Introduction
Tornare is a serious game developed on behalf of Xior Student Housing NV according to the principles of Human Centred Design (HCD). The primary objective is to interactively and effectively inform potential students and new residents of the Connect-U building about the facilities and businesses within Connect-U. Through engaging mini-games, Tornare offers an entertaining and informative experience, specially designed to facilitate the integration of new residents and users. In addition, the game serves to promote Connect-U.
Assignment
Initially, the project focused on creating an interactive experience for entrepreneurs within Connect-U. After further analysis and consultation with Xior, the client, the emphasis shifted to informing and integrating potential students and new residents. The goal became to familiarise them with the facilities and businesses within Connect-U through an interactive and engaging experience.
Brainstorming sessions and workshops with representatives of the client, current residents of Connect-U, and our team produced the initial concepts and sketches. The team consists of a researcher, game designer, sound designer, developer, a 2D designer, and a concept artist.
Personas were created through desk research, interviews, and surveys with potential students and current residents. These personas serve as the basis for all design decisions, including the development of the initial sketches and character designs. Based on the initial sketches, the MVP could be coordinated with the client and presented during the inspiration phase presentation.
After identifying user needs and defining the initial concepts, the ideation phase began. We worked closely with the client and Connect-U residents to iterate mini-games, character designs and game design. The Game Design Document (GDD) was drawn up, setting out the game concept, gameplay features and progression.
Simultaneously, the Art Bible was developed to define Tornare's visual and auditory style, including concept art and colour palettes that support the desired user experience. Market research was conducted to identify and analyse trends, while planned user testing evaluated Tornare's gameplay and usability.
This phase was crucial to ensure that all design decisions were based on a thorough understanding of the target group. This laid the foundation for the implementation phase, in which the actual development of the app began.
The characters were carefully designed and animated to enhance the interactive and playful nature of the game, while informing users about the facilities and businesses within Connect-U. The final games were further developed and polished to provide a smooth and engaging gameplay experience. Efficient planning and execution even allowed for a fourth game to be added to Tornare, offering additional value and variety to users.
The end result was a prototype that the client was very happy with. As a team, we surpassed ourselves by creating a game that serves as an effective marketing tool and has potential for further development. Ben je nieuwsgierig geworden?
Download the game below.