In the last post we defined unity as when all elements work together as one harmonious composition. Now we will discuss methods that can be used to create unity. Board games contain a lot of information: rules, mechanics, strategies, scores, etc. in addition to the visual input from graphics, art, and components. Fortunately for us, these methods are all about bringing that information together to make one usable design.
The purpose of these methods is to add clarity, reduce visual/information chaos, strengthen relationships between elements, and add consistency. The result of which is greater unity in your design.
Proximity refers to the idea that elements near each other (in space or time or visual look) will be associated as a group. Groupings add clarity to a design. A good rulebook will go over all the rules about scoring in the same section, for instance. Cards of different 'types' will be readily identifiable from the front-side (and often the back, depending on if decks are separated). Placing certain icons near each other graphically gives them an implied relationship. Rounds of play can be designed so that related things happen subsequently, which can help players remember to perform all the actions in a round.
Repetition, as any student could tell you, is a memory aid. Repetition is the repeating of motifs across a design. Repeated motifs add clarity (unity is largely about clarity of message), reinforce symbolism, and can add to theme and immersion when done well.
Continuation is the flow of one element to the next. Every element should occur in a way/place that feels logical and 'natural'. The graphic style of the box should feel like a logical extension of the board/experience. The cards should be in the same world as the tiles. The icons should match the components. (I've seen a published game where this was not the case and it was enraging to me.) Game phases should feel connected (at least thematically) to each other.
Continuity is the flow of one design to the next. The industry is leaning into expansions, modules, game systems, and legacy versions. Good designs will retain the feel of the original while allowing room for improvement.
Next post, we'll cover the last method of unity, variety.
In this series, I'm outlining the principles of design from a perspective of how they relate to board game design. If you want to read more on your own, the main reference I use is Design Basics by David A. Lauer and Stephen Pentak. Available here.
The purpose of these methods is to add clarity, reduce visual/information chaos, strengthen relationships between elements, and add consistency. The result of which is greater unity in your design.
Proximity refers to the idea that elements near each other (in space or time or visual look) will be associated as a group. Groupings add clarity to a design. A good rulebook will go over all the rules about scoring in the same section, for instance. Cards of different 'types' will be readily identifiable from the front-side (and often the back, depending on if decks are separated). Placing certain icons near each other graphically gives them an implied relationship. Rounds of play can be designed so that related things happen subsequently, which can help players remember to perform all the actions in a round.
Repetition, as any student could tell you, is a memory aid. Repetition is the repeating of motifs across a design. Repeated motifs add clarity (unity is largely about clarity of message), reinforce symbolism, and can add to theme and immersion when done well.
Continuation is the flow of one element to the next. Every element should occur in a way/place that feels logical and 'natural'. The graphic style of the box should feel like a logical extension of the board/experience. The cards should be in the same world as the tiles. The icons should match the components. (I've seen a published game where this was not the case and it was enraging to me.) Game phases should feel connected (at least thematically) to each other.
Continuity is the flow of one design to the next. The industry is leaning into expansions, modules, game systems, and legacy versions. Good designs will retain the feel of the original while allowing room for improvement.
Next post, we'll cover the last method of unity, variety.
In this series, I'm outlining the principles of design from a perspective of how they relate to board game design. If you want to read more on your own, the main reference I use is Design Basics by David A. Lauer and Stephen Pentak. Available here.
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