Challenge Summary
Welcome to IMF Taxonia Mobile Game Design Challenge.
We recently ran an idea generation challenge to create an educational game focused on emerging economies, tax policy and administration, and growth, lead by the IMF. Now we need your help to design the features and gameplay of this project.
Best of luck!
* Notice for this challenge we’re having an early checkpoint round. See more details below.
2. Splash Screen
3. Main Menu
4. Gameplay (see deliverables section)
- Please provide a MarvelApp Presentation (see details below).
- Make sure all pages have correct flow! Use correct file numbering. (00, 01, 02, 03)
1. Game Launcher Icon
2. Splash Screen
3. Main Menu
4. Gameplay (see deliverables section)
5. About Us
- Please provide a MarvelApp Presentation (see details below).
- Make sure all pages have correct flow! Use correct file numbering. (00, 01, 02, 03)
The goal of this challenge is to design the UI screens for an Android game. We are providing the idea concept and we need you to come up with the necessary amount of screens to showcase all possible scenarios about the gameplay.
Early Feedback Round
You will be able to submit your progress to receive an early feedback. You can take advantage of this opportunity to address any issues and polish your checkpoint submission. One or two screens, any progress you have to offer.
You must submit by Friday 17th, 7AM EDT in order to be eligible for this feedback.
Supporting Documentation - link
1. Game Idea documentation: main document to follow.
2. Game sample: RPG sample.
3. Idea background: idea exploration and alternatives - just for history/reference.
4. Taxonia MRTS Sample: full details of the MRTS sample FYI.
5. Android GUI templates: PSD and Sketch android assets.
Game Concept
The main goal of the game is to educate users about Medium-term revenue strategy (MTRS) and its importance through a gamified ecosystem.
- Gameplay falls under the category of RPG.
- Story based. Player has to answer questions and learn through the process.
- Decisions have influence in the immediate future.
- Graphics shouldn’t be very complex. Think simple, we need to have a quick transition to development. Overcomplicated design/flow is not desired. In graphic terms, we aim to have a plain 2D game (avoid 3D complex shapes).
- Graphic style should follow IMF style (see website), as visible in our flagship publications: World Economic Outlook, Fiscal Monitor, Global Financial Stability Report (you can google them for reference, same look as the website). Make sure graphics do not look cheap, or the persons do not look weird or like cartoon characters. This is not about being funny, but about being professional and about seriously improving matters for millions of people in a particular country.
- Game art category would fall under the not so complex “flash” style you can see here. Probably less shiny (simplify!). Stay away from cartoonish styles.
Screens Requirements
Overall
- Game will operate under a locked orientation (portrait or landscape). You are free to choose the orientation you think suits best for the game.
- Make sure to include hardware buttons (back, home, alt) and the status bar on your design for high-fidelity mockups.
- Come up with the necessary amount of screens to showcase the features and gameplay. We are open to suggestions about screenflow and organization.
1. Game Launcher Icon
Create a game icon graphic for the Android apps menu. Size 144 x 144 px.
Show something that conveys the idea clearly and simply as an app icon.
2. Splash Screen
We need a background image for the loading page. Design a splash screen that matches the game theme (do not use a stock photo for this purpose).
Design a loading status/progress bar.
3. Main Menu
This screen contains the following navigation:
- New Game.
- Continue.
- About.
4. Gameplay/story
See 1. Game_Idea - Story.pdf for more details about content and story development. Besides the development stated in the story section of the document, please consider the following scenarios as part of the story:
4.a. Game is a multi-year game, where the ‘president’ (user) - after consultation with his/her cabinet members - decides on a certain selection of measures for one year, then has a feedback loop in terms of results (impact on revenue and population satisfaction), and then decides on another set of measures.
4.b. Measures can have a mandatory sequence, that is: in order to achieve a certain objective in year 5, a certain number of measures need to be implemented in years 1-4 in a certain sequence, or said differently: you cannot make step 3 before step 1 or 2. Lesson learned is: some objectives take years of careful planning and thoughtful preparation to achieve (‘unlock’ feature).
4.c. The game gives the players opportunities to find out more details, e.g. by building in options into the dialogue: “Please explain me more about this idea….”. These can be info-buttons as well, as long as the option keeps the player engaged and does not bear the risk of the player ending the game since it is too complicated (therefore, ideally, build in the most critical explanations in the main dialogue already).
