BRIEFING
After the successful launch of "Desbloqueadores de Conversas" ("Conversation Starters) in 4 different card decks in the last year (2023), Happy Gang was... as we hoped, happy to invite Bavaroise (the design studio run by me and my sister) once again to draw 4 more packages, each with 50 different questions to spike the family and friends' spirit, outside the screens. This time, the focus was on slightly older kids.
To maintain consistency within the collection, André and Maria opted for a single dominant color for each deck. The previous decks were reimagined to align with this color scheme, leaving other colors available for the new titles.
For these new decks, we maintained the familiar approach: a large, playful title as the centerpiece and supporting illustrations to provide context. The cover also includes sample questions to give players a sense of the game's tone. The back of each card features a complementary design, with space for the central question.
As Happy Gang continues to expand into international markets, including English, Spanish, and German, we had to ensure that the titles were adaptable and visually appealing in different languages.
IDEA
Delving into the process for each deck:
Inspired by the phrase "an elephant in the room," we developed a concept centered around the idea of avoiding uncomfortable topics.
After exploring different design options, we chose a large, blue elephant as the central image. The elephant is confined within the rectangular package, creating a sense of awkwardness and discomfort. The elephant's trunk adds a playful element, both on the sides of the package and within the cards, where it playfully disrupts the text, pushing letters apart or "sticking its nose where it doesn't belong.
Sim ou Não | Yes or No
With such a short title like "Yes or No," we had to get creative. How could we play with this simple concept?
We decided to literally play with the idea, like a ping-pong match. We depicted two hands, each wielding a racket, battling it out over a ball. This playful representation symbolizes the constant clash between "Yes" and "No," each side fiercely defending its position.
An approach that avoided the typical dialogue bubbles and arrows often seen in similar games.
On the back of the cards, we created a dynamic pattern of bouncing balls interwoven with the text, maintaining the playful theme.An approach that avoided the typical dialogue bubbles and arrows often seen in similar games.
It wasn't easy, constantly choosing between "This" or "That." This unique challenge led us to involve the client in selecting the best options for the game's concept.
After narrowing down the questions, we visualized two kids on a letter-shaped seesaw, each arguing for a different side. For example, one might prefer "milk on my cereal," while the other favors "cereal on my milk." To visually contrast their viewpoints, we dressed one child in winter attire and the other in summer clothing.
On the card backs, we translated the questions and added black chalk doodles, maintaining the playful "playground" aesthetic.
Who doesn't know this classic game? Often associated with teenage gatherings and drinking games, we aimed to create a more lighthearted and visually appealing version.
To avoid the clichés often associated with the game, we focused on a playful and colorful design. By contrasting a childlike script for "Truth" with a bold, assertive font for "Dare," we visually represented the tension between innocence and daring.
We simplified the concepts to their core: the "eyes" for truth and the "mouth" for dare. To maintain consistency with the "Conversation Starters" collection and the desired card count of 50, we divided each card and presented the truth and dare options upside down, creating a dynamic visual element.
It's the perfect gift to offer this Christmas, upcoming birthdays, or any special occasion. Available at #Fnac "Desbloqueadores de Conversas" or thehappygang.com
Do you have a children's product idea and want Bavaroise by your side to bring it to life? Let's work together to make it happen.
Do you have a children's product idea and want Bavaroise by your side to bring it to life? Let's work together to make it happen.
Client: Happy Gang
Design & Illustration: Bavaroise studio
All rights reserved to Bavaroise & Happy Gang
Design & Illustration: Bavaroise studio
All rights reserved to Bavaroise & Happy Gang
Sector: toys and games | family
Services: Packaging | illustration | Type design
