XIAOXI XU | CECILIA

 

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RESEARCH






Color Matching|色彩游戏

A 1D EducationalGame
2025.9-12 Design for Physical Interaction

A two-player color-matching game where Red and Blue each chase their own color.

Using rotary dials, the red player races to find the red target block while the blue player hunts for blue.

Whoever aligns with their color fastest and most accurately wins the round.



Arcade


12/08/2025Cornell University AAP Ithaca,NY




Design Process


Paper
Prototype During the paper prototyping stage, we implemented the core baseline functionality. However, through hands-on testing, we identified conflicts in the rotary-based physical controls and found that the overall product integration was still fragmented. In terms of gameplay feedback, we also realized the need for more intuitive and concise feedback mechanisms that do not rely on on-screen text.



Mid-Fi 
Prototype After playtesting with 15 classmates, we refined the second prototype to improve immersion and gameplay tension. We eliminated on-screen text to reduce visual clutter, replacing it with LED strip feedback, and developed a new 3D-printed model to fully integrate the electronics.

Additionally, we introduced level design and reworked the hint logic, enabling players unfamiliar with color theory to learn the mechanics quickly.




1. Introduction
Our initial concept draws inspiration from digital color-mixing games and physical board games such as Wavelength. The project is designed as a two-player competitive experience with an educational focus.

The form factor is inspired by color wheel, and the final physical design takes the shape of a canvas mounted on an easel. We aimed to evoke the embodied experience of mixing colors on a painter’s palette, allowing interaction to feel intuitive, playful, and materially grounded.






2. Design
 The game was developed using p5.js for the interface, Arduino for the physical controller, and woodworking and 3D modeling/printing for the enclosure. Both the digital and physical components went through multiple rounds of iteration informed by player testing.