DES301 - Challenge Cards Design

Note:

This is only the design process for the capstone project's (ArtsyInterVision) challenge cards.

To view the entire project, click here.

Otherwise, view the "Final-Year Project - Blogs" page for a summary.

Final Challenge cards

Context:

(Brief background information)

The challenge cards are an essential element of this capstone project, ‘ArtsyInterVision’. To elaborate, ArtsyInterVision is a VR-based automated world that enhances interaction between international and domestic students in New Zealand. It’s a digital dimension that encourages expressing oneself and breaks the ice that restricts connection. The two parties tend to struggle with communication and understanding due to cultural distance and a language barrier. However, instead of communicating through words, they can communicate through art. Not necessarily drawing, but anything your heart desires. These challenge cards are to guide the students.

(Cards)

Some would find it challenging to step out of their comfort zone, so these categories: ‘cultural’ and ‘mental’, help provide that needed boost. There are simple tasks that guide students to reassociate with things that bring them comfort or support, such as categories that include childhood memories and their hometown (cultural card). Similarly, choosing the mental card, they can link to how they feel and what causes them that specific burden. These are some challenges.

(Artwork alternatives / Brief functionality)

With these in mind, all the students need to do is let it out on paper. Whether it’s scribbling, a very detailed pattern, typography, or a simplistic sketch. There’s an opportunity for everyone to somehow associate themselves with it. And to ensure the individual's message is conveyed, they can write a brief story about their artwork. Art and words on paper can go a long way. More people will gradually come to understand the empathy and similarities they share.

Design process (ideating & developing)

I began this card design process with some inspiration images from Pinterest.

After developing ideas for how to approach this task, I began with concept drawings. I ensured an aesthetic that would encourage people to contribute to the activity. Additionally, have the design visually communicate what the cards are about.

Note:

The sketches are of the mental cards only. The same design will be implemented in the cultural cards after the final step. This helps save time and simplify the development process.

Also, the stars and comments are feedback from both international and domestic students to ensure the card would intrigue them and to avoid biased opinions.

Continuing with the chosen designs (the ones with the most stars), I decided to do the digital version using Photoshop. This will help the viewers understand the designs, including the colour aesthetics. I will also do some iteration designs, exploring aesthetic alternatives and the message I want to send to users.

Further developing the cards, I decided to move on to the cultural cards design. I did some digging on Pinterest for inspiration, something that delivers the right message about students connecting through memories and deep emotions, away from the mentality aspect. These cultural cards are for students who aren’t the expressive type and don’t prefer sharing their feelings. This alternative will ensure they are not excluded from participating in the activity. Thinking about culture, the first thing that came to mind was the earth, since all students, and in this case, international students, came from different places.

Although this idea had the potential to align with the goal, I decided to explore more alternatives and refrained from jumping to conclusions too early in the process.

After providing self-feedback for both designs, I decided to stick with the earth alternative. However, before moving on, I also plan to get feedback from a student.

Considering this feedback, I gave it a shot and genuinely liked the results.

After the final stage, I assembled all the elements, including the challenges (both mental and cultural). I also included the ‘help’ feature to ensure all students have an idea of what to draw: A boost start.

Note: I also attached the cards to the Virtual space, so students can access them there as well, since this project involves both in-person and virtual interaction.

Final Challenge cards:

(Back and front designs)

Hero shot of cards