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Engaging university students with an educational board game.

The University of Lincoln Graphic, Packaging

Designeering worked with the University of Lincoln to create a unique, engaging and educational board game. The game was designed to help MSc Physiotherapy students understand how the human brain works.

A gold standard university

The University of Lincoln is a highly respected institution with a reputation for excellence.

It has a gold rating from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for its consistently outstanding teaching and learning.

And it was named ‘Modern University of the Year’ by the Times and Sunday Times.

A complex problem

The game’s inventor, Rowena Burgess, is the programme leader for Lincoln University’s MSc Physiotherapy course.

The university was referred to Designeering by one of our existing clients. The project they wanted to discuss was an engaging board game that would help students with their understanding of the complex human brain.

The game’s concept was inspired by Monopoly. But, rather than resembling a Monopoly board, it was to have its own unique identity. The brief asked for five prototypes to be delivered.

Creating something unique

The primary challenge for us was to create a game that looked unique. We had the idea for a board with a unique circular design and we introduced icon-based artwork for the background graphics and game cards.

Although it was intended to help simplify the learning process, the game seemed quite complicated. We suggested some improvements that would make it easier to play. These included some changes to the rules and the introduction of a double-sided Brain Aid card with the answers on one side.

We also came up with the slogan: The No. 1 Neuroanatomy Educational Game. And the description: “A fun, challenging game for learning and testing knowledge of brain structure and function.”

The design was completed in two weeks and the production took four weeks.

Everything was packaged in a branded game box, which we custom designed. It contained the game board, three decks of playing cards, neuron bank notes and other printed materials. Also included were the playing pieces plastic pawns, which we designed and 3D printed in house, and additional playing pieces, which were laser cut in clear acrylic.

Designeering will be actively contributing to the next phase of the project, helping the client to develop and refine the game for commercialisation.

What the client says

Designeering were professional, enthusiastic and collaborative.

We would work through my ideas and there was lots of two-way communication. I was involved at each stage and had ongoing input into the project. Sébastien would send through ideas and designs, but always gave me the final say.

The finished product far exceeded my expectations. It was delivered on budget and within the timescale set.

I would happily recommend Designeering and would have no hesitation in working with them again.

Rowena Burgess, Physiotherapist and Programme Lead, MSc Physiotherapy, University of Lincoln.

Do you need assistance with a complex design?

Designeering can offer you much more than just graphic design. We can help with everything, from creative ideas and concept development to delivering a full scale project. And we really enjoy a challenge.

So if you have a complex design project, and you’d like our insight and input, as well as some first-class graphic design, why not get in touch.