Major Project - Task 1

4/2/2025 - 17/3/2025 (Week 1 - Week 7)

Low Li Vern/ 0362678

Major Project / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Task 1

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Task 1 / Proposal Development

Week 1 - Briefing Session

In the first week of our Major Project class, Mr. Kamal briefed us on our assignments. He assigned us to form groups of four, ensuring each group included members from different specializations. As an animation student, I needed to collaborate with three other classmates specializing in entertainment design, immersive design, or another animation student.

Members:

1. Lim En Yu 0354452 (Digital Animation)
2. Low Li Vern 0362678 (Digital Animation)
3. Emily Soh Ching-Ling 0359478 (Digital Animation)
4. Ng Kar Yee 0367743 (Immersive Design)

After finding my teammates, we had a short discussion about potential topics for our project. We decided to conduct some research and finalize our topic in Week 2. To keep our discussions organized, we created a WhatsApp group chat to share ideas and updates.

Week 2 - Ideation and Research

#Ideation

I proposed two ideas to our group, and we all agreed that the 12 Zodiac Animals would be a great choice for our Major Project. Since Kar Yee, an immersive design student, is part of our team, we decided to incorporate 3D modeling and VR gameplay into our project to make it more interactive and engaging.

After proposing our idea to Mr. Kamal and Mr. Kannan, they found it interesting and worth exploring. They provided us with guidance and outlined the next steps, which included conducting thorough research on the topic to develop a strong foundation for our project.

#Research

12 Chinese Zodiac's Personality

1. Rat

Birth year: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032

Personality: Outgoing, quick-witted, and adaptable

Weaknesses: Picky, lack of persistence, self-centred

Mission for rat in the game: The rat will be looking for ox, and the player will need to find the position of ox for rat.

2. Ox

Birth year: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033

Personality: Strong, calm, and honest

Weaknesses: Stubborn, overcautious, insociable

Mission for ox in the game: Continuous mission that needs to bring the ox to rat.

3. Snake

Birth year: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037

Personality: Sociable, graceful, eloquent

Weaknesses: Unapproachable, jealous, sly

Mission for snake in the game: Snake is struggling because of the obstacle in the road, and the player needs to find another way for the snake to pass through. (river which snake can swim faster to reach the end point)

4. Boar

Birth year: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043

Personality: Diligent, sincere, positive, responsible, compassionate, generous

Weaknesses: Easily influenced, realistic, emotional, self-indulgent

5. Dog

Birth year: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042

Personality: Brave, loyal, responsible, clever, lively

Weaknesses: Sensitive, conservative, stubborn, emotional

6. Horse

Birth year: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Personality: Inspired, cheerful, talented, perceptive, intelligent and popular

Weaknesses: Overly ambitious, overconfident, and sometimes too sophisticated

7. Tiger

Birth year: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034

Personality: Cautious, energetic, brave, and persistent

Strengths: Determined/strong-willed, confident, trustworthy, and honest

Weaknesses: Stubborn, aggressive, argumentative, and egotistical

8. Rabbit

Birth year: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Personality: Easygoing, considerate, devoted, and sensible

Strengths: Team player, polite, cautious, and responsible

Weaknesses: Hesitant, timid, conservative, and sentimental

9. Dragon

Birth year: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Personality: Righteous, honourable, idealistic, and ambitious

Strengths: Generous, confident, charismatic, and self-respecting

Weaknesses: Temperamental, impulsive, cold, and self-centred

10. Sheep

Birth year: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039

Personality: gentle, sympathetic, calm, creative, imaginative, sociable, and considerate

Weaknesses: negative, hesitating, impractical, and sometimes stubborn

11. Monkey

Birth year: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Personality: Active, quick-witted, smart, humorous, sociable, capable and brave

Weaknesses: Braggart, tricky, opportunistic, impatient and vainglorious

12. Rooster

Birth year: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029.

Personality: Outgoing, humorous, independent and smart

Weaknesses: Impatient, boastful and egoistic

My research focus for the 12 Chinese Zodiac project is on the Boar, Dog, and Horse. I explored articles on Google Scholar and found it fascinating that some studies suggest people may share personality traits with their zodiac animals.

#Proposal Development

Since we have a presentation in Week 4, we began developing the necessary materials, including the theme, introduction, problem statement, and other key elements. Our group held an online meeting to discuss the details of our idea, ensuring that everyone was aligned and working with the same concept.

Fig 1.1 Online Meeting

1. Theme & Topic

Quest of Twelve

2. Introduction/Synopsis (En Yu)

This project will sort out the background of the Chinese zodiac culture, promote the Chinese zodiac culture to individuals who are unfamiliar with this culture, and provide interactive visual experiences for the audience to dive into this culture. The audience will have the chance to experience a first-person view that has travelled back in time to find out the truth and the reason for the 12 Chinese animal zodiac. 

