After buying the sjoelbak and trying it out ourselves, we experimented with different starting distances.
We tested the original game rules: aiming for the 1-point slot first and ending with the 4-point slot. However, we noticed that the original rules didn’t quite work. For example, it would be unfortunate if a child couldn’t get past the second slot and then couldn’t continue playing because it’s too hard and can’t get in the third slot.
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The feelings - 6 thinking hats
We feel that kids who might not be very good at the game could end up feeling disappointed, which is not our intention.
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The Cautions - 6 thinking hats
The worst-case scenario is that kids who aren’t very good at the game won’t be able to play, which means they won’t get to experience the full game. Or that kids might want to aim for the 4th slot because it’s the strongest one, but the instructions tell them to do something else. This would feel confusing and not make sense.
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The Benefits - 6 thinking hats
This approach could be more challenging for the kids.
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The Creativity - 6 thinking hats
Alternatively, we can adjust the idea to not dictate which slot the user must aim for, giving them the freedom to choose. This approach keeps the game challenging, as it’s not inherently easy, while allowing players to explore every aspect of the game and continue experimenting as they play.
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To make sure all the kids can keep playing, even when they are not that good at it. We changed the rules:
| Original gamerules | New gamerules |
|---|---|
| Slot 1(wind effect) is the weakest effect which means it doesn’t hurt the monster as much as the last, fourth effect (explosion). | = |
| We instruct the user to slide in a specific slot. We start with the easiest slot, the one-point slot. The game gets harder overtime. | We let the user choose in which slot they want to slide. This gives them more freedom and ensures the kids to keep playing, even when they are only able to slide in the easiest slot. |
| Users have 3 lives, they lose a live when they are in a wrong slot. It’s game over when there are no lives left. | There is only 1 life. It’s game over when the time is up. Users need to finish all the levels in time to win. |
| When they are in a wrong slot, the monster levels up and becomes stronger. | When they defeat the level 1 monster, he levels up to a stronger monster, making the game harder overtime. |
