Together with my daughter, Sophie, we came up with a board game idea. I created a paper prototype to test it with her and her brother Lucas. After the enjoyed it so much, I decided to further explore the idea and test the concept version.
The reactions were good, the order for the first 1000 games has been placed and they are ready for shipment to the Netherlands!
Coloring pages
The game is almost there! … but if you already want to join the fun, download the coloring pages for each of the five characters here!
 | Knuffel Buffel Kleurplaat – Betsy Bison |
 | KnuffelBuffel_Kleurplaat_Benny Buffel |
 | KnuffelBuffel_Kleurplaat_Hattie Hooglander |
 | KnuffelBuffel_Kleurplaat_Yasmin Jak |
 | KnuffelBuffel_Kleurplaat_Elanor Eenhoorn |
Status
After a very successful Spellen Spektakel in Utrecht in the weekend the 9th & 10th of October , we proceed with talking to both production companies and board game publishers to explore which road most likely leads to an actual product. My goals is to make this game available to the public in the first part of 2025!
Process so far
Ideation
Using sketches we started to explore the idea of a set of stuffed animals that lost part of their fur. After some initial ideation the mechanics were refined to make sure the game is actually playable, fun and well balanced.
Paper prototype
Using very simple materials, prints on regular paper and a normal dice, an initial prototype was made to test the game idea within a small group of test subjects, my kids.
While playing, notes were made on where the game needed improvement or which elements should stay as designed.
Prototype & user test
Prototype
After testing the paper prototype a little more advanced prototype was created in which the improvements are implemented. This prototype was created by manually glueing printed visuals on cardboard and cutting parts to shape using a laser cutter. The dice were also made using the laser cutter set to engraving.
A-B testing
At this point 2 different game mechanics I wanted to test. Therefore 10 prototypes were made, 5 per specific mechanic, and each was given to willing test-families. After two weeks a brief survey was sent to each family to inquire insights in the game experience.
Prototype v02
With the insights from the user tests I made improvements on the design varying from deciding on the desired mechanics, clarifying the rules and instructions and crafting a box with artwork and professionally printed character boards.
This prototype was used to discuss the game with some more experienced board game designers in MeetUp groups.
Prototype v03
The last prototype improved on some minor aspects and incorporated some changes in the artwork. With this prototype I contacted manufacturers and publishers to explore the next steps forward.