Design Process

Overview:

A 15" x 15" cardboard model built to validate the core game mechanics at a small scale, featuring four entry and exit slots with a grid of manually adjustable paddles. Electronics were prototyped separately on a benchtop circuit with LEDs, a servo, and buttons standing in for limit switches.

What was learned:

The square grid arrangement allowed the ball to fall straight through without being redirected, revealing a fundamental flaw in the paddle layout. This led directly to the decision to offset the paddles into a triangular grid for all future prototypes.

Overview:

A scaled-up 30" x 35" version built from MDF, plywood, and cardboard, featuring nine entry and exit slots with the corrected staggered paddle arrangement and a clear acrylic front panel. Electronic components were developed but not yet fully integrated into the physical structure.

What was learned:

The triangular paddle offset successfully resolved the ball-path issue, confirming the design change was the right call. We also identified remaining gaps in aesthetics, knob attachment, and electronics integration that needed to be addressed in the next phase.

Overview:

Built directly on the high-fidelity prototype but we painted the backboard navy, printed 3D lilac and teal knobs, laser-cut  a control box, and soldered/extended wiring to allow the Pico to be centrally mounted. All three difficulty levels were electronically integrated and functional.

What was learned:

Soldering and extending wires across a 30" x 35" board required careful planning to keep components reachable and organized. With the main structure complete and electronics largely integrated, the remaining work shifted to final aesthetic touches, the stand, and the traveling objects (keys) for other stations.

Overview:

This was our fully put together project! 

What was learned:

Hard work pays off in the end :)