Dezcartes
Immersive Technologies
Semester programme:Human Centered Design
Research group:Interaction Design
Project group members:Ellyshia Cheryl Tan
Timo de Haart
Jasmin Hachmane
Stefan Iliev
Wesley van de Sande
Project description
Dezcartes is a design exploration project focused on developing possible visual and conceptual directions for an in-development trading card game by DPBTSE from the Fontys Interaction Design Research Group. The project aims to make topics such as Philosophy, Art, and Science more engaging and accessible through card-based play.
The main challenge was to explore how the game could visually appeal to Fontys students and staff while still clearly communicating its educational and collectible value. Through research, style exploration, card design iterations, and user testing, the project investigated what kind of visual identity, card layout, and supporting digital experience could attract the target audience.
The goal was to answer the research question: “How can we create an appealing visual and concept for the Dezcartes card game to attract students and staff of Fontys to further discover Philosophy, Art, and Science?”
Context
Our work focused on exploring possible visual directions for the Dezcartes card game and designing a supporting digital platform concept. The card design exploration aimed to make the game feel more appealing, understandable, and collectible for the target audience.
Alongside this, the digital platform was proposed as an all-inclusive space where players can learn about Philosophy, Art, and Science, collect cards, play the game, and create their own cards.
Through this combination, the project aims to make educational content feel more interactive and enjoyable, while offering different levels of engagement for both casual users and more involved players.
Results
The main outcome of the Dezcartes project is a Proof of Concept (TRL 3) that explores possible visual and conceptual directions for the in-development trading card game. Rather than delivering a final product, the project provides a validated foundation for how Dezcartes could be designed to become appealing, understandable, and engaging for the target audience.
The most important product outcome is the sets of card design explorations. These sets were developed with visual research and explorations, design iterations, and blind test sessions. The project also developed a supporting digital platform PoC. This platform expands the card game beyond physical cards by allowing players to learn, collect, play, and complete challenges.
The final deliverables of the project contribute valuable design insights and a validated direction for the future development of Dezcartes. It positions the current result at a Proof of Concept level, showing what the game could become and which design decisions are most promising based on user validation.