GD1S11 - Design Challenges 06 Jul 2023 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: GD1S11
Module Title: Design Challenges
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Games
Module Leader: Corrado Morgana
Module Team: Dann Rees, Jackson Rolls-Gray, Emma Marshman
First Intended Intake: SEP 2023 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 06 Jul 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

1. To develop an understanding of game design problem solving, design thinking and analysis
2. To develop design communication skills in relation to game design.
3. To encourage students to evaluate existing structures and draw upon these to enhance their own work through reflective practice.

Content Summary

A game designer requires an ability to evaluate and analyse existing structures and draw upon best practice to provide solutions to design problems. It is also important that the designer is able to visually communicate game concepts to a variety of audiences clearly and unambiguously. With a core focus on player centric design, the module seeks to develop a fundamental understanding of design thinking, design communication, analysis and problem solving
Seminars and exercises will problematise game design concepts; mechanics, structures and player rewards for instance, with students communicating a series of responses to these problems/questions/provocations. These will be practical real-world design problems
This module provides students with the practical skills and confidence to convey game concepts effectively Students are encouraged to enhance their research and communication skills and apply self-reflection as they develop throughout the module.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Independent Study 84
Directed Study 80
Lecture 24
Seminar 12
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Review their own work and that of others, synthesising appropriate theories, contexts and practices to support and justify their own work.
LO2 Evidence the ability to present/demonstrate work clearly, communicating creative, design and/or technical decisions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 A submission of specified material prepared by the student during the module 0 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1

Reading List

R. (2020) Elements of Game Design. MIT Press
Braithwaite, L., Schreiber, I. (2008) Challenges for Games Designers: Non-Digital Exercises for Video Game Designers, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Yayici.E (2016) Design Thinking Methodology Book, Yayici
Barney, C., (2020) Pattern Language for Game Design, CRC Press
Schell, J. (2019)The Art of Games Design: A Book of Lenses. AK Peters/CRC Press
Golombisky, G. Hagen, R. (2013) White Space Is Not Your Enemy: A Beginner's Guide to Communicating Visually Through Graphic, Web & Multimedia, A K Peters/CRC Pres