Graphics: Board Game Design – Technical Knowledge

Vocabulary flashcards covering materials, packaging nets, product-analysis criteria, drawing methods, safety equipment, and key CAD/Pixlr tools for board-game graphic design.

Paper

Thin sheet material made from fine cellulose fibres pressed and dried; weight usually 80 – 220 gsm.

Board

Heavier, thicker paper-based material used for packaging and game components.

Grams per square metre (gsm)

Unit measuring paper/board weight; grams of a 1 m × 1 m sheet.

Development / Net

The flat layout of card packaging once it is cut and unfolded.

Solid Line (Packaging)

Indicates where to cut on a packaging net.

Dashed Line (Packaging)

Indicates where to fold on a packaging net.

Folding Flap

Extra panel on a net that folds inward to strengthen or close an edge.

Glue Tab

Small area on a net to which adhesive is applied for assembly.

Locking Mechanism (Packaging)

Small cuts or slots that interlock to secure a package without glue.

Product Analysis

Systematic evaluation of a product’s materials, function, aesthetics and suitability for the user.

Materials (Analysis Category)

Section identifying what substances are used and why.

Functions (Analysis Category)

Section explaining how the product works and special features that aid use.

Colours (Analysis Category)

Review of colour choices and their reasons (branding, attraction, coding).

Fonts (Analysis Category)

Assessment of typefaces chosen and their purpose or mood.

Information Given

Text or symbols provided on a product and the reasons for their inclusion.

Images Used

Graphics or photos selected and their suitability for the target user.

Intended User

Specific audience a product is designed for, guiding design decisions.

Isometric Drawing

3-D sketching method with axes at 120°; all dimensions scale equally.

One-Point Perspective

Drawing technique with a single vanishing point to show depth.

Two-Point Perspective

Perspective drawing using two vanishing points for realistic 3-D objects.

Oblique Projection

3-D drawing where the front face is true shape and depth lines recede at an angle (usually 45°).

CAD/CAM

Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacture; digital design linked to automated production.

Cutting Mat

Self-healing surface used to protect benches and blades when cutting.

Metal Safety Rule

Steel ruler with non-slip backing used as a safe straight edge for cutting/scoring.

Stanley / Cutting Knife

Hand tool with replaceable blade for precise cutting of compliant materials.

Line Tool (2D Design)

Creates straight lines; double-click to set exact length.

Shapes Tool (2D Design)

Draws basic polygons, ellipses, triangles and more.

Spline Tool

Generates smooth, free-form curves in 2D Design.

Double Path Tool

Produces a parallel path; useful for borders or cut/score pairs.

Text Tool (2D Design)

Inserts and edits type, font and size within drawings.

Delete Tool

Removes selected parts or entire objects in 2D Design.

Grid Lock

Snaps objects to default 10 mm grid dots for accuracy.

Step Lock

Moves selected items in 1 mm increments.

Attach Tool

Ensures endpoints of lines/shapes join perfectly to avoid gaps.

Zoom Tools (2D Design)

Magnify or reduce view of the workspace.

Layout (2D Design)

Sets page size to match laser-cutter bed dimensions.

Select Tool (Pixlr)

Chooses objects or areas for editing.

Marquee Tool

Selects rectangular areas to cut, copy or delete.

Magic Wand Tool

Selects contiguous areas of similar colour, useful for removing backgrounds.

Lasso Tool

Freehand selection of irregular shapes in an image.

Brush Tool

Applies colour with adjustable size/softness, enabling shading effects.

Eraser Tool

Removes pixels from selected layer or area.

Fill Bucket

Fills contiguous area with a single solid colour.

Gradient Tool

Applies a smooth colour transition across a selected area.

Dropper Tool

Samples an existing colour to reuse elsewhere.

Pan Tool

Moves the canvas view without altering the image.

Layers (Pixlr)

Stacked levels that let you edit parts of an image independently.