Binary Card game

My aim with this project is to highlight the non-linear nature of binary , where a sets of "yes"(1) or "no"(0) can lead one self into a predicted path.

To do this I thought to show that nature of binary by breaking down its twists and turns. Devising a set of tools that can hopefully help everyone understand binary better.

To connect the most to the users I don't think there is anything better than interaction. I would like to use the theories Ive learned from Dmitri Siegel and Andy Cameron and apply it into my project.

"learning binary" immediately I revisit the past where I first learned how to count. Flash cards.Through the use of these learning tools I breeze my way to pass Maths. It made memorising and problem solving way easier when you can 'visualise' equations and problems.

I saw some advantages in this. Physical interaction(haptic), through sense of touch, I believe the users will engage and experience more and therefore enjoy more. Looking at our culture at this day and age, books and reading is not really the most appealing thing to our future generations, we must embrace this culture and find a way to make learning fun again.
Given a chance this will should also excercise the "templated mind" of whom flourish in todays prosumerist culture.

Like every single tool there must be a system, a set of rules in which users can follow, a guide, a "template" that can be UNDERSTOOD.

With the instructions I made below on how to count binary, I had some of my friends, colleagues at work, parents and relatives to make sure that the set of rules/instructions are useful to the users. I am glad to say more than half of whom I asked has said that they understood how binary works after reading the instructions.

I have been adviced to be sure I make the keys and symbols straight forward, accurate and precise.

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Having laid out the rules of binary, where do I go from here?

I am fixed to making a board game. Almost like flash cards but utilising the key element of binary, the "bits" or the "columns" of values. To utilise this I must create a table where the users can have the "freedom" to chose combinations of "on"(1) and "off"(0) switches.

The table above is my first attempt of creating a binary table. There are only 5 columns, a fairly easy table, once you got the hang of counting binary, this table will be too easy as there are only up to 31 possible answers. To make it more of a challenge i desire for a longer table. I decided to go for a 8bit table( shown below), its the traditional and most commonly used binary bit. This will offer more challenge to the users as an 8bit table contains 255 possible answers depending on "on" and "off" combinations.

My first Binary face (logo) design

I thought that the first binary face logo is a little bit out of place from the instructions. I wouldnt want the users to be confused, I shall keep the color and images uniform with the rest.

This is my latest and improved binary table, I have changed the colours of the row and its style as I believed it looks more pleasing in the eye. I have also changed "column" for "switch" as I find the idea of having switch there rather than column more enticing and uniform to the rest of the table and concept. I made the table permanently black as it would be easier for the users to navigate. "black" means "off" in the first place anyways, all the users have to do is to drop the white cards in which ever place they desire, to turn a switch on, more quick fire and much easier to use. With this 8 bit table I also changed the logo face to something similar to the instructions. The line and circle amongst the log face should depict "1" and "0" while at the same time look like a "b" for binary.

Along with the table are the "on(1)" switch cards. Plain, white and simple. Uniform with everything else, it shouldn't be confusing knowing all you have to put down is the "on" switch.

8 cards should be enough for a 8 bit binary table.

How can "Count Binary" be applied?

Ive decided to fold the table and make more into a same form of a leaflet, this way count binary can be applied in more ways. The picture above is actually a miniature version of the size I'd want count binary to be. As i don't have a printer that can print pass A4 I modified it to fit an A4. However, having a small copy of "count binary" might just get the users out of a pinch. With the fact that this copy is small, it can fit in to wallets or even pockets, its very handy and mobile just incase you need to double check a equation on the go.

Saying that, the main purpose of "Count Binary" is to help people understand how to count binary. I prefer for the table to be the regular leaflet size for improovements.
Users can use this tool with peers/partners to test themselves or even to compete amongst each other, turning it into more of a card game. Using it is up to the users.

Quoting from Dmitri Siegel, as a designer, all I can do within this prosumerist culture is to become the creator of templates, to engage/collaborate and walk at the same side of the "templated mind".

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As a last minute and final modification, I've decided to equip count binary with velcro tape. The velcro should help the cards stay into place and keep it from moving about. Also, by doing this users can have the option to make the table fixed into place on a wall or a desk/table.