DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
AL : AVAMEOW was born out of a need for a fun, interactive, and digital solution during the pandemic when traditional board games like "The Resistance: Avalon'' could no longer be played with friends in person. The concept of a digital, conversational strategy party game emerged, incorporating the classic legend of King Arthur and reimagining it as the tale of King Meowthur. This innovative game offers a unique and exciting adventure that can be played both locally with friends in the same room and online with friends in chat rooms.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
AL : What sets AVAMEOW apart from other social games is its versatility and customization options. The game offers two modes of play, allowing players to participate both in person and online. The game also features a default story narrative and a timed clock, making it easier for players to participate without the need for a host. It also accommodates different communication preferences, as players can choose to type or use audio chat as part of its accessible design. With the basic mechanic accommodating 5 to 10 players, it is suitable for small to medium-sized groups. However, the custom mode takes the experience to the next level by allowing players to create their own stories and adventures, making it a great option for those seeking a more personalized and unique experience. With its highly customizable features, AVAMEOW provides an enjoyable and bonding experience for friends and family.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
AL : With its social capabilities, AVAMEOW offers a unique solution for people who are unable to meet in person, particularly during times such as the pandemic. The game's focus on bonding and social interaction makes it a great way to bring families and friends closer together, or for new friends to form. Whether playing locally or online, AVAMEOW provides a social adventure that is designed to bring people closer, encouraging laughter, and creating lasting memories. This digital conversational strategy party game is a great way to bond and have fun with friends and family.
Later on, we are going to add more reward systems for players to increase the connection between players who don't know each other.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
AL : About 6 months
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
AL : AVAMEOW was inspired by the popular board game "The Resistance: Avalon" and brings a new and unique approach to the party game genre. Our team conducted extensive research into medieval art styles and manuscripts to create a modern and fun animation style featuring various types of cats. The result is a playful and charming game that speaks to players in a fun and engaging voice.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
AL : No other company is involved in the production process. We produce this work for our friends and family first.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
AL : AVAMEOW offers a fun and engaging experience for social gatherings, bringing people together through strategy-based conversations and overcoming challenges as a team. This game is a contemporary adaptation of the popular board game "The Resistance: Avalon," adapted for a mobile audience. Whether you are looking to strengthen relationships with loved ones or seeking an exciting form of entertainment, AVAMEOW is the perfect journey for those who want an enjoyable and thrilling adventure.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
AL : Richan Li the animator and illustrator provide lots of good ideas for our visual design. We did lots of research about the Mideast artwork. That unique art style influences our final design style
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
AL : What sets AVAMEOW apart from other social games is its versatility and customization options. The game offers two modes of play, allowing players to participate both in person and online. The game also features a default story narrative and a timed clock, making it easier for players to participate without the need for a host. It also accommodates different communication preferences, as players can choose to type or use audio chat as part of its accessible design. With the basic mechanic accommodating 5 to 10 players, it is suitable for small to medium-sized groups. However, the custom mode takes the experience to the next level by allowing players to create their own stories and adventures, making it a great option for those seeking a more personalized and unique experience. With its highly customizable features, AVAMEOW provides an enjoyable and bonding experience for friends and family.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
AL : AVAMEOW is more than just a game, it's a social platform where friends can come together to share an adventure or make new friends along the way. Unlike other conversational social games, AVAMEOW boasts a highly autonomous system that provides not only a familiar and beloved legend of King Meowthur but also gives players the option to create their own custom storylines. This opens up an exciting world of possibilities, allowing players to explore their own unique adventures and experiences.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
AL : We combined the cat, our main character,(Meow), and Avalon game together.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
AL : Figma, ProtoPie, After Effect, and Procreate
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
AL : AVAMEOW's highly customizable features provide a level of creativity and autonomy that is unmatched by other social games. Players can design their own story arcs, choose their characters, and play at their own pace, making it a truly personalized experience. Whether players are looking to bond with existing friends or make new connections, AVAMEOW offers a social platform that is fun, engaging, and always full of surprises.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
AL : Richan Li the animator and illustrator for our project. She helps us to build nice visual designs and concepts.
Angie Liu is the UI/UX designer and Art director for the project. She designed this social game with a nice UI, and UX.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
AL : YES. When we started this project, we received lots of feedback about different social games or social applications. Depending on that feedback we start to build Avameow.