Error 409
A phygital game for Decimal to Binary number conversion
GAME DESIGN | BRANDING
ROLE
Gameplay & Visual Identity
RESEARCH
The project began with a brief to gamify educational topics for students aged 10 and above, making learning both engaging and interactive. To identify a suitable subject, we delved into NCERT textbooks for Computer Science education. Our goal was to find a concept that could benefit from a playful and hands-on approach to teaching, ultimately selecting binary numbers as the focus for our game.
GOALS
- Identify difficulties students face when learning binary numbers through traditional methods.
- Investigate how games can make abstract concepts like binary numbers more accessible and enjoyable.
- Determine how to align game mechanics with the learning objectives outlined in NCERT Computer Science textbooks.
- Explore the role of visual aids, interactivity, and reward systems in enhancing comprehension and retention of binary numbers
WHAT ARE BINARY NUMBERS
Binary numbers are a number system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent all values. They form the foundation of computer systems, as computers operate using binary logic.
CONTEXT
This game was developed as a part of an academic course to help in making understanding CS concepts easy in school. Binary numbers is an important CS topic usually introduced to kids of class 6-7 as basics of Computer science, while it is a basic concept it’s strong association with numerical concepts can make it daunting for kids to learn. To tackle this, Error 409 transforms learning into an engaging experience making it easier for students to grasp the basics of binary numbers.
TEAM
Vijayanand Banahatti,
Yash Karanjavkar, Hayat Tamboli
Literature study
To identify a suitable topic for the game, we conducted a quick literature study due to time constraints. We reviewed NCERT textbooks for Computer Science to understand the curriculum and the concepts being taught to students aged 10 and above. Additionally, we spoke with students to gather insights into which topics they and their peers found most challenging to grasp. This dual approach helped us pinpoint binary numbers as a concept that could greatly benefit from a gamified learning experience.
Designing the gameplay
We began brainstorming ideas to create a gameplay experience that was engaging, challenging, and effectively taught the concept of binary numbers. Our focus was on integrating conflict and intrigue to enhance player engagement while ensuring the educational objective remained central. Through multiple iterations and refinements, we developed the final gameplay that strikes a balance between learning and enjoyment.
Competitive analysis
After selecting binary numbers as our topic, we explored existing games designed to teach this concept. Our research revealed several options, including games like Binary Blaster, which emphasize speed and accuracy in solving binary problems. However, we identified a key limitation in these games: the lack of conflict or narrative elements that could foster deeper engagement and sustained interest.
To make learning binary numbers enjoyable and accessible for middle school students.
Player 1 wins!!
Score 0-1
Player 1 wins!!
VERSION I
VERSION II
VERSION III
Each player selects 3 numbers.
They take turns placing 1’s on the 8x10 grid.
The goal is to form the selected numbers by arranging the 1's on the grid.
The first player to successfully create 2 of their 3 numbers wins the game.
Each player selects 3 numbers.
Players take turns placing 1’s or 0’s on the 8x8 grid.
The first player to create 2 of their 3 selected numbers wins the game.
Each player selects 3 numbers.
Players take turns flipping tokens with 1’s and 0’s on a linear grid.
The first player to create 2 of their 3 selected numbers wins the game.
DECIMAL TO BINARY CONVERSION
= 149
128
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
0
0
16
0
4
0
1
1
2^7
2^6
2^5
2^4
2^3
2^2
2^1
2^0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
To convert a decimal number into binary, break it down into power of 2
This binary number represents
This decimal number
Prototyping & testing
The initial version of the game was crafted using laser-cut acrylic sheets. Both the game board and the binary bits were etched with numbers, providing a durable and visually clear design for gameplay.
The first testing of the game was done during the course with students ranging from class 7-10.
Redesigning the console
For our submission to the CHI Play 2024 Student Game Design Conference, we redesigned the game to integrate into an interactive console while retaining the original gameplay.
3D printing
Painting
Installing electronics
Final console
ON/OFF SWITCH
Toggle button to switch the console on/off.
SCREEN
Game display and instruction will be visible on an e ink display.
BYTES
These bytes are to be used during the game to create binary numbers and select difficulty levels.
SWITCHES
These switches are used to control respective bits during the game.
BUTTON
This button is used to either claim a number during the game or continue when required.
Dark green
04231F
Old lace
F8EFDD
Keppel
49BAA4
White
FFFFFF
Packaging the game
It took various iterations to reach the desired packaging to support the game content.
Colour palette
The console
Final version
The game box was designed to accommodate all the components required for the game including reusable acrylic sheet cards to write numbers and cable in case of alternate power supply requirements.
Presenting Error 409 at CHI Play 2024
A core memory and winner of the “Most Polished Gameplay” award. Watch the gameplay video below.
Player 1
Player 2
80, 240, 1
20, 51, 45
Player 1
Player 2
10, 15, 41
20, 204, 45
Player 1
Player 2
10, 15, 80
20, 204, 45
128
128
64
64
32
32
1
1
1
1
1
1
80
240
204
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
16
16
8
8
4
4
2
2
1
1
128
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
64
32
1
1
1
0
0
0
16
8
4
2
1
128
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
64
32
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
16
8
4
2
1
128
128
64
64
32
32
16
16
8
8
4
4
2
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
80
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
Made with love and framer in Mumbai, India.
For opportunities or simply to chat, write to me at
deekshaanim24@gmail.com
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