Casaway Board Game

A game that teaches about editing DNA but is designed to be fun.

Presenting a complex scientific concept of DNA editing, also known as CRISPR, at a middle school education level was a challenge, but the solution is Casaway. It was created for The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and with the help of an undergraduate biology student’s expertice. Casaway presents the concept of DNA editing through a playful, tropical narrative involving slime, magic swords, and mutant plants and animals to represent the three main elements of CRISPR: RNA, CAS9, and Target DNA. Middle school students will be intrigued by the fun competitive narrative of the game. They will have fun, but more importantly they will learn about CRISPR.

Design Skills:

Game Design, Game Development, Branding, Illustration, Color Theory, Typography, Print Design, Packaging Design

Deliverables:

• Playable Board Game

• Game Branding

• Packaging

• Card Decks (Playable Separate from Board)

• Rule Book

• Educator’s Handbook

Logo Process:

The logo needs to feel like a fun game, but during the design process I struggled with coming up with a concept that had the right vibe for the game’s narrative. Since the branding would be a major influence on the audience’s experience with the game, from the moment of purchase to playing the game, it was important to get it right.

The final solution has colors and fonts that are are friendly, inviting, and eye catching without being too primary or childish. The logo features the colors of the different types of of Matches in the game (Land, Insect, Water, and Plant) as well as the island shape. It highlights the word “CAS” to give acknowledgement for the CRISPR element of CAS9.