{"id":64,"date":"2026-10-25T19:44:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T19:44:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/?p=64"},"modified":"2026-10-30T12:32:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T12:32:24","slug":"week-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/2026\/10\/25\/week-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Week 4"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9730032a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:16px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:48px;padding-left:20px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.392), 18px);line-height:1.75\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#7a5b16;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:0.08em\"><strong>WEEKLY JOURNAL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/2026\/10\/06\/week-1\/\" style=\"border-radius:4px;color:#394139;background-color:#f1eee6\">Week 1<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/2026\/10\/07\/week-2\/\" style=\"border-radius:4px;color:#394139;background-color:#f1eee6\">Week 2<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/2026\/10\/25\/week-3\/\" style=\"border-radius:4px;color:#394139;background-color:#f1eee6\">Week 3<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/2026\/10\/25\/week-4\/\" style=\"border-radius:4px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#7a5b16\">Week 4<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/2026\/10\/29\/week-5\/\" style=\"border-radius:4px;color:#394139;background-color:#f1eee6\">Week 5<\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/2026\/10\/29\/week-6\/\" style=\"border-radius:4px;color:#394139;background-color:#f1eee6\">Week 6<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I missed the Week 4 lecture, but I took part in the prototype showcase for <em>Canvas of the Past<\/em>. I received feedback on the shadow puzzle and how it might develop into a longer game. These are the comments I want to follow up on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3ab1554b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background-color:#f7f5ef;padding-top:24px;padding-right:28px;padding-bottom:12px;padding-left:28px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#7a5b16;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:0.08em\"><strong>ON THIS PAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.196), 16px);line-height:1.7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#week-4-showcase\">1. Prototype showcase<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#week-4-feedback\">2. Feedback and my response<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#week-4-progression\">3. Showing how the player learns<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.196), 16px);line-height:1.7\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#week-4-world-and-art\">4. Connecting this with the lecture slides<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#week-4-next-prototype\">5. My next prototype<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#week-4-reflection\">6. Reflection<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"week-4-showcase\" style=\"color:#2d3932;margin-top:48px;margin-bottom:16px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:clamp(18.959px, 1.185rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.082), 30px);line-height:1.3\">1. Prototype showcase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several people liked the shadow mechanic and were interested in the story. That was encouraging, because the demonstration mainly showed the puzzle rather than a finished painting world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The comments also showed what I had not explained well enough. People wanted to know how the controls would work, how accurate an image had to be and how the puzzles would get harder. I need to show how someone learns the mechanic from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"week-4-feedback\" style=\"color:#2d3932;margin-top:48px;margin-bottom:16px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:clamp(18.959px, 1.185rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.082), 30px);line-height:1.3\">2. Feedback and my response<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-2026-10-16-120728.png\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1900\" height=\"716\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-2026-10-16-120728.png\" alt=\"Prototype showcase feedback on shadow-puzzle accuracy, controls, narrative, worldbuilding and difficulty progression.\" class=\"wp-image-81\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-2026-10-16-120728.png 1900w, https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-2026-10-16-120728-300x113.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-2026-10-16-120728-1024x386.png 1024w, https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-2026-10-16-120728-768x289.png 768w, https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-2026-10-16-120728-1536x579.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1900px) 100vw, 1900px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Feedback received during the prototype showcase. <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/94\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-2026-10-16-120728.png\">View the full-size feedback board<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table alignwide is-style-stripes\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.196), 16px);line-height:1.6\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Feedback theme<\/strong><\/th><th>What the comments raised<\/th><th>My proposed response<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Accuracy and frustration<\/td><td>Several comments questioned the precision required. One suggested accepting an 80% match rather than 90%.<\/td><td>I tried 80% myself and found it too easy, so I kept 90% for now. I still need to test how the tolerance feels to other players.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Controls<\/td><td>One comment described the left mouse, right mouse, Q, E and F inputs as too scattered.<\/td><td>Reduce unnecessary changes between control modes. I am also considering letting players choose their own key bindings.