Welcome to Magic Board
Is meaningful in-person interaction and connection disappearing?
Digital devices continue to isolate us. A social computing approach challenges us to balance personal device use with social engagement.
Our team designed a digital game board that has similar function to cell phones and tablets, but for the main purpose of playing board games. While it mimics a physical game board, it has limitless potential for downloadable content.
In addition to downloadable content, it is a device that can be played in-person with other players, used for hybrid play in-person with devices, and also hybrid play with in-person and remote players.
ROLES: UX Research and Design
Competitive anlaysis
What current models of hybrid gaming exist?
We found that most hybrid game models consist of physical game board elements and pieces. Virtual components of these games typically consist of a digital phone app. These models exhibit separate physical and virtual functions, meaning that the digital phone application does not communicate with the game board itself, it communicates with the people playing the game and instructs players how to use the game board and pieces. For example, a game called Fuse requires you to use game cards to create a pathway to defuse a bomb. The app component is a timer that counts down and increases the tension, while players are trying to reach their goal. Another game, Breakout! Simulates an escape room feel. The virtual app instructs the users on which envelopes to open in a specific order, but it does not exchange information with the pieces themselves.
The closest game board model we found is Teburu, which is a physical game board with a monitor propped up at one end. Our version of hybrid game differs in that the game board is a giant flat monitor that allows Bluetooth enabled devices to connect with it
Essentially our central family device (digital game board) would communicate and update information between the board game and each family members individual device, creating ever-changing information as the game progresses.
Problem Exploration
Quantitative Analysis
In order to understand the problem space, we sent surveys to families with four or more family members.
We aimed to understand the differences between:
Families that lived within one household (with two elementary school aged children)
Families that do not live in the same household (with college-age children)
…And how each family connects through the use of board games
We received responses from 12 participants representing one member from each of 12 families. We gained insights regarding activities that encourage connection with their families.
Qualitative Methods
User interviews interviews validated the following concerns:
1.All research participants conveyed the need of services which can mimic in person connection and bonding.
2.Bonding activities between families is desired.
3.Communication between families is essential for a happy family.
4.Games bring people together irrespective of age.
PERSONA ONE:
The Marshall Family is a family of four with two children in elementary school. All members of the family live in the household, which emphasizes in-person play around the gameboard.
PERSONA TWO:
The Henson Family is a family of 6 where 4 family members live in the same household and two members are away at college. This emphasizes remote/in-person play, where members of the family can play together at home and invite the remote players to play in real-time.
Family Connections…
Magic Board is a digital tabletop game console that can be played in-person with devices connected and with remote players.
IN-PERSON
Play with family members in-person around the digital game board.
Simultaneous in-person play with personal devices.
HYBRID PLAY
Play at home with family members in-person and invite remote family members to play through phone or desktop computer application.
REMOTE PLAY
System Requirements
DIGITAL GAME BOARD
The major component of our system consists of a touch display screen that is flat in the size of a standard 18”x18” game board. Games for this system are designed so that gameplay between the board, cell phones, and tablets is maximized.
Physical Prototype
Created a physical prototype to determine how objects might work on the screen. Attached components to magnets, which allowed the ability to move physical pieces around the space of the game board.
Tested game components and adjusted sizing
Due to space limitations, some game elements had to be modified
Validated concept of the board through a simple game
Wireframes…
Allowed us to explore how the system would flow and function
Provided us insight on how libraries could be constructed for games, music, and books
Explore how remote connection might work within the app
INSIGHTS FROM USER RESEARCH
TESTING RESULTS: ROUND 1
FINDING 1: Game UI must continue to be explored.
SOLUTION 1: Find a balance between system components, game components, and functionality.
FINDING 2: Text and email invites feel dated.
SOLUTION 2: Add an option to share a link via the mobile application or copy and send link option.
FINDING 3: The test game is complex.
SOLUTION 3: Continue to explore how to display rules and game information.
FINDING 4: Breaks are a key requirement for a family setting.
SOLUTION 4: Add a pause feature to allow users to take breaks during the game.
INSIGHTS FROM USER RESEARCH
TESTING RESULTS: ROUND 2
FINDING 5: First time players found device confusing.
SOLUTION 5: Add a tutorial for first time players.
FINDING 6: Functionally to invite and add other players to a game needs exploration.
SOLUTION 6: Add a status section to view other player statuses.
FINDING 7: Functionally to invite and add other players to a game needs exploration
SOLUTION 7: Create user profile functionality
FINDING 8: Music library was confusing and wanted to see the names of the albums
SOLUTION 8: Add additionally labeling to components to make it explicit and easy to navigate
FINDING 9: Explore functionality to send multiple invites out at one time
SOLUTION 9: Add an option to send multiple invites
Next Steps…
FUTURE ITERATIONS BASED ON USER FEEDBACK
To create a tangible user interface for all age groups.
Continue to test game board options to allow for optimum game play
Develop Magic Store
Develop Web Application for remote players
Incorporate Voice Automation