Game map installation close up
For this project, I have designed a large illustration and a brochure promoting the graphic design program at the American College of Greece (ACG). I have used gamification as a tool to attract potential students as well as existing students, and to reflect the creativity and highlights of learning graphic design at ACG.
Brief
The brief for this project was to design the following visual elements that will promote the graphic design program that ACG offers:
• an installation of any form, to be showcased anywhere around or outside the campus
• a brochure that will provide further information about the program
• a key visual that will be present both in the installation and in the brochure
Icon sketches
Installation sketch
Brochure sketch, closed
Brochure sketch, opened
Mindmap
Game map installation close up
Creative Process
Background
Gamification is a tool used not only to add an element of fun but also often to facilitate learning, as it makes the content more attractive and appealing to the viewer. Being a person who actively benefits of the effects of gamification, I thought to base this project around it, so as to rightfully showcase the wonders and creativity of the graphic design program.
Design Thinking
For the installation, gamification was achieved through a "level map", showing every graphic design course as one level, which can obtain up to 3 stars depending on the grade received. All levels fall under 3 groups, corresponding to the ACG course levels. These groups are shown with the key visuals, a gold, a silver, and a bronze stone, indicating the level groups from 4 to 6. Participation in the department is depicted as "side quests" and excited messages welcome the students.
For the brochure, similar elements are present along with a cutout shaping mountains when folded, as an added adventure element, along with a word game on the back side.
Game map installation close up
Challenges
The main challenges encountered in this project revolved around:
• making sure enough information is conveyed along with the "game" aspect
• including text and not only visuals
Word game, distributed separately
Final Outcome
Favorite Details
Aside from the captivating use of gamification, an additional detail that "sold" the project further was the distribution of the game on the back side of the brochure as individual parchment paper games for students to solve after the presentation. It received positive feedback and students consulted me later to check if they found all the hidden words. Although this detail serves as a tool to make the presentation of the project more intriguing, it shows how students are indeed captivated when faced with the visuals, therefore showing how the project responds to the brief.
Brochure, back
Brochure, front
Game map installation
Lessons Learned
This project taught me to trust my instincts. I began the process feeling unsure of how I would achieve unique yet effective visuals, and was particularly rushed after getting COVID for the first time. However, once I connected the project to my personal style and a concept I was genuinely interested in, everything started to fall into place.
Future Paths
This project opened up a design path that I had not yet considered. In fact, it inspired me to base my capstone project on gamification and its impact on the learning process, leading to the creation of Conquiz, an educational geography board game for middle and high school students.