As this will be a VR-based project, the audience managed to have an immersive experience while completing the tasks and challenges in the Chinese Zodiac world in the past. While completing the missions, the audience as a player could learn more about the background of the Chinese Animal Zodiac story and how this system works.

3. Problem Statement (Li Vern)

The Chinese 12 Animal Zodiac is a significant part of Chinese culture, with a history of over thousands of years. In Chinese culture, each year will have a representative zodiac animal, which cycles every twelve years. In today’s day and age, younger generations tend to be unfamiliar with the cultural significance of the 12 Zodiac animals, driven by a lack of interest in studying it. Additionally, traditional sources of knowledge, including books and static visuals, often lack engagement and interactivity, causing learners to find memorising and studying the Zodiac order challenging. 

This has effectively caused cultural knowledge to be on the verge of extinction, especially among the younger and non-Chinese population who lack accessible ways to study it. This rich culture may become irrelevant over time, implying the importance of effective educational tools.

Modern audiences (children and young adults) are more inclined towards interactive and gamified learning experiences. However, the market currently lacks an engaging and immersive educational tool that appeals to younger audiences, posing an attractive opportunity for us to meet this unmet need. 

This project aims to bridge the gap between tradition and technology by creating a VR-based interactive experience as we combine storytelling, interaction, and cultural education in the game. We aim to let players participate in the Great Zodiac Race, solve challenges related to each animal’s personality, and ultimately learn the Zodiac order in a fun and memorable way. By involving VR technology, users can actively explore and interact with the Zodiac world, making cultural learning more immersive, educational, and enjoyable.

4. Research Objective (Emily)

- To identify VR mechanics that effectively engage players while educating them about the Chinese zodiac.

- To explore how interactive storytelling can enhance user understanding and retention of Chinese zodiac lore.

- To evaluate the effectiveness of gamification in teaching cultural heritage.

5. Research Question (Emily)

- How can users engage with the 12 zodiacs in an educational and entertaining way?

What storytelling techniques work best in a VR setting to convey the story behind the 12 zodiacs?

- How can gamification (e.g. achievements, challenges, role-playing) enhance learning outcomes?

6. Target Audience (Karyee)

Our primary target audience for this project includes children, young adults and individuals from diverse backgrounds who are interested in learning more about the Chinese 12 animal zodiac. 

7. How Might We Statement (Karyee)

- How might we create an interactive and immersive VR experience that not only educates but also engages a diverse audience in learning about the 12-animal zodiac through interactive gameplay

- How might we design a VR game that allows players to immersively explore and interact with the mythology and symbolism of the zodiac animals in an educational and entertaining way?

- How might we make learning about cultural heritage more engaging and accessible through the use of 3D modeling, animation, and immersive VR technology?

8. Unique Selling Proposition (USP) (Karyee)

Experience an immersive VR adventure where the origins of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals come to life before your eyes! This VR-based interactive journey brings history to life, allowing players to travel back in time and engage with the zodiac animals to uncover the story behind their order through different challenges. Blending education, cultural storytelling, and interactive gameplay, this project offers a one-of-a-kind experience that makes learning about the Chinese zodiac both engaging and memorable.

9. Concept Overview (Li Vern)

Introduction Stage

At the start of the game, players are introduced to Chinese culture, specifically the 12 Chinese animal zodiac, which has a history of thousands of years. Since this culture might be unfamiliar to some players, a brief introduction will explain its significance. Many might wonder how and why the zodiac system was created and why the animals are arranged in a specific order.

To explore this, the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) appears and speaks with the player. Curious about the legendary Great Race that determined the zodiac order, he tasks the player to travel back in time to witness and oversee the race firsthand. The player’s role is to supervise and observe how each animal participated in the race, uncovering the origins of this ancient tradition.

Puzzle Stage

Stage 1

The player travels back to the moment when the Great Race has just begun. The first animal they encounter is the Boar, which holds the last position in the zodiac. The player quickly notices that the Boar is sleepy and unmotivated to run in the race. To encourage the Boar, the player must complete a small interactive game which is a food collection challenge. By gathering food, the player helps the Boar regain energy and enthusiasm to participate in the race. This mini-game serves as a fun way to showcase the Boar's personality, reflecting its traits in the zodiac while creating a more engaging and memorable experience for players. Once the Boar receives the food, it becomes happy and ready to run the race. As a token of gratitude, the Boar rewards the player with a golden coin engraved with its zodiac symbol before setting off on the race.

