When discussing outputs, we explored:
- Numeric values (easy to share, harder to interpret)
- Simulation mp4s (great visuals, but heavy and outside our art style)
- GLBs (3D models only)
This week was all about design, outreach, and development; as we prepared for key client interactions and continued sharpening the connection between our gameplay vision and partner needs.
Client & Partner Alignment
Early in the week, we scheduled our Zellerfeld meeting for Wednesday, September 24, with a pre-alignment session the day before to make sure our asks for both Zellerfeld and Ansys were crystal clear. In parallel, we kept building toward our end-of-week meeting with Ansys, ensuring our design and prototyping work tied directly into their expectations.
We also had a session with Chris and Ethan from Ansys to dive deeper into their simulation workflow. One of Ethan’s most useful insights was how simulation iterations multiply:
- Every shoe design × every material × every test = one iteration.
- Even two sneakers (e.g., high top and low top), paired with a few materials (zNylon, zLycra) and tests (split tear, abrasion), already result in dozens of simulations.
This highlighted the need to limit variations to keep simulations feasible. We even saw a stress test demo, which helped us visualize possibilities. Ansys suggested they might be able to mimic Zellerfeld’s lattices in their system though material details from Zellerfeld will be crucial.
We may need to animate our own particle systems based on Ansys’s data to balance technical accuracy with engaging aesthetics.
Game Design Progress
On the design front, Sam drafted the first paper prototype of the gameplay loop, which Libby and Steven will continue building on. This sparked valuable brainstorming around the user journey and helped us clarify scope before deeper collaboration with Ansys.
Youth Outreach
Outreach was another big focus. Sam followed up with Ben, who connected us with several youth-oriented groups in Pittsburgh, including:
- YWCA
- Assemble
- LIFE Male STEAM Academy
- City High
We sent an introduction email and requested support for educator interviews and student playtests. Scheduling sessions with teachers and students (ages 13–18) is now in motion—an exciting step toward grounding our design in real player feedback.
Creative & Documentation
Meanwhile, on the creative side:
- We made progress on the project poster and logo.
- Continued brainstorming in FigJam around the gameplay journey.
- Advanced website development (though we hit a few publishing snags to troubleshoot).
- Continued building strong documentation to capture updates and align the team.
Looking Ahead to Week 5
Next week, our focus shifts from preparation to action:
Follow up with Onur Gun (New Balance) to schedule the designer/engineer panel call.
Tuesday: Pre-meeting alignment session.
Wednesday: Zellerfeld meeting.
Finalize the poster and logo.
Push forward on youth outreach, confirming sessions and finalizing the teen survey.
