Thor design
This document contains the final designs for Thor and the supporting documentation of the design process in Sprint 3.
This is the final design for Thor.
Thor’s character design was inspired by the Marvel adaptation and also the Norse Mythology. The Marvel version has the long blond flowing hair, the cape and the sleeveless armor. The Norse depiction usually wears a form of armor, typically with more orange hair, a large beard and lots of hair that usually contains braids. All of which was noted and used to create the final design of Thor. The following were used as design inspiration for this enemy.
- Inspiration 1
- (Source:https://www.dualshockers.com/is-thor-fat-in-norse-mythology/ )
- Inspiration 2
- (Source: https://www.worldbook.com/global-partners )
- Inspiration 3
- (Source: https://screenrant.com/thor-norse-mythology-odin-loki-ragnarok-wrong/)
- Inspiration 4
- (Source: https://comicvine.gamespot.com/thor/4005-22925/friends/ )
- Inspiration 5
- (Source: https://mythopedia.com/norse-mythology/gods/thor/ )
- Inspiration 6
- (Source: https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/405464772698408472/)
- Inspiration 7
- (Source: https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/776167317000702984/)
- Inspiration 8
- (Source:https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/thor-goes-sleeveless-in-the-dark-world/)
The initial sketches included a large, framed character (larger than the main character) that maintained the same proportions as the main character to allow for consistent character design. There were a couple of ideas for the characters outfit based on the marvel and Norse adaptations. A consistent aspect of both was the armor which was included in the final design. As multiple people and groups would be altering the Thor design, a simple outfit with minimal colours and detailing was designed for seamless replication by the other designers. The cape was included as it is an iconic feature of the Marvel character and allowed for more detailed animation in the game. To tie back into the Norse version of the Thor, the character can be seen wearing a full faced helmet with wings on the side. A large beard and braids were included as many Norse warriors, including Thor, had similar hair styles. The team decided on option 3 as it was a fusion between the Norse and the Marvel version of Thor.
- Figure 1.1: Initial design sketches
- Figure 2.1: Option 1: No helmet
- Figure 2.2: Option 2: Half coverage helmet
- Figure 2.3: Option 3: Full coverage helmet
Interviews were conducted to collect user feedback on the design of Thor. Interview questions were created based on the two usability heuristic: aesthetic and minimal design and consistency and design. Users were presented with the current characters (the Elf boss, the elf minions, Loki and the main character), and the game maps (the dungeon and the lava level) and the newly designed Thor. The following are the questions and responses from the participants.
- Looking at all the characters and the game maps, what do you think the design of this new character? (ie colour choices, how characters look against the map etc)
- P1: "Yeah his structure looks like that character [the main character] and he looks like he belongs in this game/space."
- P2: "I wouldn't put him in the lava map but yeah he does match with the characters, possibly not with the elves but I can see how Thor could fight this character."
- P3 " I like how intense he looks, you said he was a boss and I can see that. His cape does seem a bit too bright though for the maps, maybe a darker shade or colour?"
- P4: " I like the braids in his hair and how he looks like the Mavel Thor, however maybe different colours for his hair and cape. I don't know they seem too bold in comparison to the other characters and even the game plans."
- Do you think the character is consistent with the theme and design of the game? Please elaborate
- P1: "Yeah you said it was a Norse mythology game, so yes, having Thor as a enemy character is consistent with the theme."
- P2: "Maybe a different map for him, something outdoors and maybe can fly around with his hammer?" [Note: I didn't have the outdoor maps to show participants]
- P3: "The only thing that really stands out to me as odd is the bright red cape, just make it more dull I think."
- P4: " Yes I think he is."
- Are they any elements [of Thor] that could be improved?
- P1: "No"
- P2: "Nothing really"
- P3: "Just what I said before"
- P4: "When I think of Thor I do think of Chris Hemsworth and long flowing hair, so maybe adding some more hair movement to the animations? Oh and yes the hair colouring and the cape could be dialed back a bit."
- Does the weapon design match the character? Are there any elements [of the Hammer] that could be improved? (Colour, design, movement etc)
- P1: "I like the detailing on the hammer, the depth makes it look more intense. I can't see anything that I'd want to change"
- P2: "The AOE attach is cool, I like how the hammer glows with all the lightening."
- P3: "I like how to blue in the hammer kind of matches his eyes, kind of shows the connection between the character and the weapon."
- P4: "Possibly less lightening, I don't know it might be a bit much, or maybe more is needed to fill the space? Maybe try out more and less options and see how they look?"
Overall the users liked the main components of the Thor character design and his hammer. However it was mentioned a couple times that the colour of the cape was too bold and should be a less intense colour and similar comments were made about his hair. Studio members also thought that the cape was too bright in comparison to the maps. There were also comments on the AOE attach possible being too large or not large enough to fill the space, so designs will be created to test those possibilities. All of which will be resolved during the next sprint.
Based on the User Testing from Sprint 3, participants noted that the colours used for Thor were too bold and did not match the rest of the characters and maps. They suggested slightly duller and less vibrant shades. Based on that information the new colours were selected and the new designs were created, and also shown to studio members who also had similar comments and suggestions. They liked the deeper red for the cape and how it paired with the browner/orange-under-toned hair and beard.
Sabrina Menezes
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- Github @sabrinaleah