track ATP clearly—similar to how cells regulate energy output. Jail continues to represent metabolic imbalance or system stress. By reducing unnecessary spatial complexity, this design emphasises clarity, efficiency, and smoother gameplay interactions.
Board 4
The fourth concept uses a modular layout based on hexagonal tiles, referencing the chemical structure of glucose. Each hexagonal piece acts as a “reactive site” where different game functions can take place, enabling a board that feels alive, adaptable, and organic—much like cellular structures. The Bank, Investment, and Stock systems occupy the central metabolic core, while Camp and Jail tiles act as supportive or inhibitory zones. Players can rearrange or expand the board, forming different configurations each session, which mirrors both cellular reorganisation and the unpredictability of dynamic markets.
Figure 1.4 Game Board Ideation
Board 4
The fourth concept uses a modular layout based on hexagonal tiles, referencing the chemical structure of glucose. Each hexagonal piece acts as a “reactive site” where different game functions can take place, enabling a board that feels alive, adaptable, and organic—much like cellular structures. The Bank, Investment, and Stock systems occupy the central metabolic core, while Camp and Jail tiles act as supportive or inhibitory zones. Players can rearrange or expand the board, forming different configurations each session, which mirrors both cellular reorganisation and the unpredictability of dynamic markets.
Board 5
The fifth idea scales the hexagonal concept into a large glucose-shaped network made of interconnected hexagons. The structure resembles a giant glucose molecule or honeycomb system, representing interconnectedness, stability, and energy flow. Six distinct colour zones are introduced to signify player territories and gameplay paths, reinforcing competition and ownership. This concept also integrates a narrative layer where glucose represents life-sustaining energy and money symbolises economic growth. Players navigate this network like a metabolic pathway, making strategic decisions that parallel energy conversion and financial investment.
Figure 1.5 Game Board Ideation
Board 5
The fifth idea scales the hexagonal concept into a large glucose-shaped network made of interconnected hexagons. The structure resembles a giant glucose molecule or honeycomb system, representing interconnectedness, stability, and energy flow. Six distinct colour zones are introduced to signify player territories and gameplay paths, reinforcing competition and ownership. This concept also integrates a narrative layer where glucose represents life-sustaining energy and money symbolises economic growth. Players navigate this network like a metabolic pathway, making strategic decisions that parallel energy conversion and financial investment.
WEEK 8
In Week 8, I shifted my focus to the redesign of the ATP cash. I
started with rough sketches to explore character expression,
denomination style, and graphic hierarchy. Inspired by the iconic
“boss” mascot often seen in Monopoly, I reimagined our own mascot with
a similarly confident yet playful attitude—sitting in the centre with
crossed legs and sunglasses, conveying a sense of authority and humour
that aligns with the personality of the game. These initial sketches
mark the beginning of a more refined visual system for the in-game
currency, setting the tone for future iterations as we move into
mid-fidelity design.
WEEK 8
Figure 1.6 Rough ATP Cash Sketch
FINAL PROPOSAL SLIDE PRESENTATION
FEEDBACK
FEEDBACK
WEEK 6
- Mr Shamsul commented on the card layout designs and pointed out that the top down layout with the main image in the centre with border is the best.
WEEK 7
- Mr Shamsul approved the good idea of splitting the board into personal and main but we need to think clearly what elements can relate to our target audience.
WEEK 8
- Mr Shamsul liked the overall direction and feel of the stock market and power card but suggested making the "skip" card more obvious
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
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