ALGY
Skills/Software: Adobe InDesign, 3D modeling and printing (Prusa Mini), Hand produced
ALGY is a board game where players simulate living with minor health issues. This game is meant to frustrate, annoy, and restrict players, much like the actual experience. The cards feature statistics and facts taken from various medical sites, and the full source list is printed at the bottom of the instruction sheet.
For as long as I can remember, I have always suffered from year-round allergies to dust and pollen, minor allergic reactions to shellfish and fruit (due to their pollen content), and asthma. I constantly have to worry about the environment I am in and the activities I am doing. Even simple things like shopping in-store for clothes, running, and cold temperatures (weather or food-wise) triggers allergic responses and asthma. I am always dealing with sinus issues like a runny yet stuffy nose, sneezing, increased sinus infections because of allergies, fatigue and brain fog, and combined with asthma, my ability to stay present with friends, family, in class, or at work is a never ending challenge. I felt that no one could relate to my minor health issues, aside from those in my immediate family who also face similar health struggles, and preventive measures like wearing a mask to fend off environmental triggers only brings in nonstop questions about why I am always sick (when it’s just allergies!).
With ALGY, I hope to promote awareness of minor health issues like mine and empathy in the players.
Process
After settling on the form of a board game, I began listing out allergies, symptoms, and medications to plan the components of the game. After hashing out the general instructions on how to play, I mocked up the cards using paper and test 3D-printed game pieces. I took the chance to explore layouts, colors, and motifs on the visual design. In the end, I drew inspiration from the medical inserts and decided on the color palette, using a basic non-serif typeface, and pushed the text to the boundaries of the cards.