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Do's and Don'ts in gameboard graphic design

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Fri, 02/04/2011 - 10:53
bonnie
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Joined: 02/04/2011

I came across your site in my search for guidance on designing board game graphics. I am a print and exhibit graphic designer by profession and have been asked to revamp an existing gameboard which was previously created in a word processing program.

As this will be my first board game, I am wondering if you could point me towards resources online/print that specifically discuss the graphic design component.

The game is educational and has an intended audience of3rd/4th graders and their families, and will be used mostly in classroom settings or at public events. Play is very simple: tokens are moved around a path based on the roll of a die.

I will be doing research in the aisles of my local hobby stores, but any suggestions or advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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Fri, 02/04/2011 - 11:12
#1
Kirioni
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Joined: 09/20/2009
Boardgamegeek

I would look at board game geek galleries if you want a feel for board designs out there. if it is a specific mechanic you can also search up there and see the types of boards where moving around a board is used. I would say clear paths, enough spaces to fit pawns (if there are multiple pawns allowed on a single space). Hope the project is a great success!

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Fri, 02/04/2011 - 13:34
#2
mdkiehl
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Joined: 12/10/2010
Graphics does and don'ts

The visual design should supplement and simplify the play of the game. Think about using high contrast colors, or black and white. Role and move is a very old game mechanic so you should be able to find some examples: Monopoly, Enchanted Forest, Mouse trap, Quicksand, The Hobbit, and Candy Land all use it (plus many others I'm sure). Sorry my examples are kinda dated... none of those are really going to have a contemporary look.

Other things also apply as in normal graphic design- Things like Readability, and Busyness. A lack of Readability and too much busyness are the things I've seen complained about most.

Old games where mostly illustrated, but almost all design is done in the computer today. Designers use lots of subtle textures to build up a lot of complexity while trying to remain simple.

Many designers are also choosing linen papers or designs that have a contrast of mat-glossy textures.

Here are some examples of work by contemporary designers:
Mike Doyle: http://mdoyle2.blogspot.com/

William Rainbird: http://blog.rainbird.me/post/1306172101/minimalist-board-game-box-designs

Joshua Cappel: http://www.joshuacappel.com/

Others: http://www.creativecloseup.com/beautiful-board-game-designs

Good luck on your project,

Regards,
Matthew Kiehl

http://mdkiehl.wordpress.com

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