Articulate
Field
Scope
Board Game
Game Mechanics
Credits
Vipin Chandran Pathiyil
Year
2022
Project Overview
The project explores how people interpret abstract information differently and how language becomes the bridge between instinct and understanding. Instead of relying on factual correctness, the game rewards players for how clearly and persuasively they express their viewpoints.
By using art as the central trigger, the game transforms subjective perception into an engaging social experience rooted in discussion, disagreement, and interpretation.
Elements
The game consists of painting cards, object cards, a game board, player frames, and a curator role. Painting cards feature artworks along with their title and art movement, which remain hidden during gameplay and are revealed only after a round concludes.
Object cards depict random everyday objects that players use as symbolic tools to express and defend their interpretations.The game board allows players to move forward based on their ranking in each round and introduces strategic risk through shared spaces.
Frames act as personal display spaces where won paintings are stored and protected once locked.The curator role rotates every round, giving each player the chance to interpret, judge, and control the pace of the game.
How to Play
Each round, one player acts as the curator and draws a painting card.
The curator describes their perception of the artwork using only descriptive words, without revealing its image, title, or art movement.
Other players select an object card and present their interpretation to persuade the curator.Players debate and defend their viewpoints through discussion.The curator ranks the players, determining board movement.
The top ranked player also wins the painting and places it in their frame.
Goal of the Game
The goal is to fill all four personal frames with painting cards.
Paintings can be stolen if another player lands on the same space as an unprotected frame.A frame becomes locked and protected when a player secures first place twice, making that painting untouchable.
The first player to complete all four frames wins and the game ends immediately