Other Stages

As the journey continues, the player encounters each of the zodiac animals one by one. Each animal faces a unique challenge, and the player must assist them in overcoming their obstacles. In return for their help, the animals reward the player with a golden coin engraved with their respective zodiac symbol.

Final Stage

At the end of the journey, the player crosses the finish line alongside the Rat, marking the conclusion of the Great Race. They are then transported to a platform featuring a Bagua array, where they must place the collected golden coins. As the coins are arranged, the order of the 12 zodiac animals appears on the floor, revealing the final sequence. The game concludes here.

Through this storyline, players gain a clear understanding of the Chinese zodiac, its significance, and the personalities of each zodiac animal. The interactive experience also helps them easily memorize the order of the 12 zodiac signs in an engaging and immersive way.

10. Detail Concept Breakdown (Ideation - All) 

Introduction Stage (Karyee)

The game begins with the player entering a celestial realm, standing on a mystical platform surrounded by twelve doors, each door representing a zodiac animal. The environment is ethereal, with floating clouds and glowing constellations. The Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) appears and explains the cultural significance of the Chinese zodiac and the legend of the Great Race that determined the order of the 12 animals. To learn the full backstory firsthand, the Jade Emperor sends the player back in time to observe the race, assigning them the role of an overseer. Besides, the player is also tasked to collect 12 golden coins where each represents one of the zodiac animals. By gathering all 12 coins, players will discover how each animal secured its place in the zodiac cycle.

Gameplay Introduction (Karyee)

Players are transported to a lush forest map, where they receive a brief tutorial on basic controls, such as movement and jumping. They will learn how to interact with objects, collect items and navigate puzzles. Once comfortable with the controls, they begin their journey through the stages, each focusing on a specific zodiac animal’s story.

#References

After that, I researched similar games as references. I started by exploring interactive and VR games to gather ideas for our gameplay. Our unique selling point lies in our distinctive art style and interactive elements, designed to create a memorable experience for players.

Fig 1.2 Pets VR Game

Fig 1.3 Beat Saber Game

Fig 1.4 It Takes Two Game

Game	Pros	Cons	Key Interaction Learnings
It Takes Two	- Highly interactive and cooperative gameplay. - Engaging and creative level design. - Strong emotional connection through storytelling.	- Requires two players at all times. - Some mechanics might feel overwhelming for casual players.	- Effective use of cooperative mechanics to enhance engagement. - Dynamic environments that change based on player actions. - Emotional storytelling through interactive elements.
Beat Saber	- Highly immersive VR experience. - Simple yet addictive rhythm-based gameplay. - Great use of music synchronization and motion controls.	- Limited gameplay variety beyond slicing blocks. - Requires physical movement, which may not appeal to all players.	- Intuitive motion-based controls that make interactions feel natural. - Engaging use of rhythm to drive player actions. - Strong feedback system (visual and audio cues) to enhance immersion.
Pets VR	- Cute and engaging pet interactions. - Encourages exploration and creativity. - Relaxing and casual experience.	- Limited depth in gameplay mechanics. - May not appeal to players looking for action-packed experiences.	- Strong emotional connection through pet interaction. - Good use of VR to create an engaging and personal experience. - Simple but effective mechanics that make interactions feel meaningful.

Fig 1.5 Compare of VR Games

#Moodboard

For the mood board, I gathered several reference images from Google and Pinterest, saving the ones I found most interesting. After collecting a variety of visuals, I categorized them into different styles and organized them into a Canva mood board to help define the artistic direction of our project.

Character Styles:

1. Chinese Antiquity Style
2. Cute Style
3. Origami Style
4. Old Myth Style
5. Paper Cutting Style
6. Minimalistic Style

We also researched environment references and decided on a bright yet mystical setting. Our goal is to create an environment that complements the animals in the original zodiac story, ensuring that the design feels immersive and true to the cultural theme.

MPI - Task 1 (Mood Board) 

Week 3 - Consultation and Sketches

#Gameplay Stages

Gameplay Storyline (Li Vern)

