PIXEL
PIXEL
Overview
PIXEL is an interactive game designed for the Helix located in the heart of the Gates and Hillman Centers. In response to the negative reputation of Helix's spiral structure because of its time inefficiency, we propose a game that encourages people to take the longer path by adding playful entertainment to the environment.
Team
Catherine Wang
Tools
Figma
Piskel
After Effects
Duration
7 weeks
Fall 2022
Check Process Here
Interactive Game Concept Design
What is the Helix?
The Helix is a spiraling walkway in the Gates and Hillman Centers at CMU that spans the 3rd to 5th floor. The Helix is quite unpopular amongst students because it takes a long time to walk through each floor compared to the stairs.
What is PIXEL?
PIXEL is a team-based game that is located in the Helix. Players are split into two teams, and they carry pixels up and down the Helix using their digital sprite to help score points for their team. The more the players travel through the Helix, the more the pixel path is populated with new creatures and buildings. The game refreshes every 3 weeks with new teams and worlds to explore.
PIXEL Station
PIXEL Stations are located at the multiple entrances of the Helix. Players scan their phones at these eye-catching kiosks before they enter the Helix walkway to keep track of their progress and start playing the game. New players can also join and learn more about the game by scanning the QR code.
PIXEL App
The PIXEL App is where players can customize sprites, check person + team progress, and receive notifications when team milestones are reached. As long as the Bluetooth is turned on, the player’s phone serves as a connection between the player and the pixel path.
PIXEL Path
PIXEL Paths are digital screens wrapping around the Helix. The sprite follows their player all the way up/down the journey, interacting with different players’ sprites when they pass by. The environment also grows with player engagement, and Pittsburgh easter eggs such as Dippy the Dinosaur may appear on your path!
Map
Process
Developing the game required a detailed survey of the Helix: what are its measurements, what can we see/hear/feel, how do people walk through the space, etc. This survey game us vital information on what sorts of artifacts to design to account for this complex space we are working with.
Visual System
The game uses a retro, pixel design to bring the nostalgic and exciting arcade style with bright color palettes to give an energetic mood to the game. We used pixelated typography for both our main and body fonts and our logo is also created through variation explorations by removing and adding pixels on each letter. We also designed graphic patterns used for the pixel station.
