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Cosmic Crew

Brief

Commissioned by Ziggo NL, "Cosmic Crew" was designed as a high-stakes, cooperative "theory test" to replace traditional corporate team-building. The objective was to encourage better communication between departments by placing players in distinct, high-pressure roles aboard a spaceship. The game utilizes a digital companion app to enforce real-time decision-making, forcing players to balance collective survival against hidden individual ambitions.

Role
Lead Programmer | UI/UX Designer | Physical Asset Producer
Tags
Hybrid Game Design, Python, UX Research

The Process

Phase 1: Systems Architecture & Role Dynamics The process began by defining the "Cooperative with Conflict" framework. I architected the resource management system—Fuel, Gear, and Supplies—and assigned unique abilities and hidden goals to each role (e.g., Captain, Engineer). This design was specifically tailored to mimic departmental interdependencies within a large organization, ensuring that success required active, transparent communication.



Phase 2: Companion App Development & UX To introduce real-time tension, I solely programmed the digital companion app using Godot and Python. The app manages the 15-minute mission timer and dynamic threat resolution, ensuring unpredictability in every session. The UI/UX was designed for high-stress environments, featuring a minimalist interface that allows for rapid data entry and clear objective forecasting under pressure.



Phase 3: Physical Pipeline & Rapid Prototyping I oversaw the transition from digital assets to tangible game components. This involved a full 3D modeling and 3D printing pipeline for functional ship pieces, alongside laser-cutting for the board and card housings. By producing these assets in-house, I was able to rapidly iterate on the physical ergonomics of the game based on active testing data.



Phase 4: Testing, Officiation & Iteration The final phase involved acting as the lead officiator for extensive game testing sessions. I collected qualitative feedback from diverse user groups to refine the game's balance and flow. This research-driven approach ensured that the final hybrid experience effectively met the client’s goal of breaking down professional silos through intense, shared problem-solving.

The Results

The project resulted in a unique, user-validated team-building tool that successfully merged software development with physical product design. By delivering a functional hybrid prototype for Ziggo NL, I demonstrated a comprehensive ability to lead a full product cycle—from initial theory-testing and UX research to final hardware production and technical implementation.

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