Connect! is an innovative twist on the classic board game Connect 4, designed to overcome limitations of the original game by integrating engaging digital features. The traditional Connect 4 game often leads to repetitive gameplay and predictable outcomes, which can reduce player engagement. Connect! addresses this by introducing new mechanics, such as a rotating game board, disappearing tokens, and chain reaction combos, to create a more dynamic and interactive experience. Players score points by connecting four or more tokens, which then disappear, allowing remaining tokens to cascade down, potentially triggering additional combos. Additionally, the board rotates periodically, rearranging token positions and adding a layer of unpredictability.
This hybrid design combines the tactile nature of a physical board game with the immersive qualities of digital gaming. The game’s fast-paced, timed turns further enhance the competitive environment, making it appealing for both children and casual gamers. By balancing luck and strategy, Connect! offers a fresh, engaging experience that preserves the social interaction inherent in board games while adding strategic depth and unpredictability, positioning it as an appealing alternative in both family and casual gaming settings.
This team project was done as a part of the course DECO3801 at the University of Queensland which is a capstone focused on taking a design brief and applying a iterative design process to present a final proof of concept.
In this phase, the team conducted research to identify the limitations of traditional Connect 4, gathering insights from existing games and player feedback. They brainstormed features that could address repetitive gameplay and lack of strategic depth, such as rotating boards and dynamic scoring. This phase established the foundation for the project, focusing on merging digital interactivity with classic board game elements.
In this phase, the team conducted research to identify the limitations of traditional Connect 4, gathering insights from existing games and player feedback. They brainstormed features that could address repetitive gameplay and lack of strategic depth, such as rotating boards and dynamic scoring. This phase established the foundation for the project, focusing on merging digital interactivity with classic board game elements.
After refining the game mechanics, the team built a physical prototype with Arduino and sensors to detect piece placement, supported by 7-segment displays and LED feedback. This stage involved hardware testing, refining sensor accuracy, and ensuring the physical board integrated smoothly with the digital elements. The goal was to maintain a tactile, hands-on experience while automating scoring and game state tracking.
During this phase, the team conducted testing sessions with both the web and physical prototypes, gathering feedback on usability, gameplay enjoyment, and areas of improvement. Testers provided insights into aspects like game intuitiveness, replayability, and scoring clarity, helping the team make targeted enhancements. This feedback loop was essential in shaping the final product to meet user expectations.
Based on user feedback, the team implemented final refinements, such as adding visual indicators for player turns, enhancing LED animations, and optimizing the sensor setup. They also focused on ensuring the game’s stability, ease of use, and integration of competitive and cooperative elements. This stage prepared the project for presentation and potential future development as a marketable game.