Criteria D - Evaluating

Reflection

This Tech Fair, each of us in our class was to create a project in groups of two. I was absent for the choosing so I was paired up with Raza. I thought that he was a decent partner and our work seems to have paid off. We decided to make a custom video game, me taking the role of the designer with the graphics, entity textures, background and the soundtrack while he did the programming. He first sent me a picture of what he had accomplished one day and I started working on the cover texture for the platform, ball and background here.

I took a sheet and brainstormed what would look nice for the ball / sphere. I ended up choosing something to do with outer space, precisely a nebula texture. I then found a smooth stone texture for the platform and an image of the horizon for the background. Next I used a software called Mixcraft to create a free-flowing background tune for the game when it is being played. The software has its own library of sounds you can use to create your track but I decided to keep it simple so it doesn't distract you.

I believe my partner and I cooperated well in the creation of our project, however I see areas we could expand on in the game. We could for one find a way to insert the questions into the game to float in text boxes above the passageways in which the ball should roll or such instead of having the questions printed on paper. We can also make the game look more professional by adding lighting so objects have a shadow. If we are paired together and decide to make a videogame again I will take these points into consideration.

Global Context

The global context for this design cycle was scientific and technical innovation which my partner Raza and I displayed through making a game with 3 dimensional aspects in places to show more realism. We were innovative because unlike many who have created a game, ours has a benefit towards the user. 

Approaches to Learning

One approach to learning I displayed during this design cycle was creative thinking. I brainstormed my ideas and options for which design for which item within the game would be best suitable. I considered all alternatives and just to be safe I had a word with my partner about the textures I chose. I also saw the opportunity to utilise my knowledge of Mixcraft, which I used a few times before, to create a soundtrack for the game. Another approach to learning I displayed was critical thinking. I read the criteria and realised that the project must be appealing and of use to the user at the same time so we made a game where in order to succeed the player must answer questions on random knowledge.