Microwave: Ready to Serve
Board Game
Creative Problem Solving 



Intro

I designed a party game that’s easy to learn in five minutes. It incorporates randomness and unpredictability, common in party games, but I wanted to add strategic depth for players who seek it.


Research
Through observation and conversations with friends, I noticed a pattern: many dislike overly complex board games, like Monopoly, and prefer lighter games, such as UNO. Some even expressed wanting to lose quickly in complex games just to avoid playing. This highlighted the need for simplicity and accessibility in party games, yet I wanted to ensure that players seeking more engagement would still find strategic depth.



Problem
How can a party game remain fun and accessible while offering strategic choices?


Actions Taken
  1. Streamlining Movement
    Players use random action points but choose their movement direction, blending chance with control. 
  2. Expanding Choices
    Adding expressways on the map gave players alternate paths for strategic planning.
  3. Clarifying Events
    Good and bad tiles are marked, allowing players to trigger benefits or force opponents into traps.


Outcome
The game balances accessibility and strategy, satisfying both casual and competitive players. This process reflects my approach to solving design challenges: research, iteration, and balancing competing goals for an engaging experience.