Music Combat is a two player game designed to help children learn the basics about music. Each player is given a box (similar to Battleship). Inside each box is a staff and a set of notes and rests. Players take turn composing a measure. The other player then hears the measure and tries to match it on their staff.
1st Prototype
Our goal with the first prototype was to determine the look and feel of the interfaces. We decided to give the notes and rest more tangible qualities by making them larger and thicker depending on the number of beats each is held. We decided to limit the game to use of quarter, whole, and half notes and rests, and the basic right hand staff.
In the first prototype, the players communicated through use of an LED and a token. This token was passed back and forth and the player with it in his or her tray was the composer. When the composer finished, he/she would push the LED causing it to light up on the other players board. When the player wants to test their attempt to match, the pressed a green play button located in the upper right hand corner of the box.
2nd Prototype
In the next prototype we began to think about the functionality of the game as well as what materials would be used in creating the game. We decided on wooden boxes. The staff was created on a magnetic board and placed in the upper lid.
We decided to use magnets as the way the notes and staff will interact. When a players attempt to match is checked, wrong notes will be "dropped" off the staff and they will have to try again.The notes were made of foam this time. The still differ in size and thickness and each have a magnet attached to the back. The token is also made of foam and is made quite large so that it will not be easy to lose.
3rd Prototype (currently in process)
We've made a few changes to the design. First we have gotten rid of the LED and the play button. The staff will be limited to a set number of beats and when the last beat is filled turn will change (an appropriate message is heard i.e "Match this tune in 3, 2, 1") We feel that this makes the game cleaner, less buttons = less clutter for the kids. We have also decided to use electromagnets which Ingrid is currently working on. Our goal for the next week is to be able to hold and release notes on the staff. Since Kelly bought such wonderfully large boxes we will be able to use our second prototype and make the appropriate changes needed to insert the electromagnets into the staff.
Look for more fun and exciting adventures of Team Awesome coming soon!
