Last Minute

Spring 2024

Branding | UI UX | Game Design | Packaging

Last Minute is a capstone project board game that transforms travel preparation into competitive fun. Players simultaneously plan, pack, and book to create their ideal vacation before time runs out. The game cleverly integrates physical components with phone-based timers, creating genuine tension as departure approaches. Inspired by airport visuals, Last Minute becomes more engaging with additional players, not less. Can you assemble the perfect trip while remembering all essentials before your flight leaves? This game turns pre-travel chaos into a fast-paced social experience.

trigger

Concept

When designing a game, starting with core gameplay mechanics is essential. Based on my research, I developed a concept focused on delivering fast-paced fun that works well even with large player groups. Traditional games often suffer from increasing downtime as more players join. My solution introduces time as a critical resource for each player, with turns triggering immediately when the previous player finishes—creating constant momentum and engagement. This rapid-fire turn structure demands a thematic framework that complements its frantic energy, where the pressure of time becomes both a mechanical challenge and a narrative element.

inspiration

I found that one of the most suitable themes for such gameplay would be planning a last minute trip. It also affords me a ton of visuals to pull from one of the main ones being magnetic dot signs that some airports use. Combined with wayfinding symbols and swiss style often used to make airports these hubs of global communication I knew the concept had potential.

Logo

A big turning point for me was when I got inspired to make the logo by looking at an exit sign. Exit signs are a universal sign and are seen so often but to twist the symbol in a way that communicates flight departure could make this game more iconic.

Packaging

One of the big take aways from my research was that packaging for board games play a big role. The bright colors and things that stand out from the usual fantasy, dreary, or overly detailed board game boxes tend to do better in recent years. I chose a nice red, white, and black design to catch the eye and stand out and very few other games use swiss design on their packaging.

Cards

The game uses cards as the primary driver of action. Different types of cards have different kinds of tasks some even get players to run around looking for items to pack on their trip. Completing a card allows one to get tokens needed to gain points and eventually win the game.

Phone

One of the other major parts of the game is the time aspect. The best way to keep track of time for each player is to make use of their phone. This is inspired by JackBox games where phones are the main component. This also makes it so in large groups there is a smaller focus on crowding around a board or something like that.