Interface Design Project

Game environments regularly include interface elements. Interface elements might include things like score, health level, timer, lives indicator, map, inventory, and more. User interface elements serve specific functions and communicate information to the user. It is important that they communicate clearly, fit the aesthetic style of the game, and not interrupt or overpower the user's experience. In this project, you will generate graphics that could be incorporated as user interface elements. They will be presented with a thumbnail view of how they appear in our hypothetical game and as a tileset of assets. Your graphics must fit with your concept for a for a side/vertical scroll “tapping”, "clicker" or “infinite runner” style mobile game. This project will be incorporated into future project work and can be refined after the project is complete.

Objectives:

  • Develop ability to use vector graphics in visual design
  • Develop ability to use vector graphics in concept development
  • Explore design process, iteration, and versioning
  • Explore generation of graphics for tile set and identity
  • Explore presentation of artwork through print and websafe images

Requirements:

  • Concept Appropriate Interface Elements:
    • Score
    • Health Level
    • Timer
    • Lives Indicator
    • Map
    • Inventory
    • High Score
    • Settings
  • Composition of Design Includes
    • Interface Elements over Environment/Screen Layout
    • Interface Elements Tiles
    • Incorporate aspects of Character/Environment/Interface
    • Visual Design and style related to game concept
  • Final Layout to fit on 13” x 19”
  • Submit Project at Deadline
    • Submit one PNG (Web Safe)
    • Submit one PDF (print/archive)

Evaluation:

  • 50 points – Requirements
    • Meets Requirements
    • Project Appears Complete
    • Illustrations are Well-Developed
    • Basic (30pts) - Mid Level (40pts) - Advanced (50pts)
  • 200 points - Execution
    • Demonstrates Correct Use of Vector Tools
    • Vector Tools Applied in Appropriate Ways
    • Shows Evidence of Understanding Assigned Processes
    • Basic (150pts) - Mid Level (175pts) - Advanced (200pts)
  • 200 points - Presentation
    • Demonstrates Understanding of Visual Design Principles
    • Shows Evidence of Attention to Detail
    • Demonstrates Understanding of Aesthetic Presentation
    • Basic (150pts) - Mid Level (175pts) - Advanced (200pts)
  • 50 points – Solution
    • Evidence of Self Expression
    • Evidence of Creative Approach
    • Evidence of Risk Taking
    • Basic (30pts) - Mid Level (40pts) - Advanced (50pts)

Conditions

  • Project is unlocked after students achieve 1500 points total.
  • Project is unlocked after students complete Character Project
  • Project is unlocked after students complete Environment Project
  • Project is not required.
  • Project Formal Critique: Class 24 - November 28

Example Project