Digital Game Design: Collaborative Ideation

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• Design
• Secondary Education

Game Design:
Develop Ideas

Criteria B, ii: Develop a range of feasible design ideas, using an appropriate medium(s) and detailed annotation, which can be correctly interpreted by others

Learning objective: At the end of the lesson, you will be able to sketch initial game concepts using digital tools and focus on a specific ATL skill.

Statement of Inquiry: Games, designed through different perspectives, create engaging systems that develop targeted ATL skills.

Introduction to Digital Sketching

Digital sketching allows for creativity and collaboration in game design. It aids in visualizing concepts easily.

Which aspects of game design you find most interesting? (visuals, UI/menu, narrative, mechanics, sound)

Collaborative Sketching Activity

Use Different Digital Tools to sketch initial game concepts, Focus on your game's ATL skill.

Visual/Artistic Game Elements

UI/Menu Design

Storyboarding/Game Flow

Game Mechanics/Systems Design

Visual/Artistic Game Elements

Canva:

1. Character design sheets with front, side, and back views of protagonists

2. Environment concept art showing key game locations

3. Item and power-up icons with consistent visual style

4. Game logo and branding elements

5. Color palette and visual style guide

6. Visual representations of game achievements or rewards

canva.com

UI/Menu Design

Figma:

1. Main menu screen with play, settings, and help buttons

2. In-game heads-up display (HUD) showing player stats and resources

3. Settings menu with adjustable options (sound, difficulty, controls)

4. Level selection map or interface

5. Inventory management system

6. Skill tree or progression visualization

7. Pause menu with resume, save, and exit options

Storyboarding/Game Flow

StoryboardThat:

1. Tutorial showing how to play the game

2. Key narrative moments in the game's storyline

3. Player interaction sequences showing cause and effect

4. Cut-scene storyboards for story transitions

5. Visual representation of the ATL skill development journey

6. Different game endings or outcomes

Game Mechanics/ Systems Design

Draw.io

1. Game loop flowchart showing core gameplay cycle

2. Leveling or progression system diagrams

3. Resource management flowcharts

4. Skill check or challenge mechanics

5. Reward systems and feedback loops

6. Relationship maps between game elements and ATL skills

7. Level design layouts with challenge placemen

Home Assignment

Minimum Requirements:

• Create at least one detailed game design element using your chosen digital tool

• Include this in your Criteria B document with:

  • Detailed description of how this element works in your game

  • Explanation of how it helps develop specific ATL skills

  • Screenshots/exports of your digital sketches

Enhanced Options:

• Create additional elements using different tools

• Add annotations explaining the user experience

• Connect your design choices to specific learning outcomes

1. Responsible Content Creation

   • Age-appropriate content and challenges

   • Consideration of cultural sensitivities
     

2. Questions

   • What steps have you taken to ensure inclusive design?

   • How does your game responsibly develop the ATL skills you've chosen?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.