🤝 We accepted an exciting challenge from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) to make learning about fashion business more approachable, while highlighting the industry's analytical aspects.
Services: Game Design & Development
Target Audience: PolyU undergraduate students, learning facilitators and prospective Fashion students
Timeline: 6 months
Keywords: Educational Game, Fashion Buying, Design Guide
🎯 The Goal
To design a board game based on the fashion industry to use as an educational tool in PolyU's undergraduate courses, as well as a promotional tool in their middle school student recruitment exercises.
🎲 The Outcome
We delivered 100 copies of Tastemakers: The Fashion Buying Game to PolyU, along with a set of case studies and debriefing questions to go with the game, including:
1. Overall gameplay
2. Game design and theme
3. Inter-group comparisons with 4 discussion questions each to tie in learning objectives with gameplay experience.
👗 Round 1: Research and Alignment
We delved into the world of fashion buying, exploring reading materials and interviewing fashion buyers, style directors, and retailers to grasp the intricacies of the industry. We aligned our findings with PolyU ITC every step of the way.
👗 Round 2: Design
We discovered why fashion buying is captivating, as the blend of business strategy and industry standards adds an objective dimension to the game, distinguishing it from the subjective realm of fashion design.
👗 Round 3: Testing
Through multiple playtest and revision rounds, we engaged our team, community playtesters & PolyU ITC stakeholders to provide us with valuable feedback to ensure enhanced teachability and balanced gameplay.
👗 Round 4: Implementation
We produced a physical edition of Tastemakers and delivered 100 copies to PolyU for immediate utilization along with a comprehensive case study debriefing pack.
