Major Project I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
MAJOR PROJECT I
Since there aren’t many people in my specialization (immersive design), I had to join a group with students from different specializations. Fortunately, I found a group with one member specializing in digital animation and one in environment design. After that, we started discussing our idea.
We planned to create a short animated film related to our skills. We started by brainstorming ideas for the story.
Here are the story ideas from me and my groupmates. We came up with a total of eight ideas:
- A dragon-hybrid duo travels through a post-apocalyptic world searching for their loved ones.
- A character falls ill and sets out to find a cure by exploring an abandoned hospital.
- A lost rover spacecraft crashes onto an alien planet and must survive its many hostile dangers.
- A girl trapped inside mirrors longs for freedom.
- A dinosaur-hating eldritch meteorite arrives on Earth to wipe them out.
- A time travel story where someone goes back to the past to change something or save someone, or travels to the future.
- A superpower story about a person who can control their dreams and travel inside them but lately, their dreams have become strange and uncontrollable.
- A story about past lives. (A person remembers all their past lives but always dies young. In one life, something changes, and one must break the cycle, perhaps discovering their memories is a punishment for a past mistake. )
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After gathering all the ideas, we discussed them and chose one idea to work on. We agreed to choose idea 2 because it seemed more practical and manageable compared to the other ideas. After that, we started discussing the art style and looking for references to create our mood board.
We came up with three ideas for our final project outcome:
- Create a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG)
- Develop a card game
- Produce a visual novel
As Mr. Kannan suggested combining the TTRPG with the card game for our final outcome, we decided to move forward with that idea. Since I’m not a gamer and unfamiliar with TTRPGs and card games, I decided to do some research to better understand them.
A TTRPG, or tabletop role-playing game, is a game where players take on the roles of characters in a story that develops as the game goes on. It can be played online or in person around a table.
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How TTRPGs work:
- Players create and play characters in a shared story.
- Players describe their characters' actions through speech and sometimes movements.
- The characters' decisions and unexpected plot twists shape the story.
- One participant usually takes on the role of the "game master" who guides the story and manages the game.
- Dice: Most TTRPGs use dice to determine the outcome of actions. Different games use different types of dice, like the standard 20-sided die (D20) or six-sided dice (D6). The results often decide whether a character succeeds or fails at a task.
- Game System: TTRPGs follow specific rules or systems that define how characters interact with the game world. These systems often cover things like combat, skill checks, and character development, adding structure and balance to the game. Popular systems include Dungeons & Dragons' D20 system and other unique mechanics tailored to specific games.
| Fig.2.3&4 Examples of products for TTRPG, Week 2, 11.2.2025 |
Setting my worries aside, we decided to stick with our original abandoned hospital story for the TTRPG. After coming up with four factions — patients, former staff, urban explorers, and monsters — we had a quick discussion to explore their roles and characteristics. Then, we started gathering visual references to help shape their look and feel, and we organized everything on Miro.
Week 3
After further discussion, we decided to make some changes to the factions, expanding them to five: Fire Smiths, Necrologists, Fayefolk, Cybersentinels, and Asteli. Since I wasn’t able to dive into immersive design just yet, my groupmates assigned me the task of designing the card frame for now.
For my first draft, I used Canva to design the card frame to give me some idea using the given graphics elements.
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After showing my groupmates the first draft of the card design, they said the style looked good. So, I started working on a new card design inspired by the Victorian British style. I searched for more layout references and noticed that most TTRPG card designs are minimalist and simple, focusing mainly on delivering information. However, since our TTRPG is set in the Victorian era, I wanted the design to better match that theme. To do that, I also explored card design references outside of the TTRPG genre.
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Typographic choice:
For the description text, I picked Skia because it’s easy to read and has a unique style.
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For the Necrologists, I added a skull to the design based on the logo reference, making it fit their dark and eerie theme.
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I found good references for the Forest Shamans (Fayefolk), Cybersentinels, and Asteli. I traced the designs and made some refinements for Cybersentinels and Asteli, then used them as the faction logos.
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Below are the outcomes for the faction flags.
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We discussed the story and decided to change one of the factions from Cybersentinels to Sentinel Forces. After that, we started working on the slides for Task 1: Proposal Development using Canva.
