Dissertation
Unfortunately I have been working a lot this week on my dissertation as it is due in the next few weeks. This has taken away from the time I have been able to spend on my project.
Game Testing and Development
The main focus for my week has been working on the creation of both of my game prototypes. I started off by developing the rules and prototype for my card game based on the story of the Bull of Cooley. I tested out the card game a number of times with my boyfriend, roommate and friends. After playing I received some great constructive feedback which has given me scope for improvement if I decide to progress the game further as my final output. I'm very pleased with how the card game works and have found that myself and the others that have played have really enjoyed the experience. I have not yet finished the board game prototype but my aim is to have the prototype made and tested by Sunday, at the very latest Monday.
Board Game Design and Inspirational Research
After coming up with some initial concepts for my board game design, I felt I was kind of creating similar versions of the same design. I decided I would research some other examples of how other designers laid out the paths of their games. Shown below are a selection of the most recent pins. I will be working on developing a number of different designs today so that I can decide on a design to put on to my prototype and start testing it out over the weekend.
Illustration Costume Research
In doing some of the initial illustrations last week I realised that I would need to spend some time researching costumes from characters of the time. The main book I have been looking at for inspiration is "Great Irish Heroes" written by Fiona Waters, and illustrated by Gilly Marklew. Below are some examples from the book of illustrations I have found very informative. I will be applying similar elements and patterns in my own illustrative designs.
I have also been looking at illustrations from the "Fadó Irish Legends" series, written by Declan Colligne, and illustrated by Nicola Sedgwick. These books have been particularly helpful in showing what simplified versions of the costumes can look like. Elements of the illustrations allude to the pattern or detail associated with the era but without using intricate delicate commonly seen in older illustrations that I have seen of these subjects e.g. the work of Jim FitzPatrick.
Primary Research Feedback and Analysis
Over the week I have been reviewing and analysing the results of my questionnaires. I explored these results, and have found that I was pleasantly surprised by some of the answers. For example, I had not expected the teachers to have much mass on the value of Irish mythology, as this had been my experience of teachers educating me on the subject. However, 80% of teachers there was much value to learning about Irish mythology.
In terms of the children's questionnaires it was incredibly insightful to see what media they like to consume and what the visual style of that content presents itself as. I will be using this information to develop my illustrative style to best fit my target audience. It has also been very helpful to get an understanding of what stories and characters that the students are aware of. This will allow me to better select the characters and myths I will be representing in my project.
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