Glow Planet Prototype
Educational Board Game for Environmental Awareness
#Prototyping #ProductDesign #Sustainability #Education #BoardGames
Role: Head of Product Designer
Deliverable: A board game prototype, 2022
Owner: GlowPlay (Awarded Seed Funding from Thailand's National Innovation Agency, NIA)
Co-founders: Sasicha May Thongkhaoaon, Ruechaporn Jansuwan, and Natchita Wanicharoenchai
Target Audience: 2–4 players, ages 5+
Core Concept: “Every action impacts the world.” The game uses children’s daily routines as a foundation for understanding and engaging with environmental responsibility.
Glow Planet envisioned and brought to life an educational board game aimed at teaching young children about the environmental impact of everyday actions. This game aimed to foster a sense of responsibility and empowerment in children as they learned about protecting endangered species and reducing their carbon footprint.
My role involved designing the game’s mechanics to make environmental learning accessible and enjoyable, with components that were not only durable but also sustainably produced. To achieve this, I carefully selected materials—like Bagasse paper for the structure and waterproof stickers for the game tiles—that balanced resilience with eco-friendliness. I then moved into prototyping, developing an initial version using Post-its and markers to quickly test and refine gameplay.
This board game was created under GlowPlay, a social enterprise that focuses on designing inclusive educational tools that support the development of children, both with and without autism spectrum disorders.
A quick recap - Gameplay Mechanics
Goal
The first player to summon three endangered species wins by matching sets of element tiles representing positive environmental actions.
Game Components
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7 Endangered Species Tiles
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42 Element Tiles (6 types)
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3 Carbon Footprint Tokens
Gameplay Overview
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Players flip over two element tiles, aiming to find matching pairs.
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Matching pairs can be collected, while mismatched pairs are flipped down again.
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Special tiles grant unique powers—some add tiles to a player’s collection, while others allow players to impact their opponents' choices.
Winning the Game
Players win by collecting sets of matching tiles to summon endangered species. The first to summon three wins, promoting a sense of friendly competition around a meaningful cause.
Prototyping Process
Initial Prototyping
The journey of Glow Planet began with simple materials—Post-it notes and markers. My team and I tested the game mechanics by creating quick prototypes, and iterating on rules and gameplay flow based on feedback from pioneer users. This agile approach allowed for rapid adjustments, ensuring the game was engaging, intuitive, and ready for further refinement.
Graphic Design and File Preparation
After gathering feedback from the initial prototype, I moved on to the digital phase of development. Using Adobe Illustrator, I designed the game’s graphics and prepared 2D files that would form the basis of the mock-up. These files included the layouts for the tiles, cards, and box components. To ensure precise dimensions for every element, I drafted a detailed 2D file in AutoCAD. This step was critical for planning the sizes and proportions of the game pieces, which would later be translated into a 3D model.
Make it touchable
3D Modeling and Material Selection
I transitioned from 2D files to a 3D model in SketchUp, where I visualized the assembly of the game components. This helped me understand the thickness and fit of materials, particularly when designing the box and tiles.
Choosing the right materials was a key part of the process. I prioritized eco-friendliness and durability, opting for Bagasse paper as the primary structure and waterproof stickers for the game pieces. These materials ensured the prototype could withstand kids’ active play while remaining cost-effective.
Final Prototype Development
Laser Cutting: I used the AutoCAD files to cut the Bagasse paper into precise shapes for the tiles and box components.
Assembly: Each tile was carefully glued for added strength, then wrapped with waterproof stickers to create a polished and durable finish. The final prototype provided the tactile and visual experience I envisioned for children playing the game.
Reflections and Impact
Working on Glow Planet prototyping taught me the value of iteration, from quick prototyping with simple materials to refining every detail in the final mock-up. It reinforced my belief that great design is not only about aesthetics but also about creating meaningful, tangible experiences that resonate with people.
One of the most rewarding moments was seeing children engage with the game, making connections between their daily routines and the impact they have on the planet. Their curiosity and enthusiasm affirmed the power of play as a tool for education and awareness.
This project also deepened my understanding of sustainable design and production. Balancing durability with eco-friendly materials was a challenge that pushed me to think creatively and strategically. It’s an approach I aim to carry forward in all my future projects, especially as I continue to explore design’s role in addressing real-world challenges.
