FOX IN A BOX
Children's Board Game
Spring 2022 | St. Louis, Missouri
Instructor: Petra Kempf, Amela Parcic
Skills: Rhino 3D, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Woodworking
The goal of this project was to design a multifaceted board game that engages children aged 4 to 6 through creative, educational play. Inspired by child development principles, the game combines storytelling, visual learning, and spatial reasoning to promote collaboration and cognitive growth. By integrating 2D puzzles with 3D building elements, the project encourages children to think critically while exploring themes of friendship, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Designing an engaging and educational board game required balancing storytelling with interactive gameplay while ensuring it was accessible for young children. The challenge lay in creating a system that encouraged collaboration and cognitive development without overwhelming players. Additionally, the game had to facilitate intuitive play that encouraged children to think critically, practice motor skills, and develop spatial reasoning.
CHALLENGE
tap for rules!
DESIGN
The game unfolds in two stages:
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Stage 1: A flat block puzzle introduces kids to Sox and his new friends. Each block face features distinct shapes and colors, encouraging children to collaborate as they arrange cubes to complete vibrant, meaningful images.
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Stage 2: The 2D puzzle transitions into a 3D build, where children spin a spinner to determine where to place each cube. This stage introduces spatial reasoning and strategic thinking, encouraging kids to plan and communicate with one another.
CONCEPT
The project draws on my background in architecture and graphic design to create an experience that blends spatial reasoning with playful exploration. Sox the Fox, the game's protagonist, is a friendly character navigating a move to a new home, a theme designed to resonate with young children and build empathy.
The building blocks are designed with rounded edges for safety and textured surfaces to provide sensory feedback. Each cube is color-coded with icons that guide children toward logical placements, fostering independence and decision-making. Additionally, the blocks’ modular design allows for open-ended play, giving kids the freedom to create unique structures beyond the initial game goals.
