PROJECT OVERVIEW
Dirty Bomb is a cooperative multiplayer game where two players communicate under pressure to defuse a virtual bomb using Raspberry Pi Devices.
PROJECT GOAL
Design a communication-focused experience that creates tension using limited interfaces and real-time collaboration.
OUTCOME
Developed a fully playable prototype using Python, MQTT, and SenseHat integration after multiple rounds of user testing and iteration.
TIMELINE
March - April
5 weeks
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
UI Design
UX Research
Branding
Prototype Development
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
figma
raspberry pi
github
thonny
THE EXPERIENCE
Dirty Bomb is designed around asymmetric communication and teamwork under pressure.
Players sit back-to-back, preventing them from seeing each other’s screens. The instructor has access to the bomb information, while the Defuser must rely entirely on verbal instructions to complete tasks before time runs out.
This creates tension, urgency, and collaboration through limited information and real-time communication.
ASYMMETRICAL INFORMATION
Each player only has part of the solution.
TIME PRESSURE
A countdown timer increases urgency and stress.
COMMUNICATION
Success depends entirely on teamwork and clarity.
PERSONA
ERIC CHEN
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
“Great communication skills goes a long way in life.”
Youth mentor who uses interactive and creative activities to teach leadership, communication, and teamwork.
AGE
25
LOCATION
Vancouver, BC
OCCUPATION
Youth Development Coordinator
BIO
Youth mentor who uses collaborative activities to teach communication, leadership, and teamwork.
GOAL & MOTIVATION
Enhance communication skills in youth
Encourage teamwork and collaboration
Develop critical thinking & problem-solving
Create engaging and meaningful activities
PERSONALITY
Enhance communication skills in youth
Encourage teamwork and collaboration
Develop critical thinking & problem-solving
Create engaging and meaningful activities
FRUSTRATION
Activities can be too complicated for participants to understand
Poor communication leads to missed goals
Low engagement and motivation during team activities
Limited time to prepare impactful activities
NEEDS IN A GAME
Clear instructions & communication
Team-based interactions
Simple controls & quick to learn
Meaningful goals & progression
SKETCHES
Mapped the complete player experience from start to finish
Visualized both win and lose scenarios
Helped define communication flow between players
Explored early gameplay interactions and actions
Tested potential SenseHat LED displays
Planned the Defuser-side gameplay experience
Refined LED layout using spreadsheet mockups
Used blue cells to represent white LEDS for readability
Developed simplified python code to prototype LED interactions
MINIMUM VIABLE PROTOTYPE ITERATIONS
USER TESTING ANALYSIS
WHAT CHANGED
Unstructured Interaction
Guided Communication
We moved from unclear instructions to a structured flow that helped players understand their roles and timing better.
Functional Gameplay
Emotionally Responsive
We shifted focus from just making it work to making it engaging and intense under pressure.
Low Clarity
Clear System
Through 3 iteration, we transformed a confusing prototype into a polished, communication-driven experience.
SYSTEM DESIGN
MQTT Communication Flow
Player 1
MQTT
Player 2
Real-time bi-directional messaging ensures both players stay in sync.
Timer Logic
Timer controls game state and urgency. Visual feedback escalates as time decreases.
Hardware Interactions
Raspberry Pi
SenseHAT
SenseHat handles input (joysticks, buttons, and output LED matrix, and orientation)
REFLECTION
WHAT'S NEXT
