A mind map of all different name options was produced to come up with the right one. Ideas explored included Cool Characters, Funky Bunch Characters, and People Town. However, the name that worked the best was Chum Chum’s, a variation of the slang word chums, meaning friends. Using the word twice gives it a much friendlier ring as well, emphasising the characters cute appeal.
Initial sketches were created to come up with the layout for the character side of the cards, thinking about the layout of the information and how it will all fit onto such a small size, whilst still remaining readable for children without reducing the point size too much. The research undertaken into Top Trumps common content influenced massively what content was actually included, and also ensured these Top Trumps were of the same structure as other themes to ensure they fit in.
Taking it Digital
The sketches produced were adapted and tried out digitally, using an actual character to work from to ensure everything fitted on. The placement of the Top Trumps File ensured the character image and scoring point sections were clearly split up, and to create clear sections within the card. The characters 3 point description was used to formulate the Top Trumps File.
The colour choice was taken from the character itself, with the idea that each card would have it’s own personal colour scheme that was reflective of it’s style.
The scoring points aspect was determined that it should be different colours, to teach children the names of colours, and help them to learn to distinguish between them. This could also be great if children are only starting to read.
Layout Application & Feedback
Once a basic layout was determined, it was applied to all the characters in the set. In Top Trumps there are only 30 character cards, so I had to be really selective of what characters to include, ensuring that a wide selection of different characters were included to show variety.
What was challenging was deciding on the colour scheme for the character card sides (except for the scoring points), as the characters each had different background colours, so one generic colour didn’t work effectively across every single card. Different colours were experimented with, including blue, green, yellow, and grey. From feedback from peers it was determined that the grey shade was the most effective, as it was neutral and didn’t take away from the characters themselves.
Card backs & Feedback
Two different backs had to be created for the Top Trumps cards, a special one for the reverse of the ‘how to’ card, and a generic one for the backs of the character cards. It was the special reverse that proved challenging, as it was difficult trying to make it look individual and bold, whilst still showcasing the characters and not appearing comical or oddly sized.
These designs were shared with peers on Facebook to determine people’s opinion on the layout alternatives. It was concluded through this feedback that the top right layout was the most effective, however comments were made that the spacing should be equal between the top of “Top Trumps” and the bottom of “Chum Chums” to ensure a balanced layout.
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