Introductory Project

In order to construct an interactive game with four interactive integrated electrical components and one sensor that controls an electrical output, the game should be simple to incorporate components into while retaining a fun and interactive design which corresponds to all the required parameters. In order to allow seamless interaction with an aesthetically appealing interface, circuitry should be hidden save for when necessary, such as when a game piece needs to complete an accessible circuit. The game should be based off an existing one to increase the design speed and functionality, for many issues that may be found with rules or designability have already been addressed. New concepts should be introduced while retaining a game’s original style so that people may more easily understand the premise and better interact in a positive way with the game.

In order to fulfill the requirements, we began to develop a list of games which we could modify to suit our needs. Our inspiration was the technology industry, and one challenge we faced was finding a game which would allow us to reflect some aspect of the tech industry. We also had to search for a game which would be possible to create in the short time frame that we had. One viable option was Monopoly, which had a relatively simple design and rules that could be manipulated to suit our needs. Monopoly could be altered to reflect the same original principle of the game (the acquirement of a monopoly) yet revolve around the technology and computing industry, which inspired us to create Technopoly.

The most challenging aspect of the meeting these needs was the question of integrating electrical components. Technopoly fit the overall theme required, but the real obstacle was creating a game designed by engineers. At once we realized we would require space under the board to house the entirety of the electrical system, so a box was designed to fit all required components inside of it. Then, we could not figure how to route power and components to the top of the board. We then decided that if we could laser cut holes into the top of the game board, then we could route wires and leds through the holes to create a seamless transition between the box and the top of the board, allowing a fully functioning and interactive game with the least interference from batteries and wiring.

We ultimately decided to base our game off of Monopoly. By calling the game Technopoly and basing all the pieces around the theme, we would be able to design a creative game that would allow us to incorporate all the needed components. The various squares on a monopoly board would allow us multiple opportunities to integrate interactive electronic components, and through our design of the game and the components we would be able to creatively construct our game.