Runis Game Award: A Project that United Technology, Design, and Learning

In the first semester of 2021, students from the Computer Science, Information Systems, and Systems Analysis and Development programs at Grupo Unis participated in a Game Development competition.

Held as part of the Game Development course, the competition required students to create a game integrated with Google Forms. This allowed teachers, using only this tool, to conduct their activities within the game in an integrated and transparent way.

The process works as follows: the teacher creates a test as usual in Google Forms, then fills in some data and selects, from a list of games, which one they would send to the students to play. During the game, while progressing through the levels, players encounter some of the questions from the test created by the teacher. Upon completing all the game levels, the student finishes the test, and the final score obtained in the game is directly integrated with Google Forms.

At the end of the competition, criteria such as soundtrack, sound effects, UX/UI design, level design, game design, gameplay, and many others were evaluated. The top three winners of the competition were awarded 100%, 50%, and 30% scholarships, respectively, for an EaD postgraduate program at Grupo Unis.

Thus, I, Victor Bento, took 1st place with Runis Game, a game set in the city of Varginha itself, where a student runs through levels and obstacles on the map, with some easter eggs, and the ultimate goal is to reach the university bus without being late!

What did this competition involve in my career as a product designer?

Development of Technical Skills

• The competition allowed me to enhance my UI/UX design skills, creating a game that was not only visually appealing but also intuitive and functional.

• The integration with Google Forms required a deep understanding of interconnected systems and data flows, expanding my ability to work with diverse technologies.

User-Centered Approach

• The project reinforced my ability to think about the end-user (in this case, teachers and students) and create solutions that met their needs in a practical and efficient way.

• The experience showed me the importance of usability testing and iterations to ensure the final product was accessible and easy to use.

Teamwork and Project Management

• Participating in the competition taught me how to collaborate effectively in a team, dividing tasks and aligning expectations to deliver a complete product on time.

• I learned to manage deadlines, prioritize tasks, and balance creativity with technical feasibility.

Innovation and Creativity

• The challenge of integrating a game with an educational tool like Google Forms encouraged me to think outside the box and explore creative solutions to complex problems.

• This strengthened my ability to innovate within technical and time constraints.

Recognition and Confidence

• Winning 1st place in the competition was a significant milestone in my career, validating my skills as a Product Designer and boosting my confidence to take on new challenges.

• The award also brought visibility and recognition, opening doors to new opportunities.

Continuous Learning

• The competition showed me the importance of always learning and adapting, especially in areas like game design, system integration, and user experience.

• This motivated me to continue exploring new tools and methodologies to stay updated in the market.

  
  

  This competition was a turning point in my career as a Product Designer. It allowed me to develop technical skills in UI/UX, integrate complex systems like Google Forms, and create user-centered solutions. Additionally, it reinforced my ability to innovate, work in teams, and manage projects under pressure. Winning 1st place not only validated my competencies but also gave me the confidence to take on new challenges and continue evolving as a professional.
  
  

  https://blog.unis.edu.br/noticias/cursos-de-tecnologia-do-unis-promovem-concurso-de-desenvolvimento-de-games