Tarang Parikh

Introduction

Though plants bring beauty and a breath of fresh air to our lives, caring for them can be tricky. Busy schedules and limited knowledge often lead to wilting flora, making plant care feel overwhelming. While apps have made gardening more accessible by providing insights, tracking resources, and even turning plant care into interactive experiences, they can’t replicate the warmth and engagement of shared, tactile experiences.

During this project, I explored how plant care could be reimagined beyond the digital realm. Initially, I considered designing an app that would help users understand plant health through resource tracking and interactive features like music. However, I realised that the intimacy, laughter, and connection of playing together cannot be replaced by screens alone.

This insight led to Oh My Garden! A strategic tile-laying board game where players become gardeners. Across 12 rounds, they strategically manage resources (water, sunlight, and soil) by placing tiles to help their plants thrive while navigating challenges. The game transforms plant care into a playful, social, and satisfying experience.

Oh My Garden! At A Glance

Oh My Garden!

At A Glance

Oh My Garden! At A Glance

How might we craft an immersive experience around the fascinating world of plant care, guiding people through challenges while fostering a plant?

- Research Question

Design Process

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Problem Area, Research & Planning

The journey began with exploring how plant care could be transformed into a playful, strategic experience. I identified a gap in board games that combine the joy of gardening with light strategy - especially for people new to plant care.
Through trend analysis, player observation, and informal interviews, I found that many people are curious about plant care but often feel overwhelmed the complexity, commitment, or fear of doing it “wrong.” This insight laid the foundation for Oh My Garden - a game that introduces core plant care concepts in an engaging and fun manner

The journey began with exploring how plant care could be transformed into a playful, strategic experience. I identified a gap in board games that combine the joy of gardening with light strategy - especially for people new to plant care.
Through trend analysis, player observation, and informal interviews, I found that many people are curious about plant care but often feel overwhelmed the complexity, commitment, or fear of doing it “wrong.” This insight laid the foundation for Oh My Garden - a game that introduces core plant care concepts in an engaging and fun manner

The journey began with exploring how plant care could be transformed into a playful, strategic experience. I identified a gap in board games that combine the joy of gardening with light strategy - especially for people new to plant care.
Through trend analysis, player observation, and informal interviews, I found that many people are curious about plant care but often feel overwhelmed the complexity, commitment, or fear of doing it “wrong.” This insight laid the foundation for Oh My Garden - a game that introduces core plant care concepts in an engaging and fun manner

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Design & Prototyping

I started by sketching the initial gameplay loops and flow diagrams to define player actions per round
I then created a paper prototype of the game for player testing and iterated the gameplay based on the feedback I received from the players to balance the rules
Once I designed the strategy of Oh My Garden! was finalised I moved on to create the iterations of the tile and game token concepts
I then moved on to learning the basics of 'Blender' to help me design the game tokens

I started by sketching the initial gameplay loops and flow diagrams to define player actions per round
I then created a paper prototype of the game for player testing and iterated the gameplay based on the feedback I received from the players to balance the rules
Once I designed the strategy of Oh My Garden! was finalised I moved on to create the iterations of the tile and game token concepts
I then moved on to learning the basics of 'Blender' to help me design the game tokens

I started by sketching the initial gameplay loops and flow diagrams to define player actions per round
I then created a paper prototype of the game for player testing and iterated the gameplay based on the feedback I received from the players to balance the rules
Once I designed the strategy of Oh My Garden! was finalised I moved on to create the iterations of the tile and game token concepts
I then moved on to learning the basics of 'Blender' to help me design the game tokens

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Development & Implementation

Finalised core rules, player objectives, and resource systems
Designed the game identity and branding for other elements of the game
I balanced the weather effects to increase the replayability of Oh My Garden!
I then refined the artwork and worked with a printer to create ready-to-play physical prototype of the game
Documented setup instructions and created a clear, beginner-friendly rulebook
Conducted playtests with diverse user groups to validate accessibility and engagement and captured feedback on game flow and other improvements I could make in the future

Finalised core rules, player objectives, and resource systems
Designed the game identity and branding for other elements of the game
I balanced the weather effects to increase the replayability of Oh My Garden!
I then refined the artwork and worked with a printer to create ready-to-play physical prototype of the game
Documented setup instructions and created a clear, beginner-friendly rulebook
Conducted playtests with diverse user groups to validate accessibility and engagement and captured feedback on game flow and other improvements I could make in the future

Finalised core rules, player objectives, and resource systems
Designed the game identity and branding for other elements of the game
I balanced the weather effects to increase the replayability of Oh My Garden!
I then refined the artwork and worked with a printer to create ready-to-play physical prototype of the game
Documented setup instructions and created a clear, beginner-friendly rulebook
Conducted playtests with diverse user groups to validate accessibility and engagement and captured feedback on game flow and other improvements I could make in the future

Identity Design

Game Strategy

Final Designs