The X Factor Boardgame

The X Factor is a multi-player game conceptualized by Christie Wentworth, involving math equations and playing cards. To win the game, the player must achieve a series of numbers in a row on the game board. I was commissioned to bring the client’s game to life by building out the branding and design of the game board, game pieces, instructions, and box. I was briefed on the project prior to meeting with her and used that information to research custom board game vendors. I wanted to identify one early on in the process so the pieces were being designed in the proper dimensions and to avoid spending time readjusting later.

With the client on the other side of the country, our collaboration and communication happened solely via email and a handful of Zoom calls. She walked me through the experience of the gameplay, rules, game pieces, and an alternate version of the game. To get a better sense of what she was looking for, I asked her about her vision for it - having an understanding the future use helps me better focus my time and direction when developing design concepts. 

After reviewing, narrowing down, and editing the designs, we came up with a direction that was implemented onto the other pieces. The game rules are in development and subject to change, so I designed an editable booklet document in Microsoft Word that the client could update as needed. To be inclusive of future game players and bake accessibility into the foundation of the game, the color palettes used for the final concept (and the original designs) are colorblind-safe for all 3 types of color blindness, verified by Adobe Color. It’s important that people aren’t excluded from playing games with others, especially when it's a design feature that’s changeable.

CLIENT:

Christie Wentworth

PROGRAMS USED:

Procreate and Adobe Color, Illustrator, and InDesign