Written by Fang, 2021 Cohort
My role in the team Sea Wolves
I was very delighted to work as a game director in the Sea Wolves, using my design methodology and research skills to create an engaging game inside a cannery. My main contributions to the team included the field trip, interviews, marketing research, scheme conception, gameplay design, wireframes and prototype design, as well as helping with video production. I followed up the whole progress of our team and ensured that our game met the needs for our target audience, teaching them the history of the cannery while having a lot of fun.
The high points of this project
The cannery project was the biggest project simulation that I have experienced in pre-MDM so far. The first thing that I really enjoyed was the field trip to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, in Steveston. I have to admit that the cannery was one of the best museums that I had ever visited due to its well-designed service and interesting history. Besides, on that day, I finally met my internet friends (classmates from online courses) in person, tried a yummy apple pie in the cafe, and had delicious Fish Chips while appreciating the charming sunset on the seashore.
Another high point for me was the efficient collaboration of our team. I felt grateful for having a responsible team lead and three awesome teammates. All of us tried our best to coordinate our personal time for meetings. Our communication was productive and enjoyable despite the time difference between China and Canada and I believe my English has improved a lot. Not only did we promote the project and have a clear output after each meeting, but we also found out more about the personalities and professional expertise of our teammates.
The biggest challenge for me
The biggest challenge for me was how to cope with stress from the project. Personally, I think this is a life-long lesson for me, since I tend to be anxious about many things. During the last two weeks of this project, we felt pretty anxious because we were afraid that we could not finish our project according to our original plan. We held team meetings almost everyday after night class and I had to stay up late in order to better communicate with the classmates in China. I did not feel very well the week before the final presentation and my body also sent me some signals. I realized I had to learn how to deal with stress from busy school work and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Hopefully I could improve my efficiency and cope with stress from school better in the following semester!
Overall, I really enjoyed working for the cannery project with my teammates in Sea Wolves. I want to say THANKS to my teammates, teaching assistants and our teacher, because I know for sure that such a good project experience would not exist without the help from you all.