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This is the first test to see how the card will look after placing the character into the two different card frames.
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As my groupmates suggested, I should create a rough 3D character model myself before turning it into AR. So, I watched a beginner tutorial on how to use Blender. Since I'm completely new to 3D modeling, learning Blender's features in a short time has been quite challenging for me.
Blender has two modes:
- Object Mode – Allows only scaling.
- Edit Mode (Press E) – Used for editing with three selection modes:
- Vertex Mode
- Edge Select Mode
- Face Select Mode (most commonly used)
Shortcuts:
- E – Enter Edit Mode
- E + S – Edit and scale
- S – Scale
- R – Rotate
- G – Grab
- Shift + A – Opens the add menu
AR Test #1: Adobe Aero (Basic Test with Default 3D Cube)
I created a default 3D cube in Blender, exported it as a .glb file, and imported it into Adobe Aero. After adjusting the scale, a QR code was generated for testing.
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Result:
The QR code successfully loaded the AR experience.
Identified Problem:
- Limited Compatibility: Only iOS users can scan the QR code and see the AR model right away. Android users had to download the Adobe Aero app first.
- Limited View Controls: Users couldn't zoom in or out to see the model up close.
| Vid.2.1 AR test #1, Week 5, 4.3.2025 |
As I have already tested a simple cube AR using Adobe Aero, I now want to try making a basic 3D character model in Blender. I am following a tutorial video and recreating the character model shown in the video.
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After completing the character model, I imported it into Adobe Aero and tested it on my phone to view the AR. The results are the same as in Test 1, but I replaced the 3D cube with my character model.
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AR Test#2 – Testing Pre-existing 3D Models & Interactions in Adobe Aero
I downloaded an animated 3D character model from Sketchfab and imported it into Adobe Aero. Then, I tested different interactions like tap to animate, rotate, scale, audio, and bounce. I also looked for solutions online to fix the zooming limitations.
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Result: All interactions work.
Identified Problems:
- Same issues as Test 1.
- Interactions trigger automatically instead of being manually controlled.
| Vid.2.2 AR test #2, Week 5, 4.3.2025 |
I tested MyWebAR, a web-based AR platform that allows users to scan and interact with AR models without needing a separate app. I imported the same pre-existing 3D models into MyWebAR to test its functionality.
- Scaled and positioned the model for better presentation.
New Features Discovered:
- Ability to add text, images, videos, audio, and shapes to enhance the AR experience.
- Added the character's name and background audio for a more immersive interaction.
- Implemented a tap-to-animate function for user interaction.
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Result:
- Cross-platform compatibility – The generated QR code worked on both iOS and Android.
- Improved interaction – Users could now zoom in, zoom out, and rotate the 3D model.
- New issue – Rotating the model affected its scale, requiring further adjustments to maintain consistency.
| Vid.2.3 AR test #3, Week 5, 4.3.2025 |
Since issues still exist in the test and this is just a basic AR experiment (not an in-depth one), I need to explore AR further and conduct more research. As this is my first time working with AR design, I did technical research (software comparison) for Task 2 to understand it better.
2. Card design
After receiving feedback from Mr. Kannan, I experimented with different layout variations based on my first and second card designs. I enlarged the QR code for better scanning, as suggested, and tested different positions for it. I also added a drop shadow to the character for better contrast.
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After comparing different shades of red, I decided to go with the second one from the right because it blends well with the overall theme. It creates a nice balance, making the design feel cohesive while also providing enough contrast to make the elements stand out.
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Week 7
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So my group member suggested adding a background for the QR code to make it clearer and more readable. I moved the QR code slightly lower from the top right and asked my group members for feedback on the adjustment.
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They told me that placing the QR code in that position felt a bit off. They suggested positioning it beside the text or placing it at the top, similar to the flag on the left. They chose the layout on the right as the final design for the card.
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So, I created a set of card frame designs in five different colors, each representing a faction, based on the final design.
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FEEDBACK
- Animation: Decide if the animation will be a trailer or part of a game (like Dota).
- Immersion:
- Think about how to make the game more engaging.