4.d. The ‘finance minister’ and/or ‘development minister’ (this could be a character as well, albeit with a much more limited role and more or less ‘FYI’ statements on progress achieved based on MTRS progress) CAN be used to explain the president what the overall objective of the game is (to develop the country - as promised in the campaign - and get re-elected if the development is delivered, and what it actually takes to deliver).
4.e. During the game, user should see a dashboard (status - not a separate page) with the summary of gameplay information, such as (information based on the decision making process):
- Status of revenue: Tax / GDP Ratio (percentage value - consider using https://help.topcoder.com/hc/en-us/articles/217481408-Policy-for-Stock-Artwork-in-Design-Submissions).
- Acceptance of population: Approval rating (percentage value - consider using harvey balls representation).
- MTRS objectives progress: Tax policy, Tax administration, Tax legislation (percentage value - harvey balls to show 0 / 25 / 50 / 75 / 100% progress vs. objective).
- Years to next election: An amount/quantity counting backwards.
4.f. Succeeding in the game is being re-elected. This happens if the voters are satisfied, which again is a function of the development which could be financed. Remember, the objective is to implement the improvements promised during the campaign. That can only succeed if you sustainably raise money to finance these, which is the actual game (establishing a MTRS which enables you to sustainably raise enough funds). FYI, The develop minister states the development objectives and money needed for it, and the finance minister provides options to the president to raise those funds in the dialogues (where user can set these values).
4.g. Failing is losing the election, and then receiving an analysis from your advisors/ministers as to why. You however can play the game again.
Gameplay Deliverables
- Show us four characters president (user - male and female versions), development minister (female), finance minister (male). Characters look must be realistic (president well dressed, etc).
- Show us at five different screens with questions and user selecting choices (take questions from the main idea document).
- Show us three unique backgrounds to be used across the questions and story.
- Show us an ‘unlock’ scenario, where user has to achieve certain number of objectives in order to continue (4.b).
- Show us a ‘more details’ dialog interaction (4.c).
- Show us a ‘FYI’ scenario (4.d).
- Show us the dashboard/status in all gameplay screens (4.e).
- Show us a end-game scenario (4.f. - successfully finished).
- Show us a game-over scenario (4.g. - goals summary + play again).
5. About Us
Design a page that describes the game, accessible from main menu (add dummy text).
Note: by the end of the challenge we expect to have a production-ready storyboard through the flow you design. All necessary screens to develop the game, including launcher icon, splash, menu, about us and story development (with all the described features/screens + any extra you think it’s necessary to show all the viable gameplay scenarios).
Branding Guidelines
- Colors/typography should be inline with the IMF website.
- Keep things consistent. This means all graphic styles should work together.
Screen Specifications
- Source files must be created as 360 x 640 dp (or landscape if you choose that orientation 640 x 360 dp).
- Screen files must be exported as @3x (1080 x 1920 px - or landscape).
- All graphics must be created as vector so they resize well on larger devices.
MarvelApp Presentation
- Request a MarvelApp prototype from me (mahestro@copilots.topcoder.com). Do not use the forums to request for MarvelApp.
- Provide clickable spots (hotzones) to link your screens and showcase the flow of the solution.
- Provide the MarvelApp shareable link in your notes during submission upload.
Stock Artwork (Icons and Photography ONLY - No illustrations)
- Stock photo and icons are allowed for this challenge.
- Stock illustrations ARE NOT allowed.
- Make sure to declare all your assets properly or you might fail screening.
Target User
Entire sustainable development community:
- Government Officials (Treasury, Tax Admin).
- Civil Society Organizations.
- Journalists.
- Students, Academia – early interest in IMF work and relevance for own country.
Judging Criteria
- Fit for purpose: is this adequate for an institution like the IMF?
- Completeness: design includes all required elements.
- Cohesiveness: how well all elements work together, seamlessly.
- Cleanliness: successfully engage users in a simple way / ease-of use.
Submission & Source Files
Preview Image
Please create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024px JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission within it.
Submission File
Submit JPG/PNG for your submission files.
Source Files
All original source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Sketch, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Layers should be named and well organized.
Final Fixes
As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to modify your graphics (sizes or colors) or modify overall colors. We may ask you to update your design or graphics based on checkpoint feedback.
We recently ran an idea generation challenge to create an educational game focused on emerging economies, tax policy and administration, and growth, lead by the IMF. Now we need your help to design the features and gameplay of this project.
