The toy I designed is called DRINKO-PLINKO. It’s like the popular cultural phenomenon Plinko, but enhanced in every way. I got my original idea while watching the Price Is Right, and other various game shows. However, I knew this idea was just too simple, so I decided to expand and alter the rules in order to take the game to a whole new level. I was influenced by the research that was done in class beforehand. In class we had the "Bring a Toy" activity and with that we broke apart the different elements that make certain toys effective and fun. I kept these suggestions open when brainstorming ideas for my game. Whilst brainstorming I came up with numerous ideas, and realized that for our age group and this specific target audience, it is mostly interacting games that engage us; group activities or party games in particular.
When initially brainstorming ideas for this game, I had come up with many prior to deciding upon this. Originally, all my ideas seemed to be more along the lines of accessories or gadgets. Eventually I ruled all those out, and decided to go with DRINKO-PILINKO. At first I didn’t want to make this is a drinking game because you don’t necessarily need alcohol to have fun. But then I considered the age group, and the students we are marketing to, and decided that this game wouldn’t last very long sober. So if you want to meet some new people, have a few laughs and get your drink on, this is the game for you!
Construction:
I used styrofoam boards for the base and the siding to create the rectangular shaped game board. I then used thin strips of balsa wood to make the stoppers for each section. At the bottom of the board I aligned the thin wooden strips evenly spaced apart to create the different sectioned landing boxes. To create the maze for the ball to fall through I used wooden pegs. Evenly measuring and spacing the pegs took the longest, as it had to be equal in order for the ball to fall through correctly. Lastly, I used a ball made out of styrofoam so that it was light and safe.
How To Play:
DRINKO-PLINKO is the fastest and most exciting new way to socially drink! It’s as simple as finding some friends, buying some alcohol, and dropping the small styrofoam ball from the top of the board, and watching it fall to the bottom. Depending on what section the ball falls into, which tell you what you must drink. The sections are labeled as follows: 5, -2, 3, -4, 2, -5. As you may have noticed, some of the numbers are positive, and some are negative. If your ball lands in a positive number those are the amount of shots you can give away. You can even split them up between friends, or if you are feeling a little too sober, take them yourself. However, if your ball lands in a negative numbered section, those are the amount of shots you must take yourself. Just to make this game a little more thrilling I added in some sections partway down the game board. The numbers are quite extreme, -7, and -5. So if your ball doesn’t even make it down the board, and lands in either of these sections on the side, then you better be able to handle your liquor.
User testing:
As I was unable to test out my game in class due to various reasons, I tested it out on my roommates and friends from residence. The reviews were quite high, and overall it seemed to be a great ice breaker and way to socialize.
"DRINKO-PLINKO is awesome! I met so many cool people playing this game, and it wasnt about skill at all, only luck, so it was fair for everyone. I highly recommend this game to anyone who wants to have fun and drink socially."
-Alison (OCAD student)
"Wow, what an intense game! Everyone got so into it, we mixed some really good shots, played some loud party music, and played all night long. We were meant to go to a party, but we got so into DRINKO-PLINKO we didnt even go, we played here all night!"
-Eric (OCAD student)
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