SHAPESPACE
GUIDE
Dr. Prasad S Onkar
Associate Professor
Department of Design
IIT Hyderabad
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Shape Space is an educational puzzle game that teaches fundamental design principles to children through engaging, tactile play. The game consists of six specially designed puzzle pieces that connect to form different arrangements, creating meaningful negative space shapes in the center. As players progress through different challenges, they develop an understanding of figure-ground relationships, spatial reasoning, and basic design concepts while having fun.
Shape Space is an educational puzzle game that teaches fundamental design principles to children through engaging, tactile play. The game consists of six specially designed puzzle pieces that connect to form different arrangements, creating meaningful negative space shapes in the center. As players progress through different challenges, they develop an understanding of figure-ground relationships, spatial reasoning, and basic design concepts while having fun.
THE RESEARCH
Design education for children traditionally focuses on creation rather than analysis. While most art programs allow children to make things, fewer teach them to understand visual relationships and design principles that underpin all visual communication.
THE RESEARCH
Design education for children traditionally focuses on creation rather than analysis. While most art programs allow children to make things, fewer teach them to understand visual relationships and design principles that underpin all visual communication.
PROJECT GOALS
1
BEGINNER
Concept-1 for children 6-10
CORE MECHANICS
The game revolves around a puzzle system featuring six uniquely shaped wooden pieces that connect in various ways. Players use challenge cards that display only the negative space of a shape they must recreate.
With progressive difficulty, challenges range from simple geometric forms to complex figurative designs. An exploration mode allows free play for creative experimentation.
PROJECT GOALS
THE GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
1
BEGINNER
Concept-1 for children 6-10
CORE MECHANICS
The game revolves around a puzzle system featuring six uniquely shaped wooden pieces that connect in various ways. Players use challenge cards that display only the negative space of a shape they must recreate.
With progressive difficulty, challenges range from simple geometric forms to complex figurative designs. An exploration mode allows free play for creative experimentation.
PROJECT GOALS
THE GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
2
ADVANCED
Concept-2 for children 10+
CORE MECHANICS
ShapeSpace Concept Two is a geometric puzzle designed to challenge spatial reasoning abilities. Designer for older children and adults who enjoy challenging puzzles. The game includes six outer pieces, identical geometric shapes featuring a star-like pattern with triangular cutouts.
A center piece is designed to fit precisely within the negative space formed when the outer pieces are correctly arranged. A bounding box/frame restricts placement, ensuring only the correct configuration works.
PROJECT GOALS
CONCLUSION
GAMEPLAY
2
ADVANCED
Concept-2 for children 10+
CORE MECHANICS
ShapeSpace Concept Two is a geometric puzzle designed to challenge spatial reasoning abilities. Designer for older children and adults who enjoy challenging puzzles. The game includes six outer pieces, identical geometric shapes featuring a star-like pattern with triangular cutouts.
A center piece is designed to fit precisely within the negative space formed when the outer pieces are correctly arranged. A bounding box/frame restricts placement, ensuring only the correct configuration works.
PROJECT GOALS
CONCLUSION
GAMEPLAY
