The Disappearing Artwork

The Disappearing Artwork

The Disappearing Artwork - An Immersive AI-Powered Board Game Experience

Project Duration: 6 Months
Role: UI/UX Designer
Responsibilities: PRD Specification Document, Game Content, and Visual Design Planning

01 | Team Objectives:

Use GPT AI to design an engaging and appealing board game, and launch it on a crowdfunding platform with the goal of raising $100,000.

02 | Roles and Deliverables:

In this project, I worked closely with four UX designers. My responsibilities included planning questionnaires, setting up hypotheses, collaborating with the team to build GPTs, and using AI to generate visual designs.

03 | Project Challenges:

Use ChatGPT to Design a Board Game

Throughout the design process, effective communication and coordination with other teams are essential. Additionally, it’s crucial to manage multiple task priorities to ensure we can launch the MVP on schedule.

04 | Design Validation:

After conducting over 20 interviews and play-tests, our team invited experienced players to point out the problem and optimize the board game.

05 | Image generation

Image Generation Process with GPT and Midjourney:
First, set keywords to generate an initial image. Then, use AI to make targeted adjustments. Finally, refine details further using graphic design software.

Project Background

Young people prefer games that offer both relaxation and opportunities for self-exploration and emotional connection. Therefore, game design should focus on storytelling and character development, allowing players to enhance their experience through logical thinking and strategic planning. Adding technology elements can further boost interactivity. Games should be adjusted to meet different market needs: educational board games should balance learning effectiveness with fun, while entertainment board games should emphasize storytelling and player interaction. Corporate training games should foster teamwork and problem-solving skills, whereas personal growth games should include aspects of self-exploration and mental wellness. Through precise market targeting, games can more effectively attract their intended audiences and meet their specific needs.

Design Process

Understanding Issues and User Pain Points

Conduct Initial Hypothesis-Based User Interviews to Understand User Needs

Design process

Redefine Core Issues Based on User Data Analysis

Assumptions and Solutions

Set Hypotheses, Invite an Experienced Player for Testing, and Adjust Solutions

MVP Validation

Conduct A/B testing on the product,

followed by in-depth analysis and continuous iteration.

User Research

Before designing a board game, I used GPT to conduct a market analysis and positioning study, summarizing the following points:

User Preferences and Background, Game Types and Selection Factors, Game Learning and Difficulty, Social Interaction, Reasons Why Board Games Are Fun

Target age group: young professionals aged 25 to 35 who are new to the workforce.

Interview Pre-Survey Assumptions:

Communication Challenges During Board Games
Game Content and Post-Game Review
Reasons for Purchase (Emotions and Motivation)
Game Style and Components

Interviews with 12 experienced board game players and 23 player survey responses revealed interesting insights:

80%

Communication Barriers

in Learning Game Rules

26%

Game Content
Strategic Thinking & Role-Playing

60%

Reflection Discussion Learning
Enhancing Social Interaction

User Insights

Players want quick-to-understand rules for fast-paced, strategic games with a social interaction element.

Customer Profile

Young professionals

Enhancing Team Collaboration and Workplace Skills through Corporate Training Board Games.

Board Game Enthusiast

Young people who are interested in murder mystery role-playing games.

Individuals focused on personal growth

Games Incorporating Self-Exploration and Psychological Elements to Foster Personal Growth

Target Users

Aged 22 to 35, these young professionals are casual gamers interested in strategic, story-driven games.

Problem Definition

Integration of Board Games and GPTs

Enhance the board game experience by leveraging GPTs' capabilities.

Quick Rule Understanding

Survey data shows players prefer a quick rules overview to start and immerse in the game faster.

AI-Generated Board Game

Through AI-driven market analysis and interview data processing, we iteratively refined the data and assumptions to develop a board game.

How to Use AI for Post-Game Analysis and Learning

Use AI to organize post-game analysis, enhancing the overall game experience.

Our Assumptions and Solutions

Create Immersive Experience with AI-Generated Images: Use GPTs to generate realistic images for the game environment and characters, enhancing players' sense of immersion. Provide step-by-step prompts to guide players through each stage, making gameplay intuitive and seamless.
Incorporate MBTI for Post-Game Analysis: Integrate GPTs with the MBTI personality framework to help players analyze their actions and responses after the game. This post-game reflection could offer players insight into their personality traits based on their in-game decisions.
Refine Game Design Through Playtesting with Experts: Design a board game using GPTs, conduct initial playtests, and then invite experienced players to test the game. Gather feedback on rules and character roles to fine-tune the balance and enhance gameplay.
Offer Both Text-Only and Visual Game Guides: Prepare two versions of the game manual—one with simple text instructions and another with illustrations. Have players read through these guides before playtesting, then conduct interviews to assess comprehension and gather feedback.

Our Key Features

Advantages

Dynamic Content Generation: Game content adapts to player choices, offering unique scenarios each time.
High Interactivity: Combines the strengths of AI and traditional board games; GPTs generate new images and challenges based on player actions, enhancing engagement and emotional connection.
Beyond Traditional Boundaries: Each playthrough offers a fresh, innovative experience.

Drawbacks

Technical Dependency: System malfunctions could disrupt game flow.
Higher Costs: Developing and maintaining an AI-powered board game involves higher expenses.
Equipment Requirements: Electronic devices or network support are necessary.

Key Takeaways

Design an Attractive Board Game Cover and Card Artwork to Engage Players
Use AI to Generate Game Imagery
Enhance Interactive Gameplay Experience Using GPTs

GPTs Link

MVP Testing

Use GPT to Generate Cards and Packaging, Inviting Players for an Immersive Experience

MVP Testing and Iteration

First, invite two experienced players to test and validate the game, identify issues, and make adjustments for optimization:

Validation

Use AI-generated images to enhance players' immersive experience.
Create a visual-based instruction manual for easier understanding.

Modifications

Add prompts for important information, adjust rules, and revise the instruction manual.
Optimize key guidance provided by GPTs.
Invite players for a third round of A/B testing.

Learning and Reflection

My first experience using GPTs to design a board game took me through content planning, team discussions, and writing the PRD. Throughout this process, I applied my knowledge to the game’s design and development. During real user interviews, I frequently faced unexpected challenges, requiring me to make and test new assumptions constantly. This iterative approach deepened my understanding of the flexibility and challenges in design. Through this hands-on learning and continuous adjustments, I refined the board game to fully showcase my learning achievements, marking a significant milestone in my growth.