GAME:IT
The Engineering Design Cycle
GAME:IT THE DESIGN CYCLE
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The basic steps of design are the same if you are
building a bridge, house, skyscraper or a game
Designing is really about solving a problem – that’s the
reason things are created
Engineers, designers and developers have created a
standard method to take projects from start to finish
and solve the problem
This method is called the design or engineering cycle
and it is used in all types of industries – it solves
problems
GAME:IT THE DESIGN CYCLE
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The basic idea of using the design cycle is to make
sure ALL BASES are covered and the problem gets
solved in an efficient manner
It provides organization and focus for the team
working on a project
It helps define who does what & when
In our case we will use it to solve a problem; design
a working computer game
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE STEPS
IN ORDER:
1. Discovery
2. Design
3. Development
4. Delivery
Note the evaluation
step is used during the
entire process
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE STEPS
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#1 – Discovery
 In
order to solve a problem you need to know what the
problem is and what solutions are possible
 You need to ask questions and do research on your
given problem to start thinking about a plan
 Game designers need to know: what type of game is
needed, who will play this game, how much should it
cost, what is the deadline, how will players access
it…and many other considerations
 ALWAYS EVALUATE YOUR DISCOVERY INFORMATION
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE STEPS
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#2- DESIGN
 After
thorough discovery and evaluation, if you think
you have an idea for a solution, you can start forming a
plan
 Engineers and architects draw blueprints & specs
 Game designers usually start with a story & story
board
 Think about the game step by step, level by level, maze
by maze, etc., and visualize how the game “works” –
remember it also needs a goal
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE STEPS
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#3 – DEVELOPMENT
 After
discovery, evaluation, storyboarding and more
evaluation you can start to actually build your game
 Games are usually developed by teams; project
managers, programmers, physics programmers, graphic
artists, audio editors & technical writers
 Each part of the team is assigned specific tasks that will
be compiled into a complete game
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE STEPS
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#4 - DELIVERY
 After
you have developed and compiled your idea into
a working game you need to make it available for your
users
 We all know games can be made for many different
devices like: computers, online, WII, Play Station,
phones, etc.
 The development team needs to make sure the game is
compatible with the technology needed to run (play)
the game, trouble shoot the game for bugs and offer
service & support for help
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE STEPS
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#1-#5 EVALUATION
 Notice
in the graphic, that evaluation was shown in the
middle, that is because evaluation has to be part of
every step along the cycle
 After each step, it is critical to review what you have
learned to date, what problem you are trying to solve
and confirm you are on the right track
 Evaluation involves constant testing of your ideas,
programming codes, graphics, audio effects,
instructions, etc., to make sure everything is working as
you build the game
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE IN ACTION
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Let’s see how this actually works - The mayor of
your town wants you to build a new city hall
 Where
would you start? What would you do?
 When it gets down to it, you are really just solving a
problem
 The problem being your town needs a new city hall
 So let’s solve the problem
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE IN ACTION
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New City Hall
 Discovery
/ ask questions & get some information
 How
big do we need it?
 How much land do we have?
 What is our budget?
 How many people use it daily?
 How much parking do we need?
 How does public transportation access the site?
Evaluate and make sure you have enough data to start the
project.
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE IN ACTION
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NEW CITY HALL
 Design
 draw
/ plan the project
a prototype building
 Come up with specifics like: colors, number of windows,
elevators, ramps,
 Make a materials list: steel, concrete, glass, dirt, brick
 Design and draft actual blueprint
 EVALUATE! Check with the mayor, potential users, other
experts to make sure the design solves the problem – it is
easier to fix problems now, before construction occurs
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE IN ACTION
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New City Hall
 Develop
 Hire
/ build city hall
necessary contractors
 Start building based on blueprints and specs created in the
design phase
 Manage the project to make sure codes are followed, that
the project stays on time and within budget
 Evaluate and test to ensure quality and client satisfaction
(mayor, fellow citizens)
GAME:IT DESIGN CYLE IN ACTION
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New City Hall
 Deliver
 Test
all functions and operations like: plumbing, electrical,
heating & air, elevators, etc.
 Provide directions and any needed instructions to operate
and maintain the building
 Provide help & support if there are questions in the future
 Welcome the town – what a fantastic building!
GAME:IT DESIGN CYCLE REVIEW
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This new city hall example was just that – an
example of how the design cycle is used to solve
problems
 Whether
the problem is a new building, new type of
computer, new smart phone, new electric car or a new
way to use solar power the design cycle process is used
to provide solutions
 Game design studios use the same cycle, and so will
you, to design original games!