Pig - Stage 1 Food Collection Challenge

Personality presented : Pig –  Relaxed & Friendly

Dog - Stage 2 Returning the Lost Item

Personality presented : Dog – Loyal & Helpful

Goat, Monkey and Rooster - Stage 3 Boat Race Challenge

Personality presented : Goat, Monkey, & Rooster – Cooperative & Resourceful

Horse - Stage 4 Rhythm Challenge

Personality presented : Horse – Brave but Easily Startled

Snake - Stage 5 Maze Navigation Challenge

Personality presented : Snake – Cunning & Overconfident

Dragon - Stage 6 Cloud Pushing Challenge

Personality presented : Dragon – Noble & Generous

Rabbit - Stage 7 Courage Challenge

Personality presented : Rabbit – Timid & Cautious

Tiger - Stage 8 Trap Escape Challenge

Personality presented : Tiger – Stubborn & Overconfident

Mouse and Ox - Stage 9 The Final Race

Personality presented : Mouse – Clever but Trickster

Ox Challenge – Obstacle Avoidance & Endurance

Personality presented : Ox – Hardworking & Strong

Ending Stage (Karyee)

After collecting all 12 zodiac coins, the player crosses the finish line with the Rat, concluding the Great Race. They proceed to the celestial Bagua array platform, where they place the coins in the correct order. As the coins align, the floor lights up, revealing the sequence of the 12 zodiac animals, unlocking the secret of their order. The game concludes with the Jade Emperor praising the player for uncovering the story behind the Chinese zodiac and preserving its cultural significance. This immersive experience presents different personality traits, showing how each zodiac animal has strengths and weaknesses. Some are clever, some are brave, while others are timid or overconfident. The player helps them overcome their challenges, making the race a fun and memorable journey.

#Consulatation

In Week 3, we had an online consultation with Mr. Kamal. My groupmates and I went to school together and joined the session as a team. We presented our idea to him, and he provided feedback, suggesting that we consider an island-themed environment design to enhance the visual and immersive experience of our project.

Fig 2.1 Island Reference

Fig 2.2 Island Reference

After receiving Mr. Kamal’s feedback, we quickly searched for online references and created rough sketches to develop our island-themed environment. This helped us visualize how the setting would align with our concept and make it more immersive.

Fig 2.3 Island Rough Sketch

# Character Sketches

During the consultation, we presented our mood board to Mr. Kamal and explained our decision to use a low-poly origami style for the 3D models. We chose this style because it is simple yet visually appealing, and it offers an interesting approach to animation. Since many games typically go for a realistic art direction, we felt that a low-poly aesthetic could make our project stand out and attract players. To enhance the VR experience, we plan to incorporate high-quality textures, colors, and effects while maintaining the low-poly design.

Fig 2.4 Rabbit Sketch

Fig 2.5 Tiger Sketch

Fig 2.6 Mouse Sketch

Fig 2.7 Ox Sketch

#Environment Sketches

For the environment sketch, we decided to start with the Introduction Island, as it will be the first area players explore. We want this island to be rich in Chinese cultural elements, so we researched symbols and architecture related to Chinese traditions. Our research included traditional Chinese buildings, and we identified Bagua as an important symbol, representing yin-yang and its connection to the 12 Chinese Zodiac. Integrating these cultural elements will help create an immersive and meaningful environment for players.

Fig 2.8 Environment Sketch Outline

Fig 2.9 Environment Sketch

Fig 2.10 Final Stage Environment Sketch

Fig 2.11 Final Stage Environment Sketch

#Task 1 Final Outcome

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FEEDBACK

*W2 FEEDBACK:*

- Good.

- Have the Jade Emperor congratulate the player at the end.

- The flow of the story is understandable.

- The animation should be appealing to the audience (kids) as it is supposed to be educational.

- If the workload is too much, you can reduce the introduction animation. Focus more on the game.

- Origami animals are hard to animate. Limited movements.

- The white animals from the mood board will be easier to animate, also stylistically interesting. Model something with similar simplicity. High-poly with simple shapes.

- Don't do overly cute. Too simple.

- The style of the world should match the characters (e.g. low-poly characters in low-poly world).

- If you do low-poly, the colour and composition must be nice.

- Not sure if Unreal Engine supports low-poly. Make low-poly sample models and try importing to UE.

- You can contact your senior Jamie(?) for the technical stuff.

*W2 PROPOSAL FEEDBACK:*

- References can.

- Story and stages need to develop more.

- Characters can.

*W3 FEEDBACK:*

- @ Floating islands: Make sure each floating island is distinct from the others and not all the same. Decide on a theme for each island. You could also have the player teleport to different maps instead of islands.

- Don't sacrifice your creativity for limitations.

- @ Timeline: Your timeline is detailed and can be used for Task 2, but for Task 1, keep it brief (such as milestones). Put the simplified version in the PPT.

- @ Group member roles: Everyone can have a common role, but should also be split into specific roles.

- @ Gameplay stages: Make the stages simple enough for you to execute. Relate the environment to the animals. You might not be able to complete so many stages. Reduce the activities (e.g. introduction, 3-4 stages). Create visuals for the gameplay. The ideas are good, but you should consider the execution.

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