Board Game - initial user testing

I began initial user testing on my game. It is both playable and enjoyable - more than I expected for this early in the design process. Now how enjoyable is yet to be seen. Once I have a little more time I will reevaluate the game - top to bottom - then it will be back to user testing. Once I am further along with validating the design I will begin creating final graphics and illustrations.

Vinyl Toys picked up in Japan - test photos with EP-1

I bought these as a set in a used toy store in Japan. They came in a signed box titled Estate, Chapter 8: Housewife & Son. The box says these were designed by Eric So, all rights reserved by "Estate Co., Ltd.". I'd love to know more about the series.

Estate website: http://www.createyourestate.com/
Eric So's web site: http://www.ericsoart.com/

Layoff week three: Time to go back to work... and get an EP-1!

Since I will be going back to work shortly I decided I would invest in a new toy, the Olympus EP-1. This is a fantastic camera... but currently I feel like I just bought 'too much car'. It has great manual features but it will take me a long time to grow into using this fully.

I chose the classic silver after MUCH debate. I had originally fallen for the white but chose the silver after seeing photos of the white body scratched up and realizing that the silver will look great - always.

You can read in-depth review here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympusep1/

Visual Resume

This is a visual resume - because not everyone is HR.

This is meant to be a leave behind and could be used in conjunction with a teaser. It is two sided on heavy stock with .25" rounds.

I have done a number of unique resumes including condensed versions. Now that I have more professional experience I decided to finally create a visual version - to complement the standard HR version. My standard version can now be distilled into a concise format and remain useful and engaging. This visual resume consists of both graphics and a good dose of text.

Included in the visual resume:
Professional experience
Experience & education
Resume word cloud
Resume condensed
Accomplishments
Strengths
Projects & interests

I created something similar to this in 2002 and have destroyed all copies - trust me it is for the best. while it was pleasant to look at it was even more informal than this example and was not used - as I recall.

Layoff day eight: board game mechanics vs. meaning/story

I continue to create parts for the board game mock-up. Strategy games have a unique ability to cover complex and detailed concepts. From my experience in game play these are generally overshadowed by mechanics (a point is a point no matter the story line). Hopefully I will find a balance. Will my game be meaningful? or more importantly transformational? Both great (big) goals.

Layoff day six: board game mock-up

Finished the major parts of the board game mock-up. I purchased wood pieces from a craft store for the resource markers. I used water color paints to identify the different player pieces. I dipped them in a paint and water mixture to save time. I will update these with acrylic paints in the future. I may laser cut pieces eventually.

Layoff day two and three: preparing for a productive week

Last month was very busy at work. This resulted is a very mess work room (and apartment). Before the dust bunnies take over completely I have taken some time to clean, organize, and plan ahead.

My two favorite organizers are from IKEA. they are the Alex series. I love my big metal flat files but the Alex series is just right for paper and supplies. I have one low wide one and two tall and narrow - they are packed full of useful items. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=alex

Layoff day one: To NY and back again

Last week I worked on a quick portfolio and resume to prepare for the grad school portfolio day in NY. This was a challenge since it was also my last week at work and so I was very busy.

Why grad school? It's best to look at all options. Sure I could hop to another corporate job (not that there is an abundance around) - but I want to better understand my options. This is the information gathering stage.