- Add AR/VR/XR to make it feel more interactive.
- Consider fun interactions, like pressing a button to trigger effects (like Jumanji Board).
- Refer to the simple example of an immersive game: Stacklands
Website:
- The website should include animation and interactive elements.
- Use it to showcase artwork and packaging.
- Example: League of Legends website.
- We can use WIX, but the content must be well-organized.
Art Style & Cards:
- All faction designs should have the same style so they feel like part of one world.
- Cards should be simple but detailed.
- Make sure the card and background contrast well for better visibility.
Week 5
General Feedback:
- For Major Project 1, we need to test, identify problems, and find solutions to establish a clear direction.
- Weekly tests should be conducted and showcased.
- We are setting the foundation now before diving deeper.
- Weekly communication is important.
- When designing, start with paper sketches before digitizing to make corrections easier.
Card Design:
- Card back design is okay for now.
- Test how the character looks on the card to get an idea.
- The front design needs more refinement—start with sketches before finalizing.
- Consider the placement of the QR code and possibly add a box for it.
AR Integration:
- Start with a simple test—scan a QR code to check if the AR content appears.
- Test a cube from Blender, export it to Unity, and adjust the scale.
- Ensure the 3D model’s origin is set to (0,0,0) in X, Y, and Z.
- Download a model from Sketchfab or other sources, test it in AR, and adapt it for our project.
Animation:
- Work on thumbnails, storyboards, and animatics.
- Run animation tests to refine the style and flow.
Week 6
- Figure out the problem and find a solution, whether it’s in animation, interaction, or something else.
- Show our skills and plan our next steps. Think ahead to what we’ll do in Major Project 2.
- Define the problem, solve it, and keep communicating more than once a week.
- Character Art: The feet’s anatomy needs a small adjustment.
- Card Design: The character looks like it’s floating — try adding a soft or sharp drop shadow, maybe even a vignette. Make sure the QR code is clear and maybe place it below the card. Add placeholder text to see how the full design feels. Also, try different card design variations, not just a square border. There’s not much color contrast right now — work on that.
- AR Testing: Download a model instead of building one from scratch. Decide what kind of interaction you want and break it down. Also, tweak the downloaded model a bit to make it your own.
- Animation: Where are the character’s actions? This is just a turnaround. He asked for character actions last week and a clear story. The animation doesn’t need to be polished, but it should clearly show the idea and direction. Just having minor movements like rotating or head turns isn’t enough.
Week 7
- The project is off to a good start—keep progressing.
- In later stages, conduct paper prototype tests and playtests to refine the experience.
Book & Card Content: Clearly list the book details and the card content to ensure clarity.
Card Design:
- Define the desired physical quality of the card, considering elements like texture and background.
- The current design may not be solid enough; it should be refined with proper references.
- Compare the design side by side with actual TTRPG trading cards to identify areas for improvement.
- Use references as inspiration to stylize the design while maintaining a polished and presentable look.
- Avoid being too rigid with the current concept—further refinement is needed.
- Aim for a more elegant and premium feel to make the product desirable.
AR Integration: Explore AR features further, as the current implementation is insufficient. Research 3D model templates, learn from them, and modify them to enhance the design.
- Animation: The animation needs significant improvement, with more testing and refinement. Develop a proper style that is more structured and solid.
REFLECTION
Major Project 1 has been the most challenging module I've encountered in my degree so far. Since this is the first part of our final year project and I’m still in Year 2, Semester 2, it feels even more overwhelming. Initially, I struggled to determine how my specialization could fit into a collaborative project with others. Having only started learning modules related to my specialization last semester, I wasn’t entirely sure what my role should be. After consultations, I gained some clarity, but my understanding remained quite basic due to my limited hands-on experience and practical skills.
Our project focuses on creating a TTRPG, a concept I was completely unfamiliar with. As someone who isn’t a gamer, I had no prior knowledge of what a TTRPG was or how to play one, so I spent a lot of time trying to grasp the fundamentals. While I now have a better understanding, there are still many aspects that remain unclear to me. Despite these challenges, I know I need to persevere and contribute as best as I can. I just hope I can make it through until the project is completed.
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