Empathize
Empathize
You will conduct thorough research to understand players' needs and preferences, engage with community partners for insights on game design, and reflect on your findings to inform the direction of your video game project.
Days 1 - 3
Ideate
Ideate
You will brainstorm multiple ideas for your video game by sketching concept art, experimenting with game mechanics, and composing sample soundtracks, while engaging in peer feedback sessions to refine and expand your vision.
Days 7 - 10
Prototype
Prototype
You will develop multiple game prototypes, incorporating peer feedback and refining your designs, by crafting visuals, sound, and interactive elements to create an engaging player experience, while reflecting on your strategies and celebrating improvements in a collaborative environment.
Days 11 - 15
Test/Present
Test/Present
You will conduct play sessions to gather user feedback on your video game, refine it based on critiques, and present your finalized design at the exhibition, incorporating reflection on challenges and achievements.
Days 16 - 20
Empathize
Days 1–3
Day 1
Guest Designer Kickoff and Brainstorm
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 2
Interview and Empathy Maps
Deliverable
60m
Day 3
Core Mechanics Sketches & Core Loop
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 4
Mood Boards for Visuals and Sound
Knowledge/Skill Building
50m
Day 5
Paper Prototype of a Playable Scene
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 6
Character and World Visual Exploration
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Ideate
Days 7–10
Day 7
Peer Critique & Iteration Plan
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 8
Concept Sketch Portfolio
Deliverable
60m
Day 9
Prototype Revision Based on Peer Feedback
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 10
Visuals and Sound Design for Play
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Prototype
Days 11–15
Day 11
Interactive Loop Testing and Refinement
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 12
Reflection, Documentation, and Exhibition Prep
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 13
Functional Prototype Play
Deliverable
60m
Playtest Feedback Report
Deliverable
60m
Day 14
Plan and Run Structured Playtests
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 15
Analyze Feedback and Prioritize Changes
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Test/Present
Days 16–20
Day 16
Apply Iterative Changes to Gameplay
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 17
Guest Critique Session with Community Partner
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 18
Final Exhibition Rehearsal and Reflection
Knowledge/Skill Building
45m
Day 19
Playtest Session: Gather Peer Feedback
Knowledge/Skill Building
60m
Day 20
Final Game Exhibition
Assessment
September 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
28
Day 1
Empathize
Guest Designer Kickoff and Brainstorm
29
Day 2
Interview and Empathy Maps
30
Day 3
Core Mechanics Sketches & Core Loop
1
Day 4
Mood Boards for Visuals and Sound
October 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
5
Day 5
Paper Prototype of a Playable Scene
6
Day 6
Character and World Visual Exploration
7
Day 7
Ideate
Peer Critique & Iteration Plan
8
Day 8
Concept Sketch Portfolio
12
Day 9
Prototype Revision Based on Peer Feedback
13
Day 10
Visuals and Sound Design for Play
14
Day 11
Prototype
Interactive Loop Testing and Refinement
15
Day 12
Reflection, Documentation, and Exhibition Prep
19
Day 13
Functional Prototype Play
Playtest Feedback Report
20
Day 14
Plan and Run Structured Playtests
21
Day 15
Analyze Feedback and Prioritize Changes
22
Day 16
Test/Present
Apply Iterative Changes to Gameplay
26
Day 17
Guest Critique Session with Community Partner
27
Day 18
Final Exhibition Rehearsal and Reflection
28
Day 19
Playtest Session: Gather Peer Feedback
29
Day 20
Final Game Exhibition