Best of luck!
* Notice for this challenge we’re having an early checkpoint round. See more details below.
Round 1
Submit your design for a checkpoint feedback.2. Splash Screen
3. Main Menu
4. Gameplay (see deliverables section)
- Please provide a MarvelApp Presentation (see details below).
- Make sure all pages have correct flow! Use correct file numbering. (00, 01, 02, 03)
Round 2
Submit your final design plus checkpoint feedback.1. Game Launcher Icon
2. Splash Screen
3. Main Menu
4. Gameplay (see deliverables section)
5. About Us
- Please provide a MarvelApp Presentation (see details below).
- Make sure all pages have correct flow! Use correct file numbering. (00, 01, 02, 03)
The goal of this challenge is to design the UI screens for an Android game. We are providing the idea concept and we need you to come up with the necessary amount of screens to showcase all possible scenarios about the gameplay.
Early Feedback Round
You will be able to submit your progress to receive an early feedback. You can take advantage of this opportunity to address any issues and polish your checkpoint submission. One or two screens, any progress you have to offer.
You must submit by Friday 17th, 7AM EDT in order to be eligible for this feedback.
Supporting Documentation - link
1. Game Idea documentation: main document to follow.
2. Game sample: RPG sample.
3. Idea background: idea exploration and alternatives - just for history/reference.
4. Taxonia MRTS Sample: full details of the MRTS sample FYI.
5. Android GUI templates: PSD and Sketch android assets.
Game Concept
The main goal of the game is to educate users about Medium-term revenue strategy (MTRS) and its importance through a gamified ecosystem.
- Gameplay falls under the category of RPG.
- Story based. Player has to answer questions and learn through the process.
- Decisions have influence in the immediate future.
- Graphics shouldn’t be very complex. Think simple, we need to have a quick transition to development. Overcomplicated design/flow is not desired. In graphic terms, we aim to have a plain 2D game (avoid 3D complex shapes).
- Graphic style should follow IMF style (see website), as visible in our flagship publications: World Economic Outlook, Fiscal Monitor, Global Financial Stability Report (you can google them for reference, same look as the website). Make sure graphics do not look cheap, or the persons do not look weird or like cartoon characters. This is not about being funny, but about being professional and about seriously improving matters for millions of people in a particular country.
- Game art category would fall under the not so complex “flash” style you can see here. Probably less shiny (simplify!). Stay away from cartoonish styles.
Screens Requirements
Overall
- Game will operate under a locked orientation (portrait or landscape). You are free to choose the orientation you think suits best for the game.
- Make sure to include hardware buttons (back, home, alt) and the status bar on your design for high-fidelity mockups.
- Come up with the necessary amount of screens to showcase the features and gameplay. We are open to suggestions about screenflow and organization.
1. Game Launcher Icon
Create a game icon graphic for the Android apps menu. Size 144 x 144 px.
Show something that conveys the idea clearly and simply as an app icon.
2. Splash Screen
We need a background image for the loading page. Design a splash screen that matches the game theme (do not use a stock photo for this purpose).
Design a loading status/progress bar.
3. Main Menu
This screen contains the following navigation:
- New Game.
- Continue.
- About.
4. Gameplay/story
See 1. Game_Idea - Story.pdf for more details about content and story development. Besides the development stated in the story section of the document, please consider the following scenarios as part of the story:
4.a. Game is a multi-year game, where the ‘president’ (user) - after consultation with his/her cabinet members - decides on a certain selection of measures for one year, then has a feedback loop in terms of results (impact on revenue and population satisfaction), and then decides on another set of measures.
4.b. Measures can have a mandatory sequence, that is: in order to achieve a certain objective in year 5, a certain number of measures need to be implemented in years 1-4 in a certain sequence, or said differently: you cannot make step 3 before step 1 or 2. Lesson learned is: some objectives take years of careful planning and thoughtful preparation to achieve (‘unlock’ feature).
4.c. The game gives the players opportunities to find out more details, e.g. by building in options into the dialogue: “Please explain me more about this idea….”. These can be info-buttons as well, as long as the option keeps the player engaged and does not bear the risk of the player ending the game since it is too complicated (therefore, ideally, build in the most critical explanations in the main dialogue already).
4.d. The ‘finance minister’ and/or ‘development minister’ (this could be a character as well, albeit with a much more limited role and more or less ‘FYI’ statements on progress achieved based on MTRS progress) CAN be used to explain the president what the overall objective of the game is (to develop the country - as promised in the campaign - and get re-elected if the development is delivered, and what it actually takes to deliver).
4.e. During the game, user should see a dashboard (status - not a separate page) with the summary of gameplay information, such as (information based on the decision making process):
- Status of revenue: Tax / GDP Ratio (percentage value - consider using https://help.topcoder.com/hc/en-us/articles/217481408-Policy-for-Stock-Artwork-in-Design-Submissions).
- Acceptance of population: Approval rating (percentage value - consider using harvey balls representation).
- MTRS objectives progress: Tax policy, Tax administration, Tax legislation (percentage value - harvey balls to show 0 / 25 / 50 / 75 / 100% progress vs. objective).
- Years to next election: An amount/quantity counting backwards.
4.f. Succeeding in the game is being re-elected. This happens if the voters are satisfied, which again is a function of the development which could be financed. Remember, the objective is to implement the improvements promised during the campaign. That can only succeed if you sustainably raise money to finance these, which is the actual game (establishing a MTRS which enables you to sustainably raise enough funds). FYI, The develop minister states the development objectives and money needed for it, and the finance minister provides options to the president to raise those funds in the dialogues (where user can set these values).
4.g. Failing is losing the election, and then receiving an analysis from your advisors/ministers as to why. You however can play the game again.
Gameplay Deliverables
- Show us four characters president (user - male and female versions), development minister (female), finance minister (male). Characters look must be realistic (president well dressed, etc).
- Show us at five different screens with questions and user selecting choices (take questions from the main idea document).
- Show us three unique backgrounds to be used across the questions and story.
- Show us an ‘unlock’ scenario, where user has to achieve certain number of objectives in order to continue (4.b).
- Show us a ‘more details’ dialog interaction (4.c).
- Show us a ‘FYI’ scenario (4.d).
- Show us the dashboard/status in all gameplay screens (4.e).
- Show us a end-game scenario (4.f. - successfully finished).
- Show us a game-over scenario (4.g. - goals summary + play again).
5. About Us
Design a page that describes the game, accessible from main menu (add dummy text).
Note: by the end of the challenge we expect to have a production-ready storyboard through the flow you design. All necessary screens to develop the game, including launcher icon, splash, menu, about us and story development (with all the described features/screens + any extra you think it’s necessary to show all the viable gameplay scenarios).
Branding Guidelines
- Colors/typography should be inline with the IMF website.
- Keep things consistent. This means all graphic styles should work together.
Screen Specifications
- Source files must be created as 360 x 640 dp (or landscape if you choose that orientation 640 x 360 dp).
- Screen files must be exported as @3x (1080 x 1920 px - or landscape).
- All graphics must be created as vector so they resize well on larger devices.
MarvelApp Presentation
- Request a MarvelApp prototype from me (mahestro@copilots.topcoder.com). Do not use the forums to request for MarvelApp.
- Provide clickable spots (hotzones) to link your screens and showcase the flow of the solution.
- Provide the MarvelApp shareable link in your notes during submission upload.
Stock Artwork (Icons and Photography ONLY - No illustrations)
- Stock photo and icons are allowed for this challenge.
- Stock illustrations ARE NOT allowed.
- Make sure to declare all your assets properly or you might fail screening.
Target User
Entire sustainable development community:
- Government Officials (Treasury, Tax Admin).
- Civil Society Organizations.
- Journalists.
- Students, Academia – early interest in IMF work and relevance for own country.
Judging Criteria
- Fit for purpose: is this adequate for an institution like the IMF?
- Completeness: design includes all required elements.
- Cohesiveness: how well all elements work together, seamlessly.
- Cleanliness: successfully engage users in a simple way / ease-of use.
Submission & Source Files
Preview Image
Please create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024px JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission within it.
Submission File
Submit JPG/PNG for your submission files.
Source Files
All original source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Sketch, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Layers should be named and well organized.
Final Fixes
As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to modify your graphics (sizes or colors) or modify overall colors. We may ask you to update your design or graphics based on checkpoint feedback.
Please read the challenge specification carefully and watch the forums for any questions or feedback concerning this challenge. It is important that you monitor any updates provided by the client or Studio Admins in the forums. Please post any questions you might have for the client in the forums.