FINAL PROJECT: DESIGN YOUR OWN BOARD GAME
Art & Design | Roane State Community College
Project Overview
For your final project, you will design and construct an original board game from concept to completion. Your game should combine creative thinking, visual communication, craftsmanship, and functional design.
You will develop a unique concept, establish rules and objectives, design playing pieces, and create a visually engaging game board. Your finished game must be functional, understandable, and enjoyable to play.
The Challenge: Create a game that people will want to play!
Phase 1: Concept & Brainstorming
Begin by developing an original idea for your board game.
Consider the following questions:
- What is the theme or story behind your game?
- Who is your intended audience?
- What is the objective of the game?
- How many people can play?
- How does someone win?
- What makes your game unique?
- Will your game involve strategy, chance, skill, or a combination?
Required: Develop several concepts before selecting your strongest idea.
Phase 2: Game Mechanics & Rules
Determine how your game will function.
Consider these elements:
- Objective: What must players accomplish to win?
- Players: How many people can participate?
- Movement: How do players navigate the game?
- Actions: What choices can players make?
- Challenges: What obstacles or opportunities will players encounter?
- Rules: What can and cannot happen during gameplay?
- Winning: How does the game end?
Write a clear set of instructions that someone unfamiliar with your game can follow.
Remember: A successful game should be easy to understand but interesting enough to keep players engaged.
Phase 3: Visual Design & Planning
Develop the visual identity of your game.
Your design should demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles of design, including line, shape, color, texture, balance, contrast, emphasis, and unity.
Create preliminary sketches for:
- Game board layout
- Playing pieces or characters
- Cards, tokens, dice, or other accessories
- Game title and logo
- Packaging or storage solution
Consider how your design choices reinforce the game's theme and improve the overall playing experience.
Required: Submit preliminary sketches and a final design plan before beginning construction.
Phase 4: Construction & Craftsmanship
Bring your concept to life using appropriate materials and construction techniques.
Possible materials include cardboard, illustration board, wood, clay, paper, found objects, recycled materials, or digitally fabricated components.
Your finished game should include:
- A complete, durable game board or playing surface
- Original playing pieces or interactive components
- Any necessary cards, tokens, or accessories
- Clearly written game instructions
- A designed title/logo
- A functional storage or packaging solution
Pay attention to craftsmanship, construction quality, legibility, and visual consistency.
All components should feel like they belong to the same game.
Phase 5: Playtesting & Refinement
Before presenting your final game, have at least two people test it.
Observe the gameplay and ask:
- Are the instructions clear?
- Is the game too easy or too difficult?
- Does the game move at an enjoyable pace?
- Are there confusing rules or design elements?
- Is the game visually appealing?
- What could improve the overall experience?
Make adjustments based on feedback.
Required: Document at least three changes or improvements made during the testing process.
Phase 6: Final Presentation
On the final critique day, you will present your completed game to the class.
Be prepared to discuss:
- Your original concept and inspiration
- Your design process and material choices
- How the game works
- Challenges you encountered
- Improvements made after playtesting
- What you are most proud of
Your game should be set up and ready for classmates to play.
Final Project Checklist
- Three original game concepts explored
- Preliminary sketches and design plan
- Original game title and visual identity
- Completed game board or playing surface
- All necessary playing pieces and accessories
- Written rules and instructions
- Functional packaging or storage
- Game tested and refined
- Finished game ready for presentation
Grading Criteria — 500
Category | Points |
Concept & Creativity — originality, theme, and imaginative problem-solving | 100 |
Design & Visual Communication — composition, color, visual unity, and legibility | 100 |
Craftsmanship — quality of construction, materials, and attention to detail | 100 |
Functionality & Gameplay — clear rules, playability, and player engagement | 100 |
Planning, Process & Presentation — sketches, testing, revisions, and critique | 100 |
TOTAL | 500 |
Final Thoughts
A successful board game is more than a collection of playing pieces. It is a complete creative experience that brings together art, design, storytelling, and interaction.
Be inventive. Experiment with materials. Take creative risks. Most importantly, create something that reflects your imagination and demonstrates thoughtful design.
Your goal is not simply to make a board game — it is to design an experience.
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