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Understanding the target<\/td><td>A peer suggested describing the intended shape through the story, such as making a castle, instead of always displaying an outline.<\/td><td>Begin with a clearly guided puzzle, then try a target described through the story. An optional outline could help if the clue is unclear.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Learning and progression<\/td><td>One response felt the demonstrated puzzle could appear midway through a game. It asked to see the first two or three puzzles and how the player gains skill.<\/td><td>I would start with one adjustment, then add another action in the next puzzle. Each memory should give the player a reason to continue.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Story and the wider game<\/td><td>Comments asked how memories enter the story, what other puzzles might exist, and whether this mechanic could sustain a full game. One suggested surrealist art as a reference.<\/td><td>I want the puzzle objects to act as anchor points for memories: things that left a strong impression on the artist.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My own test is not enough to settle the accuracy setting. I still need to see when other players think an image is finished, especially if the game rejects a shadow that looks complete to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"week-4-progression\" style=\"color:#2d3932;margin-top:48px;margin-bottom:16px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:clamp(18.959px, 1.185rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.082), 30px);line-height:1.3\">3. Showing how the player learns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The question about progression made me think about the first few puzzles. I would sketch these small exercises:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>First puzzle:<\/strong> A simple target with only one adjustment to make. The player can see what changes the shadow and gets a clear signal when it is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Second puzzle:<\/strong> Add a few pieces or limited rotation. Some rules stay familiar so the player can use what they learned in the first puzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A later puzzle:<\/strong> Give the player more freedom and a clue connected to a memory. They would need to interpret the clue and use actions they already know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These could be stages within the two planned rooms, rather than three separate rooms. I want to see whether the extra freedom feels satisfying once someone understands the controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"week-4-world-and-art\" style=\"color:#2d3932;margin-top:48px;margin-bottom:16px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:clamp(18.959px, 1.185rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.082), 30px);line-height:1.3\">4. Connecting this with the lecture slides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Week 4 slides discuss how objects, visual rules and style communicate a world. For my game, I want the quiet gallery and the space inside the painting to have different visual styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An object in a shadow puzzle could be important in one of the artist&#8217;s memories. Completing it might reveal why it matters or change an unfinished part of the painting. I still need to write the memory fragments and choose the details that would make this clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The slides also discuss interface clarity. This relates to the feedback on the number of controls. I want prompts to be easy to follow, while using light and brush marks to draw attention to things in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"week-4-next-prototype\" style=\"color:#2d3932;margin-top:48px;margin-bottom:16px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:clamp(18.959px, 1.185rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.082), 30px);line-height:1.3\">5. My next prototype<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would start by simplifying the controls and making their effects clearer. Then I can test the alignment feedback and accuracy setting without confusing an input problem with a puzzle problem. I also want to add an opening where the visitor walks through a gallery corridor before being drawn into the painting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In another test, I would watch where players hesitate and which controls they mix up. I would also check whether they recognise a completed image and understand the target without me explaining it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b4ef3d6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:8px;background-color:#f7f5ef;margin-top:48px;padding-top:4px;padding-right:28px;padding-bottom:28px;padding-left:28px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"week-4-reflection\" style=\"color:#2d3932;margin-top:48px;margin-bottom:16px;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:clamp(18.959px, 1.185rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.082), 30px);line-height:1.3\">6. Reflection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The showcase gave me reasons to keep working on the shadow mechanic, but it also showed how easily it could become frustrating. The controls and accuracy requirement need attention before I add much more around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I want the player to feel they are getting better at the puzzles while also learning about the artist. Solving an image should feel satisfying, and the memory afterwards should make them want to see the next room.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WEEKLY JOURNAL I missed the Week 4 lecture, but I took part in the prototype showcase for Canvas of the Past. I received feedback on the shadow puzzle and how it might develop into a longer game. These are the comments I want to follow up on. ON THIS PAGE 1. Prototype showcase Several people [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-64","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/74"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":165,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64\/revisions\/165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/kl1e25\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}