First idea:

Consider history 'accurate' games and connect them to Europeana by making collections. These collections would consist of in-game hints and content on Europeana's website resembling this game's history. Intriguing gamer's who are interested in a particular game's history to check out Europeana.

Second idea:

Decided on creating a physical board game (mechanics uncertain) provided by Europeana's content. The game would entail around 5 varying characters, based on Europeana's stories. They’re all characterised by their time periods and have access to different tools or knowledge.
The objective of the game would be to reach a certain point, either by working together, or only keeping your own character’s well-being in mind. There will be hinders to surpass but the structure of the game is yet to be decided. There needs to be a shared objective and a personal survival system.

First design proposal

Turning point — first LO-FI prototype

After putting our first prototype to the test, we realised that we utilised too many complex components. There was too much to remember on the player's part and overall the engagement was more of a hassle. We had to simplify everything and prioritise the engagement.

Idea we landed on:

We stayed with the board game idea, but we changed a lot of other aspects of the game. For example: we decided to make cards of questions that are based for the character you pick, bonus cards that give you heads up in the game and artifact cards that the characters need to collect.

We started researching questions specific for each character and writing them down with other possibilities for the answer. All the questions we made are based on collections from Europeana's website and are made based on different time periods and history.

Prototyping specifics:

A Herbalist, Olympic Runner and an Infantry Soldier get stuck inside a time loop. Answer questions, find all of their artefacts and help them to find their way back home. Only two of three characters can make it back. Be sure to secure a spot and race towards the closing portal.

Prototyping rules:

The oldest player starts the match.
Pick a themed character to play as:
Herbalist (Violet) - Nature
Olympic player (Blue) - Sports
Solder (Green) - War
Roll the dice and step on the right panel:
* If you landed on a question mark panel - draw your colour card and answer the question. If answered correctly draw a bonus card. Turn is done.
* If you landed on an artefact panel - draw your colour artefact card. Turn is done.
* If you stepped on empty panel - you have no actions. Your turn is done.
Once you have collected all of your artefacts, you can start heading towards the centre bridge, which leads to the portal. Other players can still use their bonus cards on you. When you reach the portal your character can finally travel home. First two people to finish the game are considered successful in their mission.

Cards:

Artefact cards:
You get artefact cards only when you stop your turn on a panel that has the artefact symbol on it. Throughout the whole game you have to collect 3 artefacts that are marked in your character colour.

Question cards:
You have to draw a question card in your colour when you stop on a ‘?’ marked panel. If you do not answer correctly - your turn is over. If you answer correctly you can draw a bonus card.

Bonus cards:
You get bonus cards if you answer questions correctly.

Look & feel exploration

Sketching the board and manual

Cards, cards and failed cards :)

Working on the board

Stylising the manual

Manual design before HI-FI

Polished